Non-League Day was set up by James Doe in 2010 as a social media experiment, after being inspired by a pre-season trip to Devon to watch Queens Park Rangers play at Tavistock.
It has now grown to become an annual part of the football calendar, backed by Premier League and Football League clubs, MPs, celebrities, media organisations, charities and most importantly the non-league clubs themselves and the fans that decide to turn up on the day.
Always scheduled to coincide with an international break, Non-League Day gives fans across the country the chance to see what's going on at a club that might be on their doorstep which they may be unfamiliar with or even knew existed.
Many non-league clubs are almost exclusive volunteer run, with money taken at the turnstiles often funding thriving youth set-ups, projects and facilities which are of benefit to the whole community. The level of skill on offer at non-league grounds will never compare to that at the Emirates Stadium or Old Trafford, for example, but there are other sides to the experience, from which the smaller club will always win hands down.
For many supporters of non-league football it's the sense of belonging and preservation of traditional values that remains so appealing. The vast majority of games still kick off at 3pm, ticket prices are realistic, you can often stand anywhere in the ground and will always be guaranteed a warm welcome by people who run their clubs for a love of the game.
Non-League Day isn't about supporting just another team, it's about supporting grassroots football which will ensure the foundations of the game in this country stay strong. Moreover,
Non-League Day is a celebration of the diversity, passion and commitment that makes football in this country so popular and enduring.
You can make a difference on Non-league Day. Get involved!
For more information regarding Non-league please click HERE.