Prostate Cancer UK and Non-League Day: Perfect teammates since 2014
For more than a decade Prostate Cancer UK has worked side by side with Non-League Day, raising money to fund lifesaving research and to increase the knowledge and awareness of prostate cancer – the most common cancer in the UK.
As the partnership heads into its 12th season on March 28, the charity has linked up with leagues and clubs across the grassroots pyramid to once again raise funds and awareness.
1 in 8 men will be affected with prostate cancer; the disease is curable if caught early, but early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so it is vital that men know their risk. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer.
Non-League Day kicks off as prostate cancer has become the most common cancer in the UK and supporters and clubs across the UK will get involved on the day, from hosting a matchday collection, walking to the game or wearing the iconic Man of Men badge. Football fans can also check their risk of prostate cancer on the Non-League Day website as well as finding a local fixture to attend.
Check Your Risk
This day continues a long-standing partnership between Prostate Cancer UK and Non-League Day, stretching back to 2014.
From wig-wearing, branded armbands and a unique match ball inscribed by men affected by prostate cancer, to multiple match day collections, ‘Man of Men’ badge-wearing, branded clubhouses, crossbar challenges and epic walks to games, Non-League Day has always caught the imagination among the grassroots game for those wishing to support Prostate Cancer UK.
More than 60 clubs have signed up to support in 2026 and, for a second a successive season the Essex Senior League have worked with its members to host ground hops to further raise funds and awareness on Friday evening and Saturday.
Among some heartwarming stories developing, Ossett United will have a new man in the dugout for their Northern Premier League match against Grimsby Borough.
The 60-year-old, a retired school teacher, has penned a short-term deal to join the Sheepicorns.
Danny was diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer in June 2021. He’s been a long-term supporter of Prostate Cancer UK in that time including a previous matchday collection at Ingfield.
His plan was to attend the March 28th match together with friends and family to again raise funds and awareness of the disease, but upon learning of his story, Ossett decided to centre the day around him.
And during training on Tuesday night, manager James Walshaw posed alongside his new No.2 to Danny’s surprise and delight.
As new assistant boss, Danny was presented with a branded bench-coat together with initials DB, plus a match shirt with Burkey 45, the 45 to highlight how one man dies every 45 minutes from the disease. His new role will see him address the players, and he’ll be in the dressing room pre-game, and on the bench when the action starts.
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive, Laura Kerby, said: “We are excited to continue our long-term work with Non-League Day and are delighted that so many clubs are taking part again this year.
“For many years Danny has been a selfless supporter of the work of Prostate Cancer UK and so often shrugs off his own issues to help others. We’re so happy he’ll get to experience a special day.
“We thank Ossett for playing their part, and this is the perfect example of the grassroots football community coming together to do something great. Our continued collaboration with them, and others, will not only put us at the heart of the action, but will be a gamechanger for those men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer.”
The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. But early prostate cancer often doesn’t have symptoms. That’s why it’s important for men to know their risk and what they can do about it. You can check your risk online in just 30 seconds by visiting Prostate Cancer UK’s Risk Checker at: prostatecanceruk.org/risk
You can find out your risk via the charity’s 30 second online risk checker
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For clubs and fans wishing to support Prostate Cancer UK on the day, email football@prostatecanceruk.org to find out more.