Hallam FC has paid tribute to the volunteers who help week in week out saying there would be, “no club without them”.

The club which plays at Sandygate Road opened in 1860 and is officially the oldest football ground in the world. With approximately 40 volunteers, who have been described as the “heartbeat of the club”.

Katie Ellis, the volunteer coordinator at Hallam FC, has been with the club for five years. She said that working for the club with a large group of volunteers, “gives a sense of community”.

She added: “I love it, even in the rain.” 

The club is looking for volunteers for all jobs around the ground, an opportunity that comes with social benefits, such as being part of a team.

Ian Jones has been the kitman, social media manager and secretary since 2018 and said he has “made friends for life”. 

A recent volunteer task was the installation of infills around the edge of the pitch which was done entirely by volunteers, taking between three and four weeks. 

Jamie Taylor is the club treasurer, having played for the team 25 years ago. He said getting involved is a “big commitment”, but the club has a “great team of volunteers”. 

Michael Hill has been a volunteer for two years and wants the club to, “transcend the football”, being for the community and about the people. He said he wants the club to hear fan opinions and make changes based on these.

He said the club “welcomes a good hearted community”, and that volunteers are, “part of something bigger than themselves”.   

The club is known for being a safe and welcoming space for all fans, sometimes seeing crowds of up to 1,500 people. It attracts families to matches and also a high percentage of women, something rare at all levels of the English football pyramid.

The Crosspool Festival Market on 30 June will be sponsored by Hallam FC.

Hallam FC attendances increased from 200 to 600 after the pandemic, aided by beer garden rules which allowed them to use their open spaces to welcome pub goers despite rules against gathering indoors.

The club also hosts end of season awards for local clubs, such as Crosspool Juniors and Hallam Rangers, at a discounted rate in their clubhouse. 

The club is looking for volunteers for any area of expertise. If anyone is interested in volunteering, they should email Katie Ellis at contact@katieellisediting.com.