Posted on 22nd September 2015
Non-League Day, the biggest volunteer-led event in the non-league system, is returning for the first time since 2019 this weekend.
“The bug is easily caught” – Warrington Town fans on the importance of Non-League Day
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
We’re big fans of Non-League Day here at the FSF – a day that improves the fortunes of non-league clubs across the country. Here Adrian Rowland, chairman of the Warrington Town Supporters Club, explains its impact…
It was Andy Wharhol who said in the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. Last season Warrington Town had their fare share of fame during their historic FA Cup run. But where does a club at Warrington’s level go next?
Once the 15 minutes of fame has worn off, how does a club with ambitions for league football start that process of building and promotion?
This is where Non-League Day helps clubs at our level. Warrington is not unique in the day-to-day challenges it faces.
Like most clubs at their level, local competition from the “big boys” is only a short drive away. Four powerhouses of the Premier League are close by and adding in a local traditional support for the oval ball, clubs of Warrington’s nature are up against it.
Gate numbers simply aren’t enough to survive. Sponsorship is vital but rebalancing this financial challenge is essential to the survival and prosperity of clubs in non-league.
This is where Non-League Day plays a vital part. It is an opportunity for fans with a spare Saturday to get their fix and support their local growing teams. Fans sometimes forget that without Non-League professional football wouldn’t have a pool to dip into or indeed support those that don’t quite make it.
Warrington’s most famous export was a world cup winner in Roger Hunt and in last year’s cup run the captain was a champions league winner by virtue of his squad status.
A 25% increase on the gate due to Non-League Day can sustain a club at this level and help clubs continue to prosper and raise or maintain their local profile or expand it further.
Indeed it is not unknown for fans to get the non-league bug once they attend a game. Standing to watch, chatting to the opposition fans or the players after the game are all part of the unique atmosphere of a Non-League match.
If you haven’t tried non-league football, then this is your opportunity. As an ex-Premier League season ticket holder and now non-league season ticket holder, the bug is easily caught.
If you are in the North West of England on the 10th October we would be more than happy to welcome you to Cantilever Park where you can watch Warrington challenge for promotion for just £5.
Thanks to Action Images for the image used in this article.
