When will non-league football return?

Thousands of professional, semi-pro and amateur football players have been on the sidelines over the last few months due to the coronavirus. Non-league football was hit hard by the stoppage in football with a number of clubs needing funds to keep going. The good news for Non-league clubs, players and fans, is training can resume on Friday, July 31.

The English Football Association has informed non-league football clubs that training can resume with a maximum of groups of 30 players. From August 1, clubs can begin playing matches once more on August 1. Non-league clubs are now allowed to organise and hold preseason fixtures, tournaments, and 5-a-side fixtures.

Due to the recent situation with a spike in coronavirus cases in Spain, the United Kingdom could place a hold on holiday travel. New restrictions could alter the season once it begins if the UK sees a spike in cases.

Paying spectators will be permitted, as long as social-distancing guidelines are followed and no more than six people are in any one group.

Why play non-league football?

Non-league football is one of the best routes into the game for players of a certain age. A number of players in the Premier League began their careers at the non-league level before making to gradual steps up the football pyramid.

Che Adams, Chris Smalling, and Jamie Vardy are three of the most well-known players to make their ways up the pyramid to the top-tier of English football. The occasional non-league player can make their club a considerable amount of money if they get plucked by a team from the Football League. When Vardy was signed by Leicester City, they paid Fleetwood Town £1 million, a Football Conference transfer record.

Non-league is a great outlet for players seeking a chance to play football and get spotted by coaches and scouts. It is a very competitive level, however.