This year’s Non-League Day saw a rise of 11.92% in total attendance figures for matches played between Steps 1-4 in England.
149,060 spectators attended a game across England’s top four non-league steps on Saturday 22 March – designated as Non-League Day. That correlates to a near 12% increase on last season’s Non-League Day.
The highest-attended fixture was at Attis Arena, as 8,274 fans set a new National League North record as they saw Scunthorpe United defeat Chester 3-1. Additionally, 33 of the 36 home sides across the three National League divisions (Premier, North, and South) reported higher-than-average attendance on Saturday.
National League Premier Oldham Athletic (7,256) and National League South Torquay United (5,202) had the second and third-highest attendances on the day for their league fixtures against FC Halifax Town and Bath City, respectively.
Macclesfield recorded the day’s highest attendance outside of the National League divisions, with 4,724 inside the Leasing.com Stadium to see the Silkmen come from behind to beat Bamber Bridge 2-1 and claim the Northern Premier League title.
What is Non-League Day?
Non-League Day is an annual event that takes place on a designated international break, which encourages football fans to get out and support their non-league clubs. With England’s top two tiers (Premier League and Championship) not having fixtures during an international break, it is seen as a good opportunity for fans to take in a game at a local semi-professional or grassroots club.
Originally set up as a social experiment in 2010 by Queens Park Rangers fan James Doe, Non-League Day has grown to become an important date in the English football calendar. The annual event receives backing from professional clubs, encouraging their fans to support their local non-league clubs, while Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao have also voiced support.
As well as encouraging football fans to throw their support behind a non-league club for the day, Non-League Day has also been a partner of Prostate Cancer UK for over a decade.
When Will the Next Non-League Day be?
It is yet unconfirmed when Non-League Day 2026 will take place. As Non-League Day usually takes place during the last international break of the football season, it will likely fall on Saturday 28 March 2026, if the same pattern is followed.
By Aaron Gratton
