The Best of Non-League Awards 2026
Part of Non-League Day | Saturday 28 March 2026
How it Works
Non-league football is powered by the volunteers, supporters and communities who make it happen all season.
The Best of Non-League Awards celebrates the people and the clubs that go above and beyond for their local side, whether it’s through community impact, unforgettable matchdays, or the difference they’re making locally. We need you to help us honour the right people by nominating them for this special award.
Each category is open to clubs across Steps 1–6.
– Fans nominate clubs they believe deserve recognition
– Clubs from steps 1-6 are all eligible
– Our expert judging panel reviews the nominations
– The winners are announced as part of Non-League Day 2026. Voting closes the evening of the 28th March 2026.
The 2026 Awards
Awarded to a club that makes an outstanding contribution to its local community beyond football. This recognises clubs using football as a force for good, whether through charity work, inclusion, youth engagement, or support for local causes.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- – Community connection: How the club serves and represents its local area
- – Club culture: Volunteers, supporters, inclusivity, and values
- – Matchday experience: Welcoming, affordable, enjoyable football for all
- – Positive impact: The difference the club makes beyond results
- – Spirit of non-league: Authenticity, resilience, and pride
League position, budget or crowd size will not determine the winner.
Awarded to a club that makes an outstanding contribution to its local community beyond football. This recognises clubs using football as a force for good, whether through charity work, inclusion, youth engagement, or support for local causes.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- – Charity and social impact: Fundraising, partnerships, or local initiatives
- – Inclusion and accessibility: Supporting underrepresented groups and welcoming everyone
- – Youth and grassroots support: Work with young people, schools or grassroots teams
- – Consistency: Ongoing impact, not just one-off initiatives
- – Community need: Making a real difference where it matters most
Size of the club or budget will not affect judging.
Awarded to the club that delivers an outstanding non-league matchday experience.
From the moment fans arrive to the final whistle this celebrates atmosphere, welcome, and everything that makes non-league football special.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- – Atmosphere and support: Fans, noise, and sense of belonging
- – Volunteer contribution: The people who make matchday happen
- – Welcome and hospitality: Food options, Inclusive, friendly, and affordable experiences
- – Tradition and character: What makes this club’s matchday unique
- – Memorability: A matchday people want to return to.
This is about experience, not facilities or stadium size.
Nominate Your Non-League Club
Know a club that deserves recognition? Nominate in under two minutes; open to everyone, no need to support the club, just short answers required.
Find your local Non League Day Match
Celebrate Them in Person
Non-League Day is about turning recognition into support. On Saturday 28 March 2026, clubs across the country are opening their doors – affordable football, real atmosphere, no VAR, no frills.
