Athletic Bilbao Donates Jerseys to Sheppey United and Steyning Town: A United Soccer Story

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Athletic Bilbao’s Gesture of Solidarity Highlights Non-League Day in England

March 22, 2025

Top-tier Spanish club Athletic Bilbao extends a helping hand to lower-league English teams, promoting the importance of community-based soccer on non-League Day. This act resonates with the American sports landscape, where similar initiatives could bolster local teams and foster a stronger connection between professional and amateur levels.

A Transatlantic Show of Support

Athletic Bilbao have sent football shirts to Sheppey United and Steyning Town

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, athletic Bilbao, a prominent Spanish soccer club currently ranked fourth in La Liga, has donated jerseys to two non-league teams in the South East of england: Sheppey United in Kent and Steyning Town in West Sussex. This gesture coincides with Non-League Day, an annual event celebrated in England as 2010, encouraging fans of professional teams to support their local, non-league clubs.

The donated jerseys

How can professional football clubs better support non-league teams?

Interview: Athletic Bilbao’s support for non-League day

March 22, 2025

Interview with Marta Sanchez, Athletic Bilbao’s Community Outreach Director

Archyde News: Thank you for joining us, Ms. Sanchez. Athletic Bilbao’s gesture of support for Non-League Day has generated important positive attention.Could you tell us more about the club’s motivation behind this initiative?

Marta Sanchez: Certainly. At Athletic Bilbao, we deeply value the spirit of community and the roots of football.Non-League day in England represents precisely that – the dedication and passion at the grassroots level. We wanted to show solidarity with those clubs and highlight the importance of supporting local football.

Archyde News: The club has provided jerseys to several teams. How were the specific teams selected, and what message did you hope to convey with your choices?

Marta Sanchez: We wanted to support teams that were similar to our own, and those in red and white. We selected teams that embody the spirit of perseverance and community that we believe in. These teams – Altrincham FC, Bromsgrove Sporting, Evesham United, Sheppey United, Steyning Town and Witton Albion.

Archyde News: Non-League Day is an annual event, and Athletic Bilbao’s involvement provides a global perspective.what can professional clubs learn from the dedication seen at the non-league level?

Marta Sanchez: We believe that the passion and commitment at the non-league level are a constant reminder of why we all love the sport. The loyalty of the fans, the close-knit communities – it’s a vital element often lost in the upper echelons of professional football. We can learn about humility, hard work, and the authentic love for the game.

Archyde news: This initiative has a transatlantic resonance. Do you foresee similar actions in the future, perhaps extending support to other countries or leagues?

Marta Sanchez: Absolutely. We hope to expand our community outreach efforts in the future. We are always looking for ways to share the Athletic Bilbao spirit globally and support teams that value the grassroots of football. We believe in football’s power to unite people, and we will continue efforts of this nature where we can.

Archyde News: what message would you like to share with football fans worldwide regarding the non-league game?

Marta Sanchez: Support your local club! The non-league game offers a unique, unadulterated football experience that is essential. It helps keep the spirit of the game alive, and these clubs need your support to thrive. What are your thoughts on how professional clubs can better support the non-league game?

Archyde News: Ms. Sanchez, thank you for your insights. We appreciate you taking the time to share Athletic Bilbao’s perspective.

Marta Sanchez: Thank you for having me.