Tuesday is International Volunteer Day and we head to Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club, AFC Telford United where they are calling on their local community to step up as stewards and help keep the good times going at New Bucks Head.
The Bucks are looking for volunteer matchday and hospitality stewards, as well as turnstile operators and a half time draw ticket seller, to ensure the smooth running of matchdays.
Football Operations Manager, Toby Gray, has urged fans new and old to lend a hand at the heart of their community.
“At a club like Telford, in the League we are in, it is important to have volunteers as we can’t afford to pay staff all the time,” he said. “We want to get the fans and community involved as much as possible, and that comes through volunteering.
“We have a wide range of volunteers, from stewards to our kit man and without these volunteers, matchdays wouldn’t be able to go ahead because they are doing so much for us.
“Stewards are essential to get a game on; we have to have a certain number of stewards for a certain number of fans so if we don’t have enough stewards we wouldn’t be able to play games.
“We are looking for people who are committed, approachable and who really just want to help out and get involved.”
AFC Telford put out the call for new volunteers on the Pitching In Volunteer Hub, an online platform where clubs at Steps 3 and 4 of the non-League pyramid can post adverts for volunteering vacancies.
It means would-be volunteers can find opportunities to get involved locally to them, and Gray encouraged anyone considering it to get stuck in.
“It’s enjoyable, especially when things are going well and at the moment we are on a good run of form,” he added. “The feel-good factor around the club is really good. The atmosphere at matches is really enjoyable to be a part of.
“You can get involved with the players after the game, we all go back to the bar in our home stadium. There are pizzas on, there are beers for volunteers, which we think is important.”
Find volunteering opportunities at your local club here: PITCHING IN VOLUNTEER HUB
WORDS: James Reid
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER