Can you name your local Non-League football club? As research reveals more than a third (34%) of Brits can’t name a single Non-League team, South Western Railway has teamed up with the founder of Non-League Day, James Doe – also a South Western Railway Guard at Waterloo Station – to encourage football fans to attend a local fixture on Saturday 22nd March.
James started Non-League Day in 2010 to take advantage of the international football break when there are no Premier League or Championship games in England, and encourage football fans across the nation to attend their local Non-League fixtures instead. With the goal of promoting grassroots and community football clubs, Non-League Day champions community spirit by highlighting the importance of lower-tier football clubs that develop talent and sustain the sport through higher leagues.
The average home in England is within an average of eight miles of a local club, and according to those who have attended a Non-League match in the past, the best things about going are the affordability (49%), the family-friendly atmosphere (41%), and easy accessibility (33%).
However, a staggering 75% of Brits have never attended a Non-League match, despite the fact it takes place on their doorsteps. Meanwhile, the furthest people have travelled one way for a Premier League match is a lengthy 116.5 miles on average.
It’s not just time that Brits could save by watching their local club play. When it comes to cost, significant savings can be made by choosing a local fixture over a higher league game. Premier League fans spend an average of £54 on the ticket alone, whilst a full day out at a Non-League game (including entry, travel, and refreshments) costs fans just £20.80 on average.
Lower-league fixtures can deliver the same excitement as a stadium match at a fraction of the cost – as two in three Brits who’ve attended both Premier League and non-league games admit the atmosphere at a Premier League game isn’t significantly better than that at a Non-League match.
Furthermore, many of football’s biggest stars came from Non-League football clubs – including Ian Wright, Jarrod Bowen, Jordan Pickford, Les Ferdinand and Ollie Watkins, a fact 96% of Brits don’t know.
The benefits of supporting local clubs include an increased sense of belonging and local pride (44%), the participation in community events (38%), a sense of shared purpose and team spirit (36%), and contributing to the local economy by supporting businesses (36%).
It also makes for a great day out, with almost one in four (23%) discovering their local Non-League club through friends and family. Not to mention, almost 1 in 4 (24%) Brits have been inspired to pick up playing after watching a Non-League football match.
James Doe, Non-League Day founder and South Western Railway Guard comments: “Since I started Non-League Day 15 years ago, it’s been amazing to see support for local teams grow, bringing communities together, and inspiring young players. Non-League football is volunteer-led, so it’s vital to give these teams support where we can. We’d love to see as many people get down and support their local team.”
Colagero Scannella, co-owner of Walton and Hersham FC, who made headlines in 2019 for becoming one of the youngest football club owners in history, adds: “I’m proud to be celebrating Non-League Day with James and South Western Railway this year. Since becoming co-owner of the club in 2019, the support from the community has meant everything. Whether they’re fans or aspiring players, events like Non-League Day are so important to bring awareness to sport in the community. We look forward to seeing lots of people come down and support!”
Stuart Meek, Interim Managing Director of South Western Railway adds: “As a proud Northallerton Town FC supporter, non-league football has always been a mainstay at weekends for me and my family. I’m thrilled that SWR is supporting our colleague James for Non-League Day again this year. We love to support our community and bring people together, and that’s exactly what Non-League Day is all about. We’re hoping to inspire people across the South West (and the entire country), to hop on a train this weekend, and head down to watch your local team play football.”
On Saturday 22nd March 2025, there will be 450 Non-League matches taking place across the UK, 51 of which are within the South Western Railway network, including Aldershot Town v Ebbsfleet United, Eastleigh v Southend United, and Havant & Waterlooville v Gloucester City. All matches are easily accessible by train, book your tickets here.
