Marske United have bolstered their volunteer ranks by making full use of a new online portal as they look to continue their rapid rise up the pyramid.

The Seasiders have made full use of the Pitching In Volunteer Hub, launched last summer to showcase opportunities at non-league clubs across the country, using the site to fill vital roles around the club including a new kitman. 

Marske clinched promotion to the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division last season via the play-offs and are now adjusting to life in the seventh tier. 

With promotion has come higher attendances and more demands on the already army of volunteers at Mount Pleasant and stadium manager Bob Ryan praised the Volunteer Hub in helping them find more helping hands. 

“With the club evolving it as it has, you don’t realise that you need extra volunteers,” said Ryan.  

“You think we need the facilities, we need the ground grading, and we need a better team on the pitch but with that comes the extra need for matchday operations staff.  

“Six years ago, Marske were playing in front of crowds of 80 to 100 and now we are up to an average of over 400. That needs extra people to help to keep it going.  

“The Volunteer Hub has been absolutely fantastic for our club. We’ve filled our kitman position through it, and we have also had people see it – because it is at the top of our website – and people have seen we need matchday helpers and got in touch with the club.”  

Volunteers are the heartbeat of non-league clubs up and down the country and the Volunteer Hub allows people to find opportunities near them by typing in their postcode.

Marske remain on the lookout for more hands on deck as they look to enhance already strong ties with the community and Ryan has urged people to visit the ground and discover their niche.

“Everybody has got something to offer – nobody knows how to do every single bit,” added Ryan. 

“What we are trying to build at Marske is a community hub for the village. Marske is only a little village but we are in the league with all the big teams. 

“What is happening now with people coming to volunteer, it is making it more of a community environment for people to get involved and make new friends.

“Anyone can volunteer at any club to do anything. There are always skills people have that can be grasped and welcomed by non-league clubs. 

“We would welcome anybody to help whenever they can, be that on a matchday or outside of a matchday.”

Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://entaingroup.com/sustainability/pitching-in/