Celebrate grass roots game on September 3

Following the success of last year’s campaign, the Non-League Day (NLD) team have announced this year’s event will be held on Saturday September 3rd.

NLD is a celebration of the semi-professional and amateur game and a chance for fans of bigger clubs to experience football at a level they may be otherwise unfamiliar with.

It is also a chance to shine a light on the hundreds of clubs in this country who are almost exclusively volunteer-run, and do so much good for the local community, be it through coaching, fund raising or providing opportunities for local people.

This year the NLD team aim to make the day bigger and better than ever.

Macmillan Cancer Support have come on board as an official charity, ex-England international Chris Waddle is an official ambassador, and the team have secured the backing of the All Party Football Group.

In addition, Blue Square have organised a special three-game hop, with countless other clubs running special events all over the country.

A lot of work is going into promoting this year’s events behind the scenes, but onus falls on cubs to help raise the profile of the event as they see fit; it is no coincidence those who saw the biggest increases in attendance last season were the most proactive in marketing their games.

We want to make September 3 a celebration of football and a celebration of community spirit. Grass roots football is the bedrock of our national game: let’s all get behind it.

Further information can be found on our newly launched website at www.nonleagueday.co.uk

Hornchurch are away to Ryman Premier Division rivals Met Police, while Aveley entertain Leatherhead.

Romford, meanwhile, face an FA Cup tie against Royston at Mill Field on Sunday September 4.