Football Poets

Ode to Non-League Football

¶ 1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Oh, the glory of non-league play,
Where football’s played the proper way.
No diving divas or corporate glee,
Just heart and soul,
at an affordable fee.

¶ 2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Ramshackle stadiums,
a single small stand,
With loyal supporters,
pint in hand.
Dogs on leads,
tails wagging with pride,
As their owners question every decision from the side.

¶ 3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 The pitches are bumpy,
the grass is sparse,
You’ll often see a referee fall on their arse.
The lines are uneven,
the goals slightly bent,
But who needs precision when passion’s the intent?

¶ 4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 The players?
They care, they sweat, they toil,
For the love of the badge and the local soil.
They smile and they wave,
they know your name,
No millionaire tantrums,
just get on with the game.

¶ 5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 There’s rivalry, sure,
but friendly at heart,
Bantering fans keep the spirit smart.
No scoreboards flashing,
no VAR delays,
Just a ref with a whistle,
and pure, honest plays.

¶ 6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 Winter nights?
Oh yes, they freeze to the core,
Wrapped up in scarves,
we endure and adore.
Floodlights flicker as breath clouds rise,
This is football,
stripped of disguise.

¶ 7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 And after the game,
grab a beer and a chat,
Discuss that great tackle,
or the winger who’s fat.
No velvet ropes or VIP queues,
Just camaraderie and post-match brews.

¶ 8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 Your money supports the heart of the game,
Not a corporate giant,
just pride and a name.
No SKY Sports glitz,
no billionaire’s whim,
Just freezing fingers and Bovril,
full to the brim.

¶ 9 Leave a comment on verse 9 0 Nothing is better,
non-league fans agree,
It’s real football,
unlike the Premier League!
So here’s to the magic of non-league’s embrace,
A wonderful,
proper,
footballing place.

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