Altrincham will be “painting the town red” this Saturday as the annual Non-League Day returns for the 14th year.
Non-League Day was first suggested in 2010 by James Doe as a non-profit and volunteer run initiative. This coincides with a break in the calendar for Premier League and Championship clubs.
Alty currently occupies sixth spot in the National League and faces seventh placed Gateshead as the race promotion heats up in this year’s Non-League Day clash.
Mark Chapman, broadcaster, and director of Altrincham is encouraging people to come along this weekend to support the team.
“Phil and the boys are playing some great football at the moment and there’s a real play-off push on the cards,” he said.
“The more that we can support them the better.”
Clubs often look to boost crowds through reduced ticket prices and special offers, and since the Non-League Day’s formation, attendance figures have reportedly almost tripled at some clubs.
Alex Birch, Marketing and Communications lead at Altrincham FC, added: “We’re one of the Non-League Day’s showpiece games and are expecting a bumper crowd this Saturday.
“We’re encouraging local businesses to dress themselves up in red and white and our retail store in the town centre will be a hive of activity leading up to the game.
“There are many ways individuals and businesses can take part, with Altrincham FC prizes up for grabs.”
To increase participation amongst businesses, the club are providing flags and banners free of charge alongside tickets to hand out as prizes.
There’ll also be an increased presence at the stadium, with the club offering activities which will be announced in due course.
Paul Coyne, director at Altrincham, said: “We’re calling on local businesses to get involved and paint the town red and cheer the lads on in what we hope will be another high energy, entertaining spectacle.”
Prostate Cancer UK is the official charity partner of the Non-League Day and will be present to celebrate their 10th year in the partnership.
Also involved is Love Football, a business who assist grassroots and non-league clubs without organised administration by providing software management tools.
Wayne Harvey, Love Football Community Ambassador, said: “I believe that all clubs should use this opportunity (Non-League Day) as it can increase the fanbase in the long-term.
“This is a way to raise much-needed funds and gain new supporters, players, and volunteers, so making this a day to remember is vitally important.”
Also taking part in Non-League Day is FC United of Manchester who are celebrating Non-League Day by giving away 1000 free tickets to M40 and M9 households for their fixture against Basford Town this Saturday.
This is also the club’s community day, where there’ll be plenty of activities going on in and around the ground.
