Why watching Walthamstow and supporting non-league football is a must
A club that is steeped in history and has recorded some notable achievements in its time, Walthamstow Football Club has always had a relatively strong following. Like so many non-league clubs up and down the pyramid, though, increased attendances are certainly needed at times. In fact, it’s essential for Walthamstow’s future.
It’s no secret that many non-league sides are struggling financially in the modern climate. Premier League football has taken over, and the gulf in finances between EFL clubs and Isthmian League teams is even bigger than ever before. Football is simply getting richer. Additionally, more fans aren’t just watching football at a higher level, either. Competition is fierce, especially in a major city like London where people have so much choice on a Saturday.
The lure of these other entertaining offering is also taking attention away from the non-league game, with fans attending NFL matches at Wembley and having a flutter after assessing NFL lines, while also staying at home and streaming sporting fixtures from around the world. It’s therefore a challenging period for so many of the smaller sporting organisations in the country, not just non-league football clubs like Walthamstow.
Watching Walthamstow and supporting non-league football is essential, though. It’s also an enjoyable experience. Here’s why.
Feel a real sense of community
One of the many reasons why fans all over the country are attending non-league football matches is due to the community feel it provides. Instead of feeling like a customer at a huge Premier League stadium, attending a non-league fixture enables fans to feel like they’re really a part of it. Ticket prices are cheaper, local community offerings are heavily featured, and you can converse with passionate locals in a friendly atmosphere, and essentially feel a real sense of togetherness in a football club that is key to its community.
The Premier League is plastic
While there is no denying just how entertaining Premier League football can be on occasions, the fan experience is arguably far worse than it ever has been before. Thankfully, non-league football hasn’t killed fan celebrations due to VAR. Likewise, there aren’t any selfie sticks and stupidly priced merchandise either. Premier League clubs are losing people due to issues like this, and many of these concerns aren’t relevant to the non-league game. For fans who are sick of the higher prices in England’s top flight and can’t identify with the high-earning players who are now turning out for their clubs, visiting a local non-league side is the perfect antidote for their disillusionment.
Entertaining football on show
Another notable aspect of non-league football that makes it so popular among certain sections of the football community is undoubtedly its entertainment. There is a strong argument to suggest that football at the higher levels has become too tactical. On the whole, teams tend to cancel each other out in rigid systems that don’t allow players the freedom to truly express themselves with a ball at their feet. In the non-league game, the tactical side of things isn’t as advanced. Sure, teams can still go into a low block on occasions and you’ll witness the odd drab affair, but there are generally more goals, more end-to-end attacking action, and hungry players who are desperate to showcase their skills as they attempt to progress in their careers.
Meet the players at full-time
Many non-league players also mix with fans at full-time. Unlike in the Premier League, where players rush off in their supercars or club coaches, non-league players can be seen in club bars conversing with fans. This contributes to a much better all-round fan experience.
