FC United has raised concerns over the Northern Premier League’s partnership with ClubberTV and proposed fixture changes.
ClubberTV, the streaming platform covering the Trident Leagues, has caused a debate between clubs and the leagues over fixture changes and consultation.
The Irish-based sports streaming service announced the latest matches to be shown on the platform on October 13. These included live coverage of Bracknell Town against Gloucester City, Walton & Hersham against Havant & Waterlooville and Poole Town against Dorchester Town.
What was meant to be a routine announcement, in which Jimmy Doyle, Founder and CEO of ClubberTV, spoke about elevating games at this level in the UK pyramid, has led to a back and forth between the Northern Premier League and FC United of Manchester.
A look at the agreement
The three-year ClubberTV deal is part of a wider partnership with the Trident Leagues, aimed at raising the profile of games at Step three and four of the English football pyramid.
The Trident Leagues include the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues. Clubs at this level operate on far smaller budgets than professional sides and broadcasting revenue is rarely a significant source of income.
Guiseley, a Northern Premier League club, was among the first to host ClubberTV cameras for a home fixture against Ilkeston Town.
James Pickles, the club’s General Manager and Football Secretary, said the ClubberTV team handled the setup and streaming mostly independently, with minimal input from Guiseley’s media staff beyond connecting commentary and arranging a post-match manager interview.
Pickles added the club viewed streaming as an additional revenue stream and a way to raise its profile. He also mentioned hosting games during an international window allowed the club to trial the service without moving its traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off times.
Not all clubs are onboard
The rescheduling of matches has been a sticking point for FC United of Manchester, a Northern Premier League side, which has opted out of the ClubberTV live streaming scheme entirely.
“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,” the club said.
“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.”
“In most cases, moving fixtures 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 like ours.”
The club’s position is based on tradition, with matches at this level usually scheduled for 3pm Saturdays. This kick-off time is considered best for home and away supporters. Even the Premier League has restricted Saturday 3pm broadcasts to avoid local fans choosing TV over attending local games.
While FC United supports live streaming in principle, it said initiatives must enhance the matchday experience rather than replace it. “Football at this level relies on people turning up, not tuning in,” the statement added.
Another concern was consultation. The club said members were not formally asked to approve or reject the scheme and were not given the chance to consider its impact.
Despite this, FC United welcomed an open discussion across the Trident Leagues about how streaming could strengthen attendances, atmosphere, club identity and long-term sustainability.
Where are we now
The Northern Premier League said the ClubberTV initiative is optional.
Clubs will not be required to move kick-off times or dates, and both sides must agree to reschedule any fixture. On weekends when UEFA Article 48 does not apply, games can still be streamed at traditional 3pm Saturday kick-offs.
The league also defended its consultation, noting three surveys with all member clubs and one-to-one calls with clubs raising concerns. It said it will not force clubs to move Saturday kick-offs and any changes must follow FA rules.
FC United welcomed the league’s clarification that no club will be forced to take part or adjust kick-off times over the next three years. However, it reiterated concerns over consultation, saying clubs did not have full access to the business case, risk assessment, or technical and operational details.
