Now I have a really exciting introduction for you this time, a brand new recruitment tool which is set to take the Non-League world by storm! I am not over-egging this statement either, the whole project “The Non-League Network” is going to revolutionise how clubs and players conduct their business, especially in the off-season.
I wont spoil the whole interview and I know that David Leese, the founder, will do a much better job at explaining the ins and outs of than I would so lets just jump straight into the questions shall we!
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Q) What is The Non-League Network and what are your aims?
The Non-League Network is a free platform that connects players and clubs. Players use it to get seen. Clubs use it to find talent.
The aim is simple: fix visibility, fix recruitment, and help both sides grow. It’s the first tool actually built for the real problems in non-league football.
Q) Ok, so say i am the head of recruitment at a club and I’m looking for a striker in Kent, aged 20-25, can you login and set those filters and boom you get the players profiles come up?
Absolutely! On Non League Network, clubs can easily search for players based on specific criteria like position, age, and location.
If you’re a club looking for a striker aged 20-25 in Kent, here’s how it works:
- Login to your club account.
- Set your filters:
- Position: Striker (ST/CF)
- Age range: 20-25
- Location: Kent (or set a radius around your club)
- Hit search– the platform will instantly generate a list of player profiles that match your criteria.
- Review profiles– check stats, highlights, experience, and availability.
- Contact players– if they’ve marked themselves as open to approaches, you can message them directly through the platform.
Clubs have full control over who can contact them, and players can also set their preferences (e.g., “Open to trials,” “Seeking a new club”).
So yes – filter, search, and connect with the right players in seconds!
Q) How did it all come about?
I moved up to Scunthorpe with no contacts – and couldn’t find a team.
I had ability, but no visibility. I was messaging clubs, checking forums, asking around… nothing. And I thought – if I’m struggling to get seen, how many others are in the same position?
At the same time, clubs were short on players or struggling to recruit. There was no system. No network. Just guesswork.
So we built the thing I wish existed when I moved – a platform where players and clubs can actually find each other.
Q) Who can use the network and how will it differ for every person?
We’re currently onboarding both players and clubs, offering the first 1,000 players a free premium account.
The platform will also be open to scouts, coaches, and overseas opportunities, bringing everything into one place.
Q) What is the cost to join?
It’s completely free.
We’re not here to charge grassroots footballers or small clubs to be visible. There’ll be optional premium tools later – but right now, access is everything. Free to join. Free to connect. Free to grow.
Q) Who is working on this behind the scenes?
We’re a small, focused team of people who’ve lived non-league – players, builders, and creators who know the space inside out. But behind the scenes, it’s bigger than just us.
I’ve built a growing network of agents, scouts, coaches, and insiders – people with eyes across the game who are watching this closely and want in. That interest is growing by the day, and it shows we’re solving something that matters.
Q) When does the whole project go live?
We’re aiming to launch in the Summer – with some early access rolling out before that.
Clubs and players are already coming on board, and the full rollout will follow quickly after. This is just the start.
Q) How excited are you for its launch now?
Honestly? I’ve never been more excited.
I’ve seen the problems first-hand – players being overlooked, clubs scrambling for signings, zero structure or visibility.
This platform is built to fix that.
We’re not saying we’ll solve everything overnight – but I can’t wait to start solving as many of these non-league problems as possible. Because no one else is.
Q) Is this going to be accessible from Desktop and mobile devices?
Yes – full access on desktop and mobile.
Whether you’re a player uploading clips from your phone or a club checking profiles after training, you’re covered.
No app store wait. Just log in and go.
Q) What additional features will you look to add in the future?
We’re starting lean – but here’s what’s coming next:
- Verified player profiles
- Club scouting dashboards
- Watchlists & player tracking
- Advanced filters for recruitment
- Premium training, physio, and coaching content
- Sponsorship and services marketplace
And that’s just the beginning. There’s a lot more to go at as we expand – we’re covering every blade of grass in non-league.
Q) What has the feedback been from people who you have spoken to already?
Players are tired.
They’re posting highlight clips, CVs, tagging clubs — and getting nothing back.
They’re not being seen. Not because they’re not good enough — but because no one’s watching.
Clubs say the same. They need players but have no system. Just WhatsApp chats, random texts, and last-minute fill-ins.
It’s broken. We’re fixing it.
Q) Are there any ways that brands and other companies get involved via sponsorship or partnerships now?
Yes — and they should.
Here’s what you get:
Direct access to a focused, high-intent audience: players, coaches, clubs, scouts, agents, physios — not just casual fans.
Branded content across our platform and socials — you’re not buried in noise, you’re front and centre.
Sponsorship of showcase games — your brand on shirts, banners, matchday reels, and highlight packages seen by scouts, agents, and clubs.
Tournament partnerships — own the event, drive community connection, and get your name in the middle of real football stories.
Digital placements — on player profiles, newsfeeds, and club pages where attention lives.
This isn’t spray-and-pray marketing.
It’s hyper-targeted, high-credibility visibility inside a growing network that non-league football actually uses.
If you want brand loyalty and impact in the real football world — this is it.
Q) Why should someone come check out the network?
Because it’s built for you.
If you’re a player who’s serious about your football career – this gives you visibility.
If you’re a club that wants to stop guessing and start recruiting smart – this gives you tools. No noise. No fluff. Just opportunity – for both sides of the game.
I have genuinely not been as excited to see the launch of a product than I am of this one. I see it working as a Football Manager for real life scenarios and real life problems.
This is genuinely so exciting to see such a brand new innovative creation like this to hit the market and help solve one of the many problems which Non-League football does face.
The ability for players to put themselves in a very visible shop window and on the flip side, the clubs having access to their clips and history is a real game-changer. I am fully on board with this and will be supporting and keeping an eye on this from up close!
The Non-League Network – launching Summer 2025!!
https://thenon-leaguenetwork.co.uk
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Edition 3 of the dedicated Non-League Football magazine, Parks to Pitches has been released & you can grab your very own copy right here and now!!
https://tttonlf.square.site/product/parks-to-pitches-3rd-edition/16?cs=true&cst=custom
Through The Turnstile of Non-League Football 
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