TAVISTOCK AFC | PETER PLAYING HIS PART

Our latest volunteer focus takes us to Devon

Tavistock AFC volunteer Peter Crockford credits volunteering at his local football club for changing his life.

Crockford, 67, has undergone major heart surgery and also cares for wife Sally during her own period of ill health - yet still devotes himself to the Devon football club whenever the opportunity arises.

A former worker in the prison service, Crockford began volunteering for the Lambs not long after retiring three years ago in a bid to remain physically active and he hasn't looked back.

“I got fully involved with Tavistock AFC because I wanted something to do to keep me occupied more than at home," he said. "The groundsman, who I’m friendly with, said. ‘Could you give me a hand,’ and that’s how I started in Tavistock.

“I used to go in there alone every now and then as a supporter but then it just took off.

“I had two heart attacks, but you’ve just got to go up and go again. It knocked me down at the time but after that, I slowly got back into it and now I’m back in the saddle.

“My wife can’t walk very far, she had five operations on her back and she has breathing problems, but we just pedal on and keep going.”

Crockford has a range of responsibilities at the Southern League Division One South club both on and off matchdays, ready for whatever Tavistock may need of him.

“Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I’m in with a very good friend called Tony Dwelley," he added. "He’s a groundsman and we look after the pitch three days a week.

“We run barbecues on matchdays to make money for the club and do fundraising as well. He’s a good, knowledgeable chap and we work together very well.

“Tavistock’s a great football town, a very pretty town, the supporters are excellent, the rest of the supporters and the ground crew and the staff that we’ve got, we’re just one big happy family really.”

Crockford is one of countless volunteers who play pivotal roles at non-league clubs across the country, with opportunities to get involved now available through the Pitching In Volunteer Hub.

Through entering their postcode, individuals can locate volunteering opportunities at nearby clubs and discover more details about which roles are available.

For Crockford, volunteers are essential to the future of non-league football and he can’t imagine a future without Tavistock in his life.

“It just keeps me going over," he admitted. "Tavistock gets me out of the house for a few hours three or four times a week and I certainly enjoy it.

“You go in there and have a laugh and joke with the boys and other volunteers, it’s good. Come and give it a go. You’ll have a good laugh and a joke and take the mickey out of each other but at the end of the day, local football needs local support.

“If you have more volunteers, you’ll make life a lot easier for football clubs.”

To find volunteering opportunities near you, CLICK HERE

WORDS: Mohamed Hamza | IMAGE: Chris Chilcott from Chilly Pics

Tavistock AFC Web Site