Gresley Rovers enjoyed an extra pair of helping hands on Saturday as Heather Wheeler MP tried out volunteering for the club.

Wheeler was in attendance at Moat Ground for the Moatmen’s 1-0 defeat to Sutton Coldfield Town but was far more than just a spectator, as she helped out with club’s raffle, which raises vital funds, as well as announcing the lucky winners at full-time.

The MP also heard about the hugely important role volunteers play at the club, which is currently battling relegation in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, as well as its community efforts that include a rapid expansion of its girls’ football programme.

The scheme is supported by Pitching In’s Trident Community Foundation, which gives out grant money to non-league clubs for community projects and Wheeler hailed the impact of such funding at grassroots level.

“I really enjoyed returning to Gresley Rovers FC this Saturday and seeing first-hand all the excellent work that the volunteers do at Gresley Rovers FC with the support of Pitching In, the Trident Leagues’ sponsor,” said Wheeler.

“Running teams of up to 160 girls in Church Gresley and surrounding areas, in addition to their first team, U18’s boys’ team and reserves team is incredibly impressive. It was great to learn a bit more about how the club continues to grow their provisions, and the crucial role they play in the wider community here in South Derbyshire.

“Passionate volunteers are the heart of non-league football clubs like Gresley Rovers FC. With match days getting busier, the club is eager to get more support from the local community.

“I encourage them to advertise on the Pitching In Volunteer Hub – an online hub which connects football fans and potential volunteers.

“For a club like Gresley Rovers FC, the kind of support that Pitching In offers really does make a huge difference.

“I look forward to visiting Gresley Rovers FC again and wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season – I will be cheering them on!”

Gresley Rovers’ girls’ football programme is just one of hundreds of projects supported by the Trident Community Foundation, which has handed out over £430,000 in funding since its launch in 2020.

Wheeler’s day as a non-League volunteer also highlighted the vital role they play in keeping clubs running lower down the football pyramid, with league sponsors Pitching In launching a Volunteer Hub to help clubs recruit more hands.

Rovers’ Kay Methven was full of praise for the visit and highlighted the exciting plans the club have in place moving forward.

She said: “It was fantastic to welcome back our local MP, Heather Wheeler, to the club on Saturday for our home game against Sutton Coldfield Town FC. 

“Heather was able to meet more of our volunteers and club officials and she was delighted to learn more about exciting initiatives that we are working on, including our expanded girls’ offering and our brand-new Ladies team that was launched in the 2023/24 season and play matches weekly in the Leicestershire Women’s and Girls’ football league. 

“Heather was particularly impressed by the immense amount of time and effort our volunteers selflessly contribute to ensure the smooth operation of our club.

“We also really appreciate her support throughout the day, where she collected money for our raffle and even announced the raffle winners at the end of the match.

“We look forward to welcoming her back to the club in the future!”

Find volunteering opportunities at your local club by visiting https://pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk/