A Non-League of their own with top idea
IT might be Non-League Day in the UK but you could forgive a few junior sides for fluttering their eyelashes towards Serie A.
Because on this weekend a year ago perhaps the most unexpected result of the last junior season arrived in a small corner of Govan wrapped in AS Roma colours.
The Italian giants’ impromptu Non-League Day backing for St Anthony’s drove the bottom tier side on to a much-needed victory on the day. But far more importantly it blew their profile right out of Govan, Glasgow, Scotland and even Europe.
Thanks to some random social media love from the club known as La Magica, The Ants won supporters in Italy, Nigeria and even New Zealand as the #ForzaTheAnts message was carried worldwide.
Their Twitter following rocketed from hundreds to just under 10,000. The story was carried in all the national papers.
And hat-trick hero Grant Kelly was dubbed the ‘King of Glasgow’ by the Giallorossi and held up as one of the ‘4 great number 10s in the world’ with Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard and Luka Modric.
Okay, the Italians took that one too far.
But you get the gist. Non-League Day has the capability to do extraordinary things.
Top marks to the Lanark fan who was quick to respond to a question on Twitter asking if any junior clubs were doing something different for NLD this weekend? “Beating Auchinleck Talbot in the Cup Final,” was his instant reply. Now that would be extraordinary.
Indeed, as the annual event comes round again the timing could hardly be better with tomorrow’s Sectional League Cup Final at Beechwood. No SPFL league matches. How could the juniors fail to take advantage? Or the Lowland, Highland, East and South of Scotland Leagues?
Unfortunately it seems the open goal has been missed once again. Only a smattering of clubs are doing anything. Fair play to Whittlets who are offering Ayr season ticket holders half price entry – £3 – to their match with St Roch’s. But there’s not much more.
It’s a completely different story down south. ‘Pay what you want’ initiatives, ‘free pint for the first 500 customers’, discounts for season ticket holders at neighbouring Football League clubs, ‘meet the players’.
And there’s far more to it than just supporting grassroots football. NLD has been established in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK who will benefit greatly from proceeds. Still in doubt? Type #NonLeagueDay into Twitter to see the power of this beast of a campaign. Or just ask St Anthony’s.
MATCH REPORTS IN THE SUNDAY MAIL TOMORROW