Workington Reds have backed FC United of Manchester in their stance over the live streaming of matches.
The Manchester club opted out of the ClubberTV live streaming scheme promoted by the Trident Leagues — covering the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues — in all cases.
In a club statement FC United said: “Football at this level should mean 3pm on a Saturday — not shifting kick-offs for TV schedules.
“We expect the Northern Premier League, our own league, to respect that position this season and in the future.
“Non-league football is built on match-going supporters. Changing kick-off times to suit TV schedules undermines that and risks damaging the fabric of the game. It disrupts the routines and habits that generations of supporters have built around their local clubs — travelling together, meeting friends, and creating the atmosphere that defines non-league football.”
Workington chairman Phil Norman said: “We decided not to opt for streaming for a couple of reasons.
“Firstly we did not believe our wifi speed would have been sufficient, but also with our geography we couldn’t see many of our opponents agreeing to 12.30pm or 5.30pm kick-offs on a Saturday, or 7.45pm on a Friday unless it was a close neighbour.
“The point made by FC United is valid in that – would the money on offer cover potential loss in gate revenue moving from tradition 3pm kick-offs on a Saturday?”
FC United concluded their club statement with: “Moving fixtures in most cases will not help grow attendances; it will make it harder for home and travelling fans to attend, reduce volunteer participation, and impact players, sponsors, and the wider club community.
“It also affects bar and hospitality income — vital sources of revenue that help sustain clubs.
“We are not opposed to live streaming or innovation in how the game is presented — when used appropriately, it can help raise the profile of clubs and attract new supporters. But any such development must support the matchday experience, not replace it.
“Football at this level relies on people turning up, not tuning in.
“Equally concerning is how this proposal has been handled. Clubs were not asked to approve or reject the Trident Leagues’ scheme through any formal process, nor given a meaningful opportunity to consider its implications.
“Decisions of this scale must be transparent, democratic, and made only with the clear consent of clubs.
“We would welcome an open and genuine discussion across all Trident Leagues about how live streaming could strengthen — rather than undermine — attendances, atmosphere, club identity, and the long-term sustainability of non-league football.
“Non-league football belongs to its supporters, players, volunteers, sponsors, and local communities — not to subscription platforms or shifting broadcast schedules.”
