‘Old Lady’ on board with Magpies NLD celebration

By Neil Harvey

Serie A giants Juventus have become the latest European powerhouse to embrace the success of Non-League Day in England – by teaming up with at least two partner clubs to mark the occasion.

Italy’s ‘Old Lady’ have launched a one-off collaboration with National League South side Maidenhead United and North West Counties League club Barnton – both who share Juve’s iconic black and white strips.

Italy’s most successful club, with 36 Serie A titles and two European Cups, have agreed to support Maidenhead’s ‘Football for a Fiver’ fixture against Weston-Super-Mare, while Barnton, nicknamed ‘Cheshire Juve’ for their string affinity with the Italian big guns, will celebrate their link by hosting a special ‘Juve Day’ at their Townfield home ground.

Maidenhead’s link with the Italians stretches back for generations with both clubs having worn black and white for more than 100 years, with the Old Lady adopting their famous stripes in 1901.

Juventus originally wore pink shirts with a black tie but switched to black and white in the December of that year.

The Magpies trace their black and white roots to 1919 with the merger of Maidenhead FC and Maidenhead Norfolkians.

To honour their link, Juve have offered show their support for Maidenhead’s plans for Non-League Day 2026 this Saturday by sending over a home shirt which will be framed and displayed by the Magpies at their York Road stadium, recognised as the world’s oldest continually

ever, originate much more recently, when the Step 6 Villagers adopted their ‘Cheshire Juve’ nickname from a former player in 2023.

used senior football ground by the same club, hosting matches since 1871.

Juventus supporters in the UK are encouraged to come and support the Magpies for their visit of Weston-super-Mare while their team takes a break for international football.

“The club embraced the idea and launched a new home kit that year, inspired by Juventus,” Barnton chairman Dave Brynin told the Northwich Guardian.

“The concept quickly gained traction online, attracting the attention of Juventus fans and followers across social media.

Shay Bottomley, Maidenhead’s marketing and media manager, told the Maidenhead Advertiser: “We’re very grateful to Juventus for their backing ahead of Non-League Day.

“In 2024, the club introduced a brilliant blue away kit, paying homage to Juventus’ Champions League-winning side from 1996.

Connection

“Juventus fans are renowned for their fantastic vocal support, so I’m sure they’ll fit right in with the Magpies at York Road. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant celebration of Non-League football.”

“It’s been fantastic to see how the connection has continued to grow. Juventus fans have travelled to watch Barnton play, and in return some of our committee members and supporters have made trips to Turin to watch Juventus.

To top it off, musician Josh Roberts will be providing live music on the day, pre-match, at half-time and after the game.

“We’ve also embraced the famous Juventus motto “Fino Alla Fine” (Until the End), a phrase we regularly use throughout the club to inspire our players.” Both clubs have swapped shirts and to celebrate the relationship, Barnton will be hosting a Tickets are £5 when purchased in advance, with Under 17s eligible for £1 when accompanied by an adult.

Barnton’s links with Juve, how- ‘Juve Day’ for their visit of Shawbury United on Saturday April 4 where anyone wearing a Barnton, Juventus, or any other black and white shirt will receive half-price entry.

“We’d love to see Juventus fans from across the UK and beyond come along and support the day. It would be fantastic to welcome and meet more members of the Juve community,” Brynin added.

IT’S ALL BLACK & WHITE: A Juventus shirt hanging up at Barnton. Inset: Maidenhead, left, modelling their look on Juventus winning the UEFA Cup in 1993, top

PICTURE: Alamy/ Darren Woolley

THE ESSEX Senior League are staging a Coast to City Groundhop – and taking the FA Vase trophy with them!

Tower Hamlets welcome Sporting Bengal United and Woodford Town host Buckhurst Hill.

First up is the midday kick-off between local rivals Harwich & Parkeston and Little Oakley, who are trying to chase down leaders Great Wakering, before a 3pm derby when Halstead Town take on Saffron Walden Town.

The prestigious trophy – won by ESL side Romford in 2024 when they beat league rivals Great Wakering Rovers at Wembley – will be at three games on Saturday with fans able to see the famous silverware up close.

Fans can purchase a Boarding Pass for £30 which

allows entry to four games across Friday and Saturday.

The day concludes with an evening kick-off between Hullbridge Sports and Benfleet.

An action-packed weekend begins on Friday night with two games – play-off chasing SOUL

The league have produced a Non-League Day programme – priced just £1 – with giveaways and competitions – including the chance to win an online subscription to The NLP – with proceeds going towards Prostate Cancer UK, Last year, they raised £7,500 for the charity.

Supporters can even book a boarding pass and a seat on a 16-seat minibus for £5 return that leaves Harlow Town station

at 8.30am by pre-booking via [email protected]

League secretary Michelle Dorling said: “Non-League football isn’t just about football, it’s about being an asset to the community.

“Mostly it’s a place where people can feel they belong, that they are appreciated and welcomed.”

Fans can also get involved in a Soccer Skills and Penalty Shootout competition, while discounts will also be available on club merchandise.

At the same time, all Chippenham Town season ticket holders will receive a free drink from the Bluebirds Bar.

The club are also offering free 1932 Club Membership, including money-off vouchers.