Earlier this month, Matt visited local club Stockton Town FC, to find out how non-league sports teams rely on volunteers to run.
Having often watched ‘the anchors’, as they are affectionately known by fans, Matt was familiar with the occasion of a match day.
From entering through the turnstile gates, scanning your season ticket and queuing for a parmo burger at half time, these activities all rely on the amazing team of volunteers at Bishopton Road.
New partners Pitching In are helping to raise the profile of the important roles volunteers play in grassroots sport, and to encourage anyone interested to step-up and pitch in.
Stockton Town’s league, the Northern Premier League East Division, have partnered with Pitching In, a major new multi-million-pound investment programme designed to support and promote grassroots sports.
The programme was launched in September 2020, a time when football clubs and sporting organisations at grassroots level were facing an unprecedented impact on their finances.
They now deliver vitally needed financial support, alongside encouraging community volunteers to contribute their own time and effort.
Matt Vickers said:
“A huge thank you to the team of volunteers who welcomed me down to Bishopton Road and who continue to play their part for the community.
“I am incredibly enthusiastic about grassroots sport, and I believe having access to the facilities which allow you to participate should be a rite of passage.
“Our young players benefit massively from their participation, travelling to away games, becoming part of a diverse team, and boosting their mental health.
“However, volunteers are just as vital for the sport as the stadiums are. Quite simply, without them our team wouldn’t exist.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can visit Trident Leagues Volunteer Hub - Pitching In (pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk).
