Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg is urging the British public to explore volunteering opportunities at their local non-league football club after being ‘inspired’ by a trip to Paulton Rovers this weekend.
The Member of Parliament for North East Somerset enjoyed a special visit to the Southern League Division One South club on Saturday as Rovers earned a 1-1 draw against Evesham United in the final game of the season.
Rees-Mogg, 54, visited the Winterfield Stadium with his sons where he immersed himself in a range of matchday volunteering activities including pouring pints behind the bar, serving sausage and chips in the tea hut at half-time, helping with the raffle and taking some professional photos.
And he also discussed the trailblazing Pitching In Volunteer Hub, an innovative online portal that functions as a one-stop-shop to connect football fans and potential volunteers.
Conservative MP Rees-Mogg, whose sons play sports at volunteer-led clubs, acknowledged the immense importance of volunteers and commended the Volunteer Hub – which now includes the Trident Volunteer Certificate – as well as the support that has been offered to clubs via the Trident Community Foundation, which provides grants to non-league clubs to facilitate a range of community initiatives.
He said: “I had a fantastic afternoon with my sons watching the final match of the season at Paulton Rovers on Saturday and getting stuck into some volunteering activities.
“It was a great pleasure to meet the hardworking volunteers who help the club succeed, thanks in part to support from Pitching In, the Trident Leagues' sponsor.
“Non-league football clubs like Paulton Rovers FC rely heavily on passionate volunteers.
“Paulton Rovers have a first team, two youth teams and three ladies’ teams and their weeks are becoming increasingly busy, and I know the club would appreciate support from more people within the community.
“Inspired by my visit, I encourage anyone passionate about football or volunteering to explore opportunities through the Pitching In Volunteer Hub – an online platform that connects football fans with potential volunteers. For a club like Paulton Rovers FC, it was clear that the support provided by Pitching In and volunteers really is instrumental.”
In addition to getting involved in various matchday volunteering activities, Rees-Mogg also enjoyed some lasagne and chips with the club officials and volunteers.
During the lunch, he spoke again about how impressed he was by the amount of time volunteers dedicate during their training sessions, which take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and matchdays.
Ed Butcher’s volley cancelled out Levi Steele's first-half strike for the visitors as already-relegated Paulton grabbed a point to end their 2023/24 season.
And club chairman David Bissex said: "It was brilliant to have Sir Jacob join us during our final game of the season.
“He generously lent a hand to our dedicated volunteers, serving sausage and chips in the tea hut during halftime, tending bar, and even capturing photos of our players in action during the match.
“During lunch, Sir Jacob had several conversations with our volunteers and club officials about their efforts throughout the season and plans for the future.
“His genuine appreciation for the tireless dedication of our volunteers was clear and we look forward to welcoming him back to our club in the future!”
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/
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