As its International Volunteers Day, we head over to Weymouth FC to find out about a very important group of volunteers at the Pitching In Southern League Premier South club.
More hands make light work. That’s the mantra at Weymouth FC where volunteers in The Monday Club look after the upkeep and maintenance of the club’s impressive Bob Lucas Stadium home.
Set up in 2019 by John Rawles, Ricky Young and the late Peter Pavey, it offers vital off-the-field help and support to the Dorset club, whilst also giving its members an outlet through which to make new friends, meet up and share their passion for the club.
Current members have a wide-range of skillsets and have been responsible for a whole host of projects that have taken place in recent years.
“We decided to set the group up in the summer of 2019,” recalled Ricky Young, one of the founding members, who makes an 80-mile round trip each Monday to participate. “John [Rawles] was already cleaning up the stadium after games, which was a big job, so along with Peter [Pavey], who sadly passed away late last year, and myself, we decided to form a club to not only share the workload but also for the social aspect too and so The Monday Club was born.
“Since then we’ve been able to get new members to come on board and I think that over the past five or six years we’ve pained everything in sight in and around the ground, from the railings, to crash barriers and even the toilet floors!
“We take great pride in how the stadium looks and it’s always nice to receive complimentary comments from home and away fans.
“I come from a background in road haulage, so I have no practical experience to draw upon, but I’ve rolled my sleeves up and got stuck in, just like the other members.”
One such member is Martin, who got involved after he retired.
“I knew a couple of members and after I retired from work, they suggested I come along and have a look,” he said. “That was two years ago and I am still here and loving every minute of it!
“The tasks are endless; there is so much to be done in and around the ground. A stadium this size needs a lot of love and attention.
“Volunteers are vital at all clubs and we’re lucky to have so many dedicate people who give up a lot of their time, not only amongst The Monday Club, but on matchdays and throughout the week.”
The camaraderie amongst the group is an important ingredient to them working so effectively.
“We all get on and enjoy other’s company,” added Dave T. “I think I’ve cleaned every seat in the stadium and then as soon as you finish, it’s time to start all over again.
“Being around like-minded people who are the lifeblood of clubs like ours make coming along each Monday a pleasure, not a chore.”
Andy, who has recently completed a project to revamp the Club Shop, agrees.
“It’s a brilliant place to come along and have good times with good people who have the club’s best interests at heart,” he told us. “I find it very rewarding and fulfilling. There’s a good mix of personalities within the group; there’s the dry humour and those who don’t hold back!
“As I say, through all the personalities lies a shared passion for Weymouth FC. Having one of the biggest stadiums at this level does mean that the list of tasks for its upkeep never ends, though.
“I make sure that The Monday Club runs smoothly… I also have the massive responsibility of taking the lunch orders each week; that’s something I dare not get wrong!”
“This is a great hub for community interaction,” added Steve. “We go out of our way to do what we can whilst we’re here and ensure that the hours we spend at the ground are used effectively.
“Dave T and Trevor are always on the case to ensure standards are high in everything we do.”
Lending his expertise in electronics from a career spent in the RAF and as an Ultra Electronics Engineer is Malcolm.
“It’s nice to feel wanted and appreciated,” he added. “I look forward to Mondays as it’s an opportunity to get out of the house and do something that can make a small difference to people’s lives.
“For example, after many years of poor quality sound, I was able to fix the PA system at the ground and to know that this has contributed to improving the supporters’ experience at matches is a nice feeling. We just need similar improvements on the pitch now!”
The newest recruit, Dave, is enjoying the experience and has encouraged others to get involved.
“This is a friendly bunch who have made me feel really welcome,” he said. “Amongst all of the hard work, the banter flies and I would encourage anyone who has time to spare each Monday to come along and be part of it.
“It’s extremely rewarding and the sense of helping your local community is a nice feeling to have.”
Keith, a retired postman of over 50 years, has just celebrated his first anniversary of getting involved.
“I love it,” he added without hesitation. “The role of hunting for lost footballs in the undergrowth outside of the ground seems to have fallen on me as well as clearing the brambles and litter picking.
“It does give me a sense of pride to see things looking neat and tidy… and it also saves the club a few quid on lost balls!”
To all of the volunteers who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes at our member clubs, we salute you and thank you most sincerely for all of your efforts.
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