Tom Portas talks life in the non-league
Non-league football is something only fans and players who have experienced it or are currently stuck battling their way up to the football league.
Tom Portas currently plays for Darlington 1883 as well as working as a sheet metal worker. The 25-year-old midfielder understand the importance of non-league football.
Portas was a key player in Darlington's promotion to the National League North as in their title winning season two years ago Portas made 43 appearances and managed to score 6 goals for the Quakers.
"It has been important to me, I haven't played higher than non-league but its a very goof stepping stone if players are aiming to play at a higher level.
"Playing for Darlington is an absolute honor mainly because of the clubs history and the size of the club.
"I find it the best kind of football as its true and real football." Said Portas.
Tom Portas in action for Darlington 1883
The midfielder believes that playing in the non-league is a great experience for any player looking to go far in the game.
"It is a very good path in my opinion as i personally believe it is better to build your way up the leagues rather than go down through them."
Portas does believe that the quality of non-league football is improving and thanks to that non-league is getting more and more media attention and recognition.
"The quality of players is improving we are seeing a lot more recognisable players drop down to play in the non-league.
"Which for me makes me want to improve my game to play alongside and against these players.
"Every level from the Premier League to non-league gets harder and harder each year and more competitive as the overall game is improving.
"With each year that goes past the non-league is getting more visible to fans who don't follow it with teams getting further in the FA Cup."
Tom Portas playing for Darlington against Ilkeston