MORE THAN JUST A GAME

WE all know that Monday morning feeling when you have to go into work or school to attack the drudgery of another week.

- Tony Incenzo

But there is such a stark difference in personal mood when your favourite Non-League team has registered a great victory over the weekend. Maybe enhanced by a last minute winning goal.

Suddenly, you now have a smile on your face and a spring in your step. It’s astonishing how much one result can have on the morale of a committed football supporter, which is why football is so important to our inner happiness – especially during a pandemic!

People have been reaching out to me on Twitter to describe what following Non-League football means to them during these terrible times of Covid isolation.

“Watching football is a huge part of my life.” said Brighouse Town match reporter Georgia Cook. “In lockdown, it has been difficult for my mental health as live football has been extremely limited. Going to games is an escape from the busy routine I have.

“It’s a time for me to get involved and help Brighouse Town as much as possible. I reconnect with people at matches and talk to them about their week.

“It’s been hard recently. I’ve felt very isolated with no football. But when we were allowed back into games earlier in the season, I felt alive again. It was an incredible feeling. Non-League football saved me. Everyone needs to realise that it is crucial for people like myself and many others.