The National League South reported a 122% increase in average fan attendances over the past decade, with fans preferring the more authentic non league football, with some feeling like they’re part of a community in non league football, having been priced out of watching their Premier League side.
Non League football has been on an upwards trajectory for some time now, with more and more football fans opting to watch their local non league side as opposed to spending huge amounts of money to watch the professionals.
Reports from the UEFA European club finance and investment landscape report in 2024 showed that Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are able to make upwards of 60 pounds from each fan that walks through the turnstiles of their stadiums on matchday.
One fan said:
“They are getting worse, my season ticket has gone up this year by 300 pounds”
Younger players are also spending more time on loan in the lower leagues, instead of playing academy football.
Southern Division One South side Winchester City are reaping the benefits of youngsters playing in the lower divisions, with attacker Jahiem Dotse joining the side on loan from Wycombe Wanderers.
Dotse made an instant impact, coming off the bench and scoring on his debut in the Citizens 2-2 draw against Brixham.
17 year old Lewis Brown is also thoroughly enjoying his time at Winchester rather than playing in academy football.
Brown said:
“playing at this level is a very good level, and you learn a lot from being in and around the team and playing against other teams and its really helping me develop as a player”
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