Support your local football club this NonLeague Day

The North East football scene feels in a positive place at the moment.

Yet for all of the obvious improvement in the big three across Wear side, it is not those that ply their trade in the Premier League or Championship that have provided the region with its most consistent source of success.

No, it is the players that showcase their talents wearing the colours of Gateshead, South Shields, Hebburn Town and Whitley Bay that have brought silverware to the NorthEast and achieved promotionsand cup win son a regular basis. We are so fortunate in the region to have such a vibrant non-league scene, where every club has its own quirks and features.

The Northern League is also providing excitement as Horden CW’s second coming gathers pace in a thrilling title race with Boro Rangers, with the likes of Birtley Town, Bedlington Terriers and Billingham Town all closing in on play-off places.

It is not all positive, and it would be foolish to only provide a gleaning vision of the North East non-league scene. Clubs have gone to the wall over the last decade and some are clinging on as the cost of living crisis, swelling energy costs and challenges in attracting new volunteers and supporters hits home.

Wearside has been impacted, with Ryhope CW folding last summer, just weeks after the much-missed Gary Pearson led them to a Durham Challenge Cup Final win over former club Crook Town.

Local rivals Sunderland RCA came close to following them, but the signs are increasingly positive after a decision to resign from the Northern League was reversed.

Others have, are, and will struggle, with the challenges of running a club a world away from the multi-billion pound television deals and bright light soft he top end of the game are never far away.

Support is and always will be needed, extra income provided by initiatives like Non League Day is always welcome.

So this weekend, please get out and support your local club, buy a pint, burger and a programme, embrace the game at this level and appreciate the unwavering support and service of volunteers.

Fall in love with non-league, just as many hundreds and thousands have done.