Page 8 - Deal Round Up November 2019

Racism isn’t just a football problem but the game is a reflection of wider society. And it’s a
game that has a platform to make a difference.
It’s high time the authorities came down harder than ever when racist or homophobic
behaviour is proven. There is no justification for it.
And we can all play our part. If you hear something said at a Non-League game you’re
watching, report it. All too often in the aftermath of alleged incidents of racism, we see clubs
and leagues put out an obligatory statement and then try to move on from the matter as
swiftly as possible. But, following the incident at Victoria Park, Hartlepool United deserve
credit for the way they responded to the unsavoury scenes.
Another Non-League Day Celebrated By Matt Badcock
The annual NON-LEAGUE Day was celebrated again On October 12th – a simple idea from
founder James Doe has mushroomed into an established part of the calendar.
James – a QPR fan – came up with the concept when he visited Tavistock Town in a pre-
season game in 2010 and that led to him visiting local club Harrow Borough.
So each season during an international break, NLD encourages fans down to their local club.
From there it has grown and grown. In the build-up to the day, Premier League clubs were
tweeting about their local clubs and Prostate Cancer UK and Kick It Out continue to show their
support each year. Perhaps you’re reading this today at your first Non-League game – we’re
sure you will enjoy the experience.
Many clubs have benefited from the extra publicity and media spotlight the day brings
and that is something to be welcomed. It’s not easy when the game at the highest l ev el
is everywhere. Finding column inches or air time often needs an angle and NLD is just that.
Of course, we can trot out many clichés about Non-League football. The players don’t dive –
some do – that clubs are more welcoming – most are – and you can speak to the players in
the bar after the game. And it’s affordable!
Non-League football will mean different things to different people but there’s no doubting it is
at the heart of the game in this country.
Where else would four-figure crowds watch a game in the eighth tier? Sometimes even lower.
Non-League football is to be celebrated and treasured. But we shouldn’t be blind to the fact
a number of clubs are struggling to make ends meet. That getting through the season is an
achievement. Costs are high and it is hard to compete. For those that have the resources,
there are more that don’t.
A particular issue facing these levels is volunteering. There aren’t enough of them!
Giving up your time can be a rewarding experience and the more savvy clubs are making
better use of people’s skills. Look around you in the crowd today, there are people from all
backgrounds, industries and trades. Look at yourself, you will have skills that are invaluable to
a Non-League club even if you don’t realise it.
It doesn’t have to be all the hours under the sun. Just putting up posters to advertise games
or delivering leaflets in the local area can make a big difference. And that all makes for a
healthy, thriving Non-League.
It’s A Funny Old Game - Some Funny Football Quotes
Ron Greenwood, England Manager 1978 - “Football is a simple game. The hard part is
making it look simple”.
Tommy Docherty on a team earning a draw at The Den, 1985 - “They did well to get
a point. Usually all teams get at Millwall is the tyres let down on their coaches”.

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