Flags for Grassroots and Non-League Football Clubs

Football club flags for grassroots and non-league sides usually fall into five jobs: a crest flag for the clubhouse pole, supporters' flags in club colours, corner flags for the pitch, bunting for open days and cup runs, and hand flags to sell or give away. Most clubs start with a custom crest flag and a set of corner flags, then add the rest as budgets allow. This guide explains what to buy for each job, which sizes work, and what to check with your ground and league first.

Football club flags: the essentials at a glance

A crest flag for the clubhouse pole

A flag with your club crest flying over the ground on match days is the single most visible thing a club can do. Because it may be up for a whole season, choose fabric for durability rather than price:

• DuraFlag or heavy 210gsm: the best choice for a flag flying every weekend in all weathers. DuraFlag has a reinforced header and extra stitching on the fly end, which is where flags fray first.
• Lightweight printed polyester: fine for a one-off event, a cup final or a presentation day, but it will wear quickly on a permanent pole.

Match the flag to your pole: as a rule of thumb, the flag's length should be about a quarter to a third of the pole's height above ground. Our guide to what size flag fits your flagpole has a full table. If the ground doesn't have a pole yet, a telescopic flagpole goes up without digging or concrete and can come down at the end of the season. Permanent poles may need permission, so see flagpole planning permission and talk to your landlord or council first.

Our custom flags are made to any size from your artwork, typically ready in around seven working days, with fittings such as rope and toggle or eyelets included. Quantity discounts start from five flags, which helps if you want spares or a second flag for the away coach.

Corner flags

The Laws of the Game require a flagpost at each corner at least 1.5m high with a non-pointed top, and a flag attached. Plain corner flags do the job, but printed corner flags in club colours or with your crest make a small ground look properly turned out, especially for photographs and sponsors.

Our custom corner flags are 45cm x 45cm; check the fitting against your existing corner posts when you order. Check your league's ground grading rules if they specify corner flag colours or sizes, and replace flags once they fray: a tidy set of corners makes a small ground look cared for.

Supporters' flags in club colours

Not every supporter wants a crest. Many simply want their colours in the stand or on the bedroom wall. Our supporters' club colours flags come in classic two-colour checks and stripes, from claret and sky blue to black and white, which suit most clubs without any artwork.

If the supporters' club wants something unique, such as a banner with the club nickname or a founding year, a custom printed football flag is the answer. A few tips:

• Only use artwork you have permission for. Your club owns its crest, so get the committee's agreement before printing it. Don't add league, competition or sponsor logos unless they've agreed too.
• Check ground regulations. Many grounds limit flag sizes, ban flags on poles in the stand, or ask for fire-safety information for large banners. Speak to the home club's safety officer before taking a big flag to an away ground.
• Keep messages simple. A nickname, a town name and the club colours read well from across a pitch. Long slogans don't.

Bunting for open days and cup runs

Bunting is the cheapest way to make a clubhouse feel like an occasion. Strings of club colours along the bar, the fence by the tea hut or the route from the car park all help on presentation day, summer tournaments or a cup run that brings in a bigger crowd than usual. Browse team colours bunting for two-colour designs that match most kits. As a guide, allow the length of each wall plus about 10% for droop and fixing. Cable ties work well on fences; use removable hooks indoors.

Flags for the away coach and fundraising

• Away coach: a 3ft x 2ft or 5ft x 3ft flag taped or tied inside the rear window is a tradition for many supporters' clubs (check with the coach company first, and never obstruct the driver's view).
• Fundraising: custom hand flags with the club crest sell well at junior tournaments, school visits and cup ties. The 9in x 6in size on a wooden stick suits younger children; 18in x 12in suits adults. Buying in bulk keeps the unit cost low enough to make a margin for club funds.
• Sponsors: local businesses that sponsor the club often want their own flag at the ground. Custom flags and feather flags are covered in our guide to flags for businesses.

A pre-season checklist

1. Inspect last season's flags and corner flags; replace anything frayed.
2. Check halyards, toggles and pole fittings before the first home game.
3. Order custom flags at least two to three weeks before you need them to leave time for artwork proofs.
4. Confirm any ground grading or league requirements for corner flags.
5. Plan open-day bunting and supporters' flags for the first home fixture.

For artwork tips, file types and fabric choices, read our custom printed flags guide.

Frequently asked questions

What size are football corner flags?

There's no single required flag size in the Laws of the Game, which specify a flagpost at least 1.5m high with a non-pointed top. A 45cm x 45cm flag is a common size for grassroots and non-league pitches.

Can I print our club crest on a flag?

Yes, if the club has given permission. The crest belongs to the club, so supporters' groups should check with the committee first. Don't add competition or sponsor logos without permission.

What's the most durable flag for a clubhouse pole?

A DuraFlag or heavy 210gsm custom flag. Lightweight printed flags are better kept for one-off events.

Can I take a large flag to an away ground?

It depends on the ground. Many clubs limit flag sizes or poles in the stands, so check with the home club before travelling.

Kit out your club

Start with a crest flag from our custom football flags range and a set of corner flags, then add colours flags and bunting as the season goes on. If you have a crest file ready, we can turn it into a flag for the first home game.