Non-League Day, an annual fixture of the footballing calendar, will take place on Saturday, March 22 this year and there's plenty of ways you can get involved.
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Oldham fans during the Vanarama National League match between Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic at Glanford Park.
Oldham fans during the Vanarama National League match between Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic at Glanford Park.
(Image: Photo by Eddie Garvey/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Football fans up and down the country are celebrating the return of Non-League Day this year.
The March international break is in full swing which means plenty of clubs throughout the pyramid are out of action for two weeks. Many supporters now have a free weekend and what better way to spend it than by supporting your local non-league side.
Since its inception over a decade ago, it has become a permanent annual fixture of the footballing calendar. The campaign has received backing by Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs, as well as MPs, celebrities, media organisations, charities and of course, the non-league teams themselves.
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Manchester Evening News has everything you need to know about Non-League Day. Including how you can get involved.
When is Non-League Day 2025?
This year's Non-League Day coincides with the March international break. It will take place on Saturday, March 22.
What is Non-League Day?
The idea behind Non-League Day came to founder James Doe in 2010 after he was inspired by a pre-season trip to Devon to watch Queens Park Rangers play at Tavistock. It has since grown to become an annual part of the football calendar and takes place during the first international break of the year.
Many non-league clubs are volunteer-run and the idea behind the campaign is to provide a platform for clubs to promote the importance of affordable community football. Money taken at the turnstiles of these clubs can be incredibly vital for their communities.
A Non-League Day spokesperson explained: "Many non-league clubs are almost exclusively volunteer run, with money taken at the turnstiles often funding thriving youth set-ups, projects and facilities which are of benefit to the whole community. The vast majority of games still kick off at 3pm, ticket prices are realistic, you can often stand (and drink!) anywhere in the ground and will always be guaranteed a warm welcome by people who run their clubs for a love of the game.
"Whether you’re a Premier League or Championship fan without a game, a League One or League Two supporter who can’t make an away trip, or just someone who is curious about what their local club has to offer, there is sure to be something to interest everyone."
How to get involved in Non-League Day
Taking part in Non-League Day is very simple. All you have to do is attend a non-league game, and there are plenty taking place on the day.
For more information, and to take a look at all the non-league matches taking place near you, visit the Non-League Day match finder: nonleagueday.co.uk/map.
The Manchester Evening News will also be running a special Non-League Day LIVE blog throughout the day to keep you up to date with what is happening across the country.