I’VE only ever been to two football matches in my life.

One was at Old Trafford – a pre-season friendly for Manchester United. The other at the Ray Mac stadium – the league match last Tuesday between Salisbury Football Club and Fawley.

On both occasions I was lucky enough to have been invited into the directors’ box to be wined and dined before the match.

At Old Trafford, I met some of the legends; at Salisbury some of the Chamber of Commerce who’d also been invited.

But really, there’s no way to compare the two. The food at Salisbury was unquestionably better, the company more welcoming, the conversation less stilted, the seats more comfortable , the view from the stand better, the match more interesting (with a second goal clinched in the closing minutes of injury time) and the language and antics of the visiting coach much more entertaining.

It was my son Ollie’s first football match. One of the directors asked him: “Did you enjoy it? Will you come back again?”. “Oh yes,” he replied eagerly.

On the way back he did his best to persuade me to become a sponsor. I explained that was a little beyond our budget, particularly as I had just seen his Christmas list.

We talked about how sport was paid for in this country. That a few clubs at the top of the premier league get all the money.

They get to buy the best coaches and the best players, they charge the highest prices and get the biggest crowds – because that’s who everyone wants to see. And they get the biggest sponsors and the lion’s share of the television deals.

For the clubs in the lower leagues the biggest battles are fought off the pitch, competing with other local sports clubs for sponsorship from hard-pressed local businesses, scrimping and saving to pay managers and players who may then be snapped up by clubs able to offer them a brighter future. Teetering on (or just beyond) the edge of financial viability.

It’s the same for the arts – national companies like the Royal Opera House and National Theatre get the bulk of state funding while Salisbury Arts Centre and Playhouse turn to councils, local businesses and individual supporters to make ends meet.The same story is true of museums.

“That’s not fair!” said Ollie. “I think they should give more money to clubs like Salisbury.” I’m sure the directors would agree – but it isn’t going to happen.

If we want to have a city enriched with a cultural life that all can enjoy we have to support local clubs and organisations.

And rediscover, as I did, the pleasure of being part of something vibrant and live and real, rather than watching it on a screen.

Next home game is next Saturday (October 24).

May see you there!