Following latest government advice supporters are allowed back in grounds from Monday 17th May. Many clubs will be eager to open their stadiums and club houses once again. After a period of having to play fixtures behind closed doors the return of vital match day revenue will be a much-welcomed lift to the clubs. Money generated from game days can be the difference between surviving, or seeing a club fold causing a detrimental effect to many local communities up and down the country but how will this affect the attendances in non-league?
Yesterday the government stated that England will go into step three of the roadmap from the previous stated date. As a result of this supporters can return at all levels of the game. The capacity of these grounds will be subject to rules set by the FA and league committees, in relation to the standard they play at. Most sports events will be capped at a maximum of four thousand people in attendance or half the venues capacity depending on which is lower.
In my opinion, there will be no change in the numbers which attend non-league fixtures in the future. I think this due to the belief that many supporters of clubs higher up the football pyramid will look to their local sides to re-ignite their enjoyment of the sport as a consequence of the ever-changing professional game. One significant change that has occurred recently is the short-lived Super League. The introduction of the Super League was instantly met with anger from fans of teams across the UK, even sparking protest and unity between fan groups who previously would not have agreed. A key example of these protests was the events that took place at Old Trafford hours before a crucial derby against Liverpool Fc. Many supporters took to the streets around the historic Manchester ground to show their dissatisfaction with the news, as well as the way in which their club was being run by the owners. Events later spilled on to the famous turf that used to be home to iconic top flight players like Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Gary Neville. When questioned about the incidents which took place the owners of the thirteen-time premier league champions refused to answer, further angering the loyal supporters. However, this will be contrasted by supporters of non-league clubs who may decide to return to their main teams following a period away exploring grassroots.Personally, going back to the non-league games will not be the same for me. Previously I had a routine of attending each and every one of my teams’ fixtures home and away, regardless of the significance of the game. Even travelling as far as Truro on a number of occasions! However, as a result of the COVID enforced break the habit has been broken, allowing me to explore other interests.
In conclusion, the effects of the phased return of sport, as a result of the pandemic is yet to be seen, leaving many nervous for the impacts it could have to their teams. On the other hand, the time away has allowed people to unite and create bonds with others which could not have been previously considered.
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