Photos: Dave Harry
Bilbao’s Athletic Club use the tagline “Unique in the World”
And for good reason, given their policy of recruiting solely from Basque communities.
The San Mamés outfit are very aware of football's history due to their own roots being traced back to the late 19th century when British workers introduced the beautiful game to Bilbao.
This care for the sport's ecosystem has extended to showing support for England's Non-League Day on Saturday, 22 March 2025.
Non-League Day is a celebration of football outside the top four tiers of the English pyramid, where fans are encouraged to visit their local non-league side during the international break.
Athletic are lending a hand by publishing a series of articles on Altrincham FC, Bromsgrove Sporting FC, Evesham United FC, Sheppey United FC, Steyning Town FC and Witton Albion FC.
The fact that all these teams play in red and white like Athletic is a happy coincidence, of course, with the Bilbao club sending some of their famous striped shirts for each club to raffle to raise funds.
Back home in Bilbao this weekend, Athletic will be involved in Basque Non-League Day, inspired by their English cousins, where 93 affiliate clubs will have a similar level of affection showered on them.
Although Athletic Club are undoubtedly unique, they know that every club counts and in football, as in life, each friend made is one worth looking after.
Check out www.athletic-club.eus for more details on Non-League Day in the UK and the Basque Country.
