A Tuesday night in suburban Crosspool is hardly where you’d expect football in Sheffield to be hiding its character, but Sandygate Road, the oldest football stadium on the planet, is doing just that.

Founded in 1860, Hallam FC are the oldest currently playing within the city limits of Sheffield and with many supporters across the city disillusioned with the sanitised, characterless feel of modern football, could the football’s second oldest club provide the community based spark many miss in the modern game?

First team manager, Craig Denton, explained why people should head to Sandygate Road: ‘’We try to make people experience something different when they come to Hallam. You get a unique experience, a hands-on feel, but you also get an atmosphere where you are able to mingle with the supporters, players, and staff alike. You feel like your part of a community – that’s what makes it so special.’’

After becoming disillusioned with the fan experience at Hillsborough as a season ticket holder, James Woghorn headed to Sandygate Road post covid and never looked back. He urged others to do the same: ‘’I came to my first match after Covid and bought a season ticket the next day.

If you’ve ever been, I don’t know why you wouldn’t get involved in it. Being here touches you in a different way, it’s what football should be.’’

Last season, we got promoted in the playoff final and the manager, Craig Denton, gave my son his winners medal. Where else would you get that?

My ten year old son volunteers, he’s involved in the club. At Hillsborough or Bramall Lane, you’re a number here? Your part of something.

Commercial director, Andy Cartledge, championed the Countrymen’s affordable pricing as a reason to head to S10 and with and with a £9 adult admission fee and a £3.50 chip butty, it’s hard to disagree!

Cartledge continued: ‘’On weekend games you see push chairs, lots of children, people bringing their dogs in. It’s the community and family feel of the club that makes it special for everyone.’’