US Portsmouth mark Non-League Day with marching band and a dance troupe – while raising cash for a charity close to opponents Christchurch’s heart

A marching band and a dance troupe will be among the non-footballing attractions as US Portsmouth do their bit for Non-League Day.
US Portsmouth have lost their last five Wessex League Premier Division games, including a 4-0 home beating by high-flying Shaftesbury last weekend. Picture by Nathan Lipsham.US Portsmouth have lost their last five Wessex League Premier Division games, including a 4-0 home beating by high-flying Shaftesbury last weekend. Picture by Nathan Lipsham.
US Portsmouth have lost their last five Wessex League Premier Division games, including a 4-0 home beating by high-flying Shaftesbury last weekend. Picture by Nathan Lipsham.

On the pitch, Tom Grice’s men will on Saturday be aiming to end a run of five successive Wessex League Premier Division defeats against a Christchurch side who secured their top flight place for next season in midweek.

US have had a tough run, with games against top six clubs Shaftesbury (twice), Bashley and Stoneham in that run of losses.

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This Saturday marks the 11th staging of Non-League Day, and the first since 2019 due to the pandemic. Always held during an international break, it provides a platform for clubs to promote the importance of volunteer-led community football.

It also affords supporters who usually watch Premier League or EFL action the chance to go and watch their local non-league team.

Musical entertainment starts at 2pm at the Victory Stadium, ahead of one of two Wessex League games taking place on Portsea Island on Non-League Day - Baffins hosting Alton in the other.

US have invited the Lord Mayor or Portsmouth, Cllr Frank Jonas, while Pompey legend Ray Crawford should also be among the crowd.

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With the club celebrating 60 years - either as Portsmouth Royal Navy or their current name - there is an invite for anyone previously involved in any capacity to come along as well.

Half the gate receipts will go to the Steve Bernard Foundation, a charity set up following the death of the former Christchurch player in a car accident in 2005.

‘It should be a good occasion,’ said Grice. ‘We all love football, and what better time to have a chat with like-minded people than on Non-League Day - and raise money for charity as well.’

Across the country, clubs are celebrating Non-League Day with a host of fan-friendly initiatives.

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At Windsor, for example, fans wearing Reading, Wycombe, Brentford, Chelsea or QPR shirt - or showing a current season ticket - can get free entry.

To also coincide with Mothering Sunday, Chatham Town and Ramsgate are offering all mums a free glass of prosecco.

Winchester City are offering all fans free entry to their Southern League game with Mangotsfield.

Grantham Town are offering free entry to any under-16 grassroots player who turns up in their team shirt, plus free entry for one accompanying adult.

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Some clubs, including Wessex Leaguers Fleet Spurs, have a ‘pay what you want’ admission policy on Saturday. Others, including Weston-super-Mare, are offering half-price entry for season ticket holders of all PL and EFL clubs.

Grice, meanwhile, wants to end his club’s debut step 5 campaign with a flourish.

‘Christchurch are safe from relegation now, which could make their mindset slightly different,’ he said. ‘But we won’t be taking them lightly - we want the three points.

‘I would like to get three wins from our last five games, though I know that’s a huge ask.’

US still have top eight pair Brockenhurst and AFC Portchester to play at home, while they travel to Blackfield & Bournemouth Poppies.