SHOWING OUR SUNDAY BEST!

IN an unprecedented initiative to promote grassroots football, the first ever Sunday League Day (SLD) will take place on Sunday, March 24 2024.

- Tony INCENZO

It is the brainchild of Paul Gutteridge, chairman of Caversham United FC in the Reading & District Sunday League. He hopes interested parties around the country will buy into his idea which is piggybacking on to the weekend of Non-League Day.

This might well lead to enhanced appreciation for Sunday League circles with increased sponsorship and advertising forthcoming to clubs.

Gutteridge said: “NonLeague Day has been a big success, superbly driving people along to Saturday sides during the international break weekend.

“However, it became apparent to me that Sunday League wasn’t really the focus of Non-League Day. Therefore having a co-ordinated event like Sunday League Day opens up another tier of football to spectators – including those who haven’t experienced it before – by offering them something different.

“The overall objective is simple. To raise the profile of Sunday League. To get people out of the house on a Sunday morning cheering on their local grassroots team. Matches ae usually staged in public locations so it is free to watch while fresh air is magnificent for physical and mental health. Sunday clubs definitely value seeing supporters present. Encouraging attention for Sunday League will only help to grow our beautiful game in the purest form and ultimately boost participation too.

Goodwill