We support our local team!

We support our local team!

Is there a better view in football than the one behind the goal 

Bit rich from a Manchester United season ticket holder from Nottingham, right? Well hear me out. As somebody who watches every level of football and will now be going 7 weeks without a home league game for the team I support. I know there will be plenty of fans of professional clubs losing out on their “football fix” while the World Cup is on.

I guarantee, unless your reading this and live in the middle of nowhere, you’ll be 10-15 minutes max away from your local non league football club. I would be 95% certain that, especially in a cost of living crisis, us as football fans are looking to get outside to watch 22 lads (in the words of Neil Warnock) die for 3 points. For £20 (ruling out The National League) you’ll pay entry, get yourself a pint and some food to go with it. You may also find some change from that £20 in your pocket too. That really is the value for money that your local non league side will offer you. Not bothered about a pint or some food? Well, at most sides you’ll only need £10.

Pint & The Pitch

Find yourself at your local side? You’ll get a friendly welcome from volunteers and fans alike who are just as passionate about their side as you are about your professional team. The warmest welcome you could want on what may just be some cold November & December days. Some of the people you may bump into have some of the best stories from their time following their teams. If you’re like me, you’ll be chatting to them all day long sharing experiences and stories about supporting your sides.

Warm friendly welcome and value for money not draw you in? Well, let me tell you about the quality of football on show. With the influx of some of the best talent in world now in the Premier League, the talent has to filter down the pyramid and non league football I would arguably say it at the best standard it has ever been. Not only is the standard good but its local lads who work Monday to Friday playing for the love of the game and giving absolutely everything. From personal experience its rare you’ll get a 0-0 with 3-2 being a more likely score. Remember that midfield dynamo that played for your team 5 years ago? Where is he now? I’d have a good bet that he’s now well into his 30’s and carrying on playing down the pyramid for the love of the game and passing on that experience to some young lads trying to do a Jamie Vardy.

Local lads celebrating winning the league at Long Eaton United

During the World Cup, even though the top leagues are stopping, football doesn’t stop. Your local club doesn’t just need you. It wants you. That 1^st Saturday of the World Cup, if you don’t sit at home watching Poland v Saudi Arabia then France v Denmark, get down to your local club and see what it’s all about. You might just find yourself a regular down there before you know it.

Peace

Luke @PL2NL

There are plenty of useful resources if you don’t know what is around you or undecided where to go.

Futbology app

www.footballgroundmap.com/grounds/nearest

or drop me a tweet or DM @PL2NL and I’ll always advise what fixture looks best or what clubs are around you.