Perfect time for juniors to seize the day
NON LEAGUE DAY – it does what it says on the tin. A day for clubs like ours to market themselves as an alternative for the football-loving hordes.
Now I’m the first to admit the world has gone mad for “awareness days”. I was recently told it was Lost Sock Memorial Day. Yeah that is actually a thing.
One internet search later and I discovered a Tortilla Chip Day, National Talk Like Yoda Day, CAPS LOCK DAY and, my personal favourite, World Sleep Day.
Bonkers I know but when it can make a difference to something you’re passionate about it’s not so absurd.
That’s why, for me, today’s Non League Day is a great chance for junior clubs on an international weekend when supporters will be craving a football fix.
A once-a-year event to promote semi-pro, amateur and grassroots football and win a new generation of fans. Clubs should be doing all they can to piggy-back on this concept, launched down south seven years ago.
Offer free tickets for another game to those in attendance or make it “pay what you want” at the gate.
One club down south even got the local butcher on board to hand out free sausages. A banging idea.
Get the word out that it’s Non League Day and encourage fans to give their local club a visit. As the old saying goes “yer hame team’s yer ain team”.
Semi-pro sides in England have bought into it but it is UK-wide and slowly some non-league teams in Scotland are cottoning on.
Rossvale Juniors used it last season and reckon it boosted their attendance. I’m amazed every junior club, or those at home today, haven’t done likewise.
I saw a ray of hope last week just after our home match against Carluke was postponed by the ref 30 minutes ahead of kick-off.
I left Keanie Park and saw a young lad, no more than 10, in a Johnstone Burgh strip, with his mum.
The look of despair when he was told the game was off was like a kid being told Santa was on strike at 11pm on Christmas Eve.
I have to admit that young Burgh fan’s agony was my delight. He is proof there is a new generation of fan out there for clubs like our own.
It’s just a case of embracing them and ensuring a trip to the local club is as enjoyable as possible.
And, most importantly, ensuring our clubs aren’t the ones having a Memorial Day in their memory.