Local clubs in Dorset are starting to turn down promotions and are starting to embrace relegation due to the financial implications of playing at a higher level.
The cost of league fees, travelling and player wages are all starting to mount for clubs lower in the pyramid.
Bashley FC, who are new members of the Wessex Premier Division and their fans are already starting to see the benefits of playing at a lower local level, after relegation last season.
Steve Amey, the Bashley boardroom host and fan, said: “The locality of the league is a massive bonus for the fans, in the last few games we’ve doubled the attendance on our away games.”
He added: “The expense of the Southern League was incredibly demanding for the club, having to travel hours for games wasn’t good for fans, players and the club in general.”
Photo Credits: Alex Matthews
The financial gap between Step 5 of the Non-League pyramid and step 4 is massive for Semi Professional clubs.
A Wessex League (Step 5) entry fee costs clubs around £200, whereas a Southern League (Step 4) entre fee can skyrocket to £2,500.
Bashley are not the only side within non-league who haven’t seen relegation as a negative with another Dorset side Christchurch FC turning promotion down in 2021 due to concerns over financial backing, travel demands and infrastructure requirements.
The clubs official account @ChristchurchFC_ posted: “Unfortunately the club has decided not to apply for upward movement to step 4.”
Unfortunately the club has decided not to apply @FA upward movement to step 4. We look forward to continuing in @SydWessex next season.
— Christchurch FC (@ChristchurchFC_) April 27, 2021
Paul Williams, a Christchurch FC fan, said: “I feel like us as fans were disappointed to not go up, but at the end of the day the financial situation for the club is much better because we didn’t.
“It’s a big commitment going into higher divisions at this level due to the finances needed and we didn’t have them finances to support us.”
To play at Step 4 clubs must meet strict FA Ground Grading Standards (Grade D).
If a club ground does not meet these regulations, then they must invest what could be thousands into the stadium or face mandatory relegation.
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