This time on TTTONLF we are joined by Darren who is a non-league vlogger and is someone who has racked up some mileage travelling around the non-league scene, recording content for his YouTube channel. With 50 videos currently on his channel he has amassed quite the back catalogue that after this article you may want to check out and work your way through! It might just inspire your very own trip to a non-league matchday!

Name – Darren Ashley
Age – 53
Favourite Team – QPR
Occupation – Ambulance Driver
One thing I love about football is – Talking about it
Football pet hate – Timewasting
Best player you have ever seen play in real life – Diego Maradona

Q) What inspired you to start vlogging about non-league football, and how did you get started?

Ive always loved attending football, but, with the rising cost’s of the pro game, I decided I was going to attend some Non League matches, to see what I thought about it. I quickly fell in love with it, and started to start recording small bits, I.e., penalties, dangerous free kicks, or scuffles.The more I did this, I thought about the idea of filming more and more of the match, so, I could put a small highlights package together.

Q) What are some of the biggest challenges you face when creating content for your vlog?

When I’m filming the vlogs, I find my biggest challenges are, filming the opening link (I’ve lost count the amount of times I’ve forgotten which league I’m watching!), The weather….a couple of times last season, my hands were so cold, it was difficult to keep my hand steady when filming, and, trying to stay concentrated on the match, when I’m having a little chat with fans during the match.

Q) Can you share one of your most memorable moments while vlogging non-league football matches or events?

When I went to Stratford Town FC for the first time, I was given a media pass, which shocked me, and was told that they we’re happy for me to film and show anything good, or bad, about the club. They wanted me to keep it real and authentic. Other memorable things are, being allowed onto the pitch to film the teams coming out. I often stand there, with imposter syndrome in the fact that I dont deserve these privileges. Kettering Town invited me to their pre match 1872 club, which was a pre match meal, that was awesome, and their close rivals, AFC Rushden & Diamonds always are also so welcoming……actually, as are virtually all clubs I’ve been to.

Q) How do you choose which games or stories to cover in your vlogs?

I first started looking at the website, Non League Matters, which is brilliant. I look to see where there may be a tasty looking match within 90 minutes of where I live ( Top or bottom of the table). If I can, I would contact the club once decided, to let them know I would be turning up, and, ask permission to do some filming.

Now, the more I do them, and the more they have been viewed, I have started to get invites from clubs who would like me to feature them. It’s very humbling that they ask, and, obviously, I do my best to show them off in the most positive light I can…..although, if, on the pitch they don’t perform on the day, there is no way of avoiding showing that.

Q) What unique aspects of non-league football do you think make it particularly interesting for your audience?

I find Non League a bit of a throwback of the time I was most football obsessive…the 80s. It seems to have more of a community feel, the club’s don’t treat fans as customers, and, the players have no ego’s, they are out there purely and simply for the love of the game.


Q) How do you ensure that your content remains engaging and relevant to your viewers?

The vlogs are very different now to when I started. That’s down to me being a bit more confident in asking for interviews, and, they have also evolved from just plain highlights to showing more around the host club. I’m always open to new ideas, and I hope they will continue to evolve.

Q) Can you describe your process for filming and editing your vlogs? What tools or techniques do you find most effective?

Once i arrive at the ground, my filming starts, with an introduction where I am. After that, I go inside the ground, have a look around, before commencing more filming. That could be anything from nice scenery, interviews, peeking inside changing rooms, or, if I’m really lucky, inside boardrooms. After all that, I film bits and pieces of the match. Some people think I film the whole match, but I don’t, I just try to anticipate things. Sometimes that goes wrong, and I end up missing the odd goal, or, the incident that leads to a brawl After the match, and wrapping up my final segments, I go home, not really knowing what I’ve got. Once home, I’m straight on my iPhone 6SE, deleting stuff and editing , before loading it up onto the tool I use, CapCut. Thereafter, I start trying to piece the story of the day and hopefully, it will entertain someone! Finally, if not too tired, I upload to YouTube. I try to get this all done within hours of the match, but, if not, the morning after.

Q) How do you balance the time and effort required for vlogging with your other personal and professional commitments?

I generally only vlog at weekends, when I’m not working, so I have time. I also have an understanding partner, who doesn’t mind it taking up a lot of my time….she says it keeps me out of the way whilst she can do stuff!!

Q) What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about non-league football through your vlogging journey?

Firstly, the quality of football. Perhaps, in the past, I was guilty of thinking it may be only a touch higher of Sunday League football, but, I was very very wrong…in fact, stupid on my part. Also, the warm and welcoming nature of clubs, that also surprised me too.

So that brings another Through the Turnstile meets… to a close.

Thanks to Darren for taking part and showcasing some of the work he does in bringing non-league content to the forefront.

I hope that you found it interesting to learn about Darren and his channel and also managed to get a peek inside the world of a content creator. I think it is sometimes a bit of an eye-opener to some to truly understand the amount of work that goes into making a 10-15 minute video. I want to applaud Darren for the work he continues to do and look forward to checking out some more of his content in the upcoming season.

Until next time!