NON-LEAGUE football fixtures across the country have been postponed this weekend out of respect to Queen Elizabeth II after her passing yesterday.

All football from Steps 1 to 6 will be affected, as will grassroots.

This means Dorset’s major clubs including Weymouth, Dorchester Town, Portland United and Bridport will not play, along with teams in the Dorset Premier League and below.

Normal service will be resumed from Monday, September 12 but no sporting events of “any kind” will take place on the day of the Queen’s funeral.

Premier League and EFL games had already been called off this weekend before the same course of action filtered down to the National League System.

In a statement, the National League said: “Firstly, the National League sends sincere condolences of all Member Clubs on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to His Majesty King Charles III and the further Royal Family.

“Further to this morning’s statement by Debbie Hewitt, chair of The Football Association, all National League System, FA Trophy, and grassroots fixtures scheduled for this weekend will not take place as a mark of respect. The Queen was the FA’s patron, and Prince William is its President.

“At this moment National League fixtures will go ahead as planned from Monday 12 September onwards although we understand no sporting event of any kind will be permitted on the day of The Queen’s funeral.

“The decision to postpone this weekend’s fixtures is taken in line with guidance from the FA in consultation with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The League fully supports this stance.”