Saturday’s Non-League Day 2025 helped to shine a light on all that is good about the non-League game.
At the heart of it all is the people who make football at this level what it is. From the hard-working volunteers to the passionate supporters and all of the dedicated players, coaches and officials in between, there’s a lot to love about the game beyond the FA Premier League and EFL.
Over at Hertford Town, John Staines has been the heartbeat of the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club for decades. Every home game, without fail, he stewards the car park, whilst his wife, Shelagh, looks after home and away officials in the boardroom.
On Saturday, April 5th John turns 93 years young. His Birthday wish? To see his beloved Hertford Town achieve an attendance of over 1,000 people that day as they play host to Flackwell Heath.
“People like John are worth their weight in gold,” said player-manager, Ben Herd. “Come rain or shine he and his wife, Shelagh, are there carrying out their duties with warmth and dedication that has never faded over the decades.
“The word legend is used all too often these days, but John truly is a Hertford Town legend; he represents the very best of non-League football and the volunteers without whom a club like ours simply would not be able to operate.
“For his forthcoming 93rd Birthday he has just one wish and, typically, it’s not about him, it’s about the club that he holds so dear and has been the mainstay of his life.
“He wants to see us achieve an attendance of over 1,000 for our home game against Flackwell Heath that day and to help make his dream become reality, we have decided to make it free admission for all!
“Yes, that’s right, we’re opening our doors and inviting you all to come along for free to help celebrate John’s Birthday and create a special atmosphere in what will be a big game for us against opponents who are pushing for promotion.
“We had over 1,500 fans here for our FA Youth Cup fixture against Arsenal earlier this season and it was an occasion for which we were applauded by The FA for how well run the evening was, so our incredible volunteers, including John, are ready to make April 5th just as special.”
We’ve left the last word for John himself.
“I don’t want any presents, I just want 1,000 people here watching and cheering on my club!”
Message received, loud and clear! So, if you are able, please get along to Hertford Town’s Hertingfordbury Park (post code SG13 8EZ) on Saturday, April 5th 2025 and make John’s Birthday wish become reality!
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IMAGE: Hertford Town FC
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