4 Reasons to Watch non-league football

(Image via https://twitter.com/BathCityFCPhoto)

The football community is in an understandable state of panic at the moment around the lack of financial support for football clubs further down the pyramid during what are unprecedented times in the world. Concerns were already there well before the latest developments, though, particularly in non-league circles. Non-league football has been struggling for a while now, with numerous clubs ceasing to exist in recent times. 

Even the likes of Macclesfield Town who were in the National League at the time, alongside previous extinctions in the form of League One side Bury before that, highlight the ongoing issues around mismanagement of clubs and the struggles of today for the smaller football clubs in the country. Luckily, for Bath locals, Team Bath and Bath City FC appear to be in decent shape for now, but all it takes is a poor attendance at a home match one week or an unexpected bill the next and, like so many before them, difficult times could be on the horizon.

After spending much of 2020 indoors watching Netflix shows, doing some home baking and playing various mobile phone games, including Arcade games online on any device, the need to get outside again appeals to many people. It’s appealing for Non-League clubs too and, more specifically to Bath, both Team Bath and Bath City FC, who require support to essentially stay afloat. Premier League sides will cope just fine without fans for a while, but lower league sides survive from the matchday income they generate, whereas bigger sides have other sources of income to fall back on.

If you’re considering taking in a game at either Team Bath or Bath City FC, then hopefully these reasons why you should watch non-league football will help you on your way.

Watch a future star

With the likes of Michail Antonio and Jamie Vardy making the step-up to the Premier League from non-league football, the chance of watching a future star is very much there. Numerous gems have been plucked from relative obscurity in recent times, as more and more talented players find themselves dropping down into non-league as Premier League academies become overloaded with foreign imports.

Affordable entertainment

Many fans find themselves turning to non-league football because it’s a lot kinder on the wallet, certainly compared to taking in a Premier League or even a Championship game these days. For the same price of a Premier League matchday ticket, you can gain entry to a non-league match, buy a few drinks and a programme, and have money left over for a burger at half-time. The quality of football on show might not be as good as the Premier League, but it can still be just as entertaining - if not more so -, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for a portion of the price.

Feel part of the community

Football clubs are a huge part of the community they represent, which is why many people attend matches at Team Bath and Bath City FC as they can meet like-minded locals, help support a local organisation and learn about various community initiatives or charities through the football club. 

Football clubs are the hub of a community, after all.

(Image via https://twitter.com/BathCityFCPhoto)

Connect with the players

Unlike the glitz and glamour of the Premier League, where fans are further apart from players than ever before, supporters of non-league clubs can mix with players before and after a match on occasions. As a result, fans feel more of a connection to their heroes on the pitch. It’s a truly unique relationship.