Kick It Out to celebrate special weekend of Non-League action
Kick It Out will be showing its continued backing of non-league football this weekend by supporting Wingate and Finchley’s ‘Community Day’ tomorrow (28 March) and The FA Trophy final, in partnership with Non League Day, on Sunday 29 March.
Wingate and Finchley’s annual ‘Community Day’ sees them face Ryman Premier Division play-off rivals Dulwich Hamlet at the Harry Abrahams Stadium, with North Ferriby United and Wrexham playing each other in The FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium.
Kick It Out will have a presence at both fixtures through its ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign, jointly run with the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF), and has marked the activity by manufacturing specially designed flags for the clubs involved in the two fixtures.
Wingate and Dulwich, who both supported our ‘Season of Action’ on Non League Day during designated awareness-raising fixtures in September 2014, will display their flags, carrying the tagline ‘Football is for Everyone’, on the pitch prior to kick off at 1pm.
The fixture has been designated as a ‘pay-what-you-want’ day in an attempt to attract more fans through the gate on the day, and will be followed by a supporters match arranged between Wingate and Dulwich at 4pm.
There will also be a raffle, which includes two tickets to The FA Trophy final, to help raise money for the Noah’s Ark Hospice. The Hospice provides support for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families in North London.
Before the match between North Ferriby United and Wrexham, a giant ‘Fans for Diversity’ flag will be displayed on the Wembley pitch showing the support of both clubs for the campaign as the organisation aims to raise awareness of its work across all levels of the game.
Anwar Uddin, who leads on the delivery of the ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign for Kick It Out and the FSF, said: “We are proud to be supporting Wingate and Finchley’s annual ‘Community Day’ fixture against Dulwich Hamlet this Saturday.
“To mark the occasion, two specially designed flags have been manufactured on behalf of Wingate and Dulwich carrying the ‘Football is for Everyone’ tagline to demonstrate the commitment of both clubs to equality and diversity.
“We are also delighted to be represented at The FA Trophy Final by North Ferriby United and Wrexham who will be displaying their backing for the ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign with a joint flag carry both their club emblems.”
Mishi Morath, Committee Member for Dulwich Hamlet, said: “It’s always great to be able to be part of another day like this. It shows that no matter how big or small a support base, any club is capable of reaching out into their community and it’s great for us to be a part of Wingate and Finchley’s special occasion.
“It’s great that Wingate are linking up with Kick It Out as it helps to spread an important and vital message throughout the game. Dulwich Hamlet are not just proud, but honoured to be a part of this day.”
Mike Bayly, Co-ordinator of Non League Day and Matchday Committee member at Wingate and Finchley, said: “Finchley is an increasingly multi-cultural area and we want to reach out to as many local people as possible.
“Hopefully this community day will encourage people to come down, see what we are about, and raise funds for a good cause. More than that, we are well positioned to promote messages of inclusion for the ‘Fans for Diversity’ campaign, particularly given the club’s heritage.
“We are also giving tickets away to The FA Trophy final for the following day to some lucky Wingate fans. The Trophy final promises to be a brilliant day and will provide another fantastic opportunity to promote Non League Day and the work of Kick It Out.”