WE MUST PROTECT ETHOS OF THE NLS

WHAT kind of National League System do we want? Null and void? Points-per-game? Season extensions? It seems that we’ve talked of little else over recent weeks.

- Mark Harris

IN THIS TOGETHER: Ramsbottom United’s Khaul Osi-Efa slides in to tackle Clitheroe’s Craig Garney

Depending on your viewpoint, you will either be satisfied or outraged with the outcome. But where do recent events leave the National League System?

Right now, the long-term impact of the lockdown on Non-League football is unknown. We don’t know when next season will start, who’ll be playing where, or how prolonged inactivity will impact clubs’ finances. It’s illogical to think that the National League System itself will be immune to change. The question is what we want those changes to be.

The NLS is unique. No other country in Europe has one. Yet this jewel in football’s crown is consistently undervalued, especially within the game. Whilst some have wealthy owners willing to fund a club to punch above its weight, most rely on matchday income, sponsorship and community activities. Making ends meet is a constant struggle for the majority, yet our level of the game is grossly under-funded.

Non-League football is the meat in football’s sandwich. The professional game is awash, whilst county FAs have access to funding denied to leagues in the NLS.

Starved