Cleared for Take-Off - Non League Day 26 Goes Coast to City

After the incredible success of Non League Day 25, which brought our clubs, supporters and communities together in a way that truly captured the spirit of grassroots football, you can relive it here: https://youtu.be/gSUdFyQz4NM

We’re proud to announce the return of the biggest celebration of non-league football in our calendar.

But what makes Non League Day so special?

Quite simply, it’s about shining a spotlight on the heart of the game.

On a weekend when there is no Premier League or Championship football competing for attention, supporters are encouraged to back their local non-league club. It’s a chance to experience football as it was meant to be – close to the pitch, close to the players, and rooted firmly in the community.

Non-league clubs are more than teams.

They are volunteers giving up evenings and weekends.

They are youth teams developing future players.

They are fundraising events, food banks, charity initiatives and lifelong friendships formed behind the goal on a Saturday afternoon.

They are the heartbeat of towns and villages across Essex and East London.

Last season proved just how powerful that heartbeat can be. Clubs across the league embraced the day, supporters turned out in fantastic numbers, and together we raised significant funds for charity while celebrating everything that makes our game unique.

This year, we’re building on that momentum with a brand-new theme.

Introducing the NLD26 Boarding Pass

For 2026, we’re swapping the passport for a boarding pass, supporters can pre-purchase a special 24-hour 'boarding pass' allowing them to attend up to four matches across the day with a 10% discount. It’s football, but not as you know it.

Choose your route:

Coast to City{b}

• Plan your fixtures
• Travel between grounds with a minibus available for a nominal fee taking you from Harwich to Halstead to Hullbridge and back again!

Benefits of the 24 Ground hop event, you get to

• Experience different atmospheres
• Meet new supporters
• Discover clubs you may never have visited before

In one single day, you can see the depth, diversity and passion of the Essex Senior Football League in full flow.

Non League Day isn’t about glamour. It isn’t about television deals or global audiences.

• It’s about turning up
• It’s about community pride
• It’s about backing the volunteers who make football possible at this level

And most importantly, it’s about remembering that the foundations of the game sit right here, at our clubs, in our towns, on our pitches.

[b]Non League Day 26 promises to be bigger, bolder and even more connected than last year.

Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or someone discovering non-league football for the first time, this is your invitation to get involved.

Your boarding pass is waiting.

Let’s take grassroots football to new heights!