Great Yarmouth Town - Non-League Day!

When the date was set for the 2025 Non-League Day, a wonderful concept that was set up in 2010 by James Doe to champion all that is great about non-league football, one of the toughest decisions, as always, was to pick which game to go to!

The day that is always scheduled to coincide with the international break enables a platform for grassroots clubs to promote the importance of volunteer-led community football whilst the cash cow that is the Premier League along with the EFL Championship takes second stage and gives fans across the country the chance to show continued support or even discover for the first time all the joys and benefits that non-league football has to offer.

For me, it was an easy choice this season. The famous grandstand at Wellesley Road, the home of Great Yarmouth Town, which is believed to be the oldest wooden stand still in use, had been on my football bucket list for some time, and it didn't disappoint!

But what equally blew me away on the day and epitomised one of the things that have rekindled my love for our beautiful game was to see and hear about the fantastic work the club does in the local community!

First impressions are always important and the lady on the turnstiles and the man selling the 50/50 halftime tickets just inside the ground set the tone perfectly for the day ahead with a very warm welcome!

My first port of call was to have a chat with the Chairman of The Bloaters, Martyn Sinclair who had kindly agreed to spend some time with me after I had contacted the club during the week, I asked a fan if they could point me in the right direction to locate Martyn and he said, "Yeah, he's out their on the pitch" which he followed up by shouting out Martyn's nickname and called him over from where he was picking up a bit of litter and making sure everything was just right in the lead up to kick off. This little episode spoke volumes for the club and left me with a big smile on my face!

Ahead of kick-off, I took the opportunity to have a chat with 'The Amber Wave', a lovely group of fellas who have come together to form a supporters group that creates a great atmosphere home and away following The Bloaters!

It was now time for the kick-off in what turned out to be one of the most bizarre and entertaining matches I have attended in all the years I've been going to football! It may have been Non-League Day, but I will forever remember this as Red Card Day!

After an even start, Cornard United took the lead in the 20th minute, but everything changed at the half-hour mark when the visitors received their first Red card of the day!

Just before 'The Ards' went down to 10 men, I caught up with 'The Bloaters' Honorary Club Chaplin, The Reverend David Mills, who told me about his and the club's work in the local area with the GYTCIC Shop, which is the community arm of Great Yarmouth Town Football Club situated In the heart of the town and is the hub of opportunity, activity & community support.

With halftime approaching, I had the pleasure to speak with The Bloater's social media man, Ian Honeyman, who is also the commercial manager, and we spoke about the importance of the role in growing the club profile.

Yet again, whilst doing another interview, a second Cornard player was sent off in the 45th minute! I could sense a bit of a theme going on here! 😂

The referee, who it's fair to say had an indifferent first 45 minutes brought the half to an end with the away side still 1-0 up despite being reduced to 9 men.

It was time to sample the food on offer and have a look around.

The Tea Hut which is situated next to the famous old grandstand had hot pies and pasties on sale as well as the usual refreshments along with a merchandise stand manned by Tony '2 Hats' who was one of the many characters I met on the day along with the lovely lady who was in charge of the catering, I also met Paul, aka 'Squeaky' who is the stadium announcer.

These were just some of the many volunteers who were dotted around the ground and were the heartbeat of the football club.

There is also a very nice bar called Smudgers to the right of the turnstile once you come into the ground which has plenty of beverages to choose from and had a really nice buzz about it, I believe Smudgers bar was named after a former official at the club and outside the bar was a bench in memory of a former player Mike Sutton (Son of Chris) who played for the Bloaters for many years over the 70s and 80s which is another nod to it being a proper club who remember those who have passed, there was also a BBQ on the go serving up some quality burgers and hotdogs that went down a treat!

It was time for the second half, and what a half it was! The Amber Wave lads had moved to the end where The Bloaters were attacking just outside Smudgers Bar, and the atmosphere was cranked up a notch!

You can watch what ensued in the second 45 minutes here, including 4 goals, 2 more red cards, and a sin-bin!!!

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Before I sum up the day I just want to tip my hat to what the club do in the community and highlight what the Great Yarmouth Town CIC shop in the town centre brings to the people in the local area.

The mission statement for the GYTCIC is to “Improve People's Lives” and that everyone deserves access to opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance.

The second-hand shop provides affordable sports and leisure equipment, making it easier for everyone to stay active and healthy.

They assist the homeless by providing essential items such as tents, sleeping bags, and groundsheets, offering a lifeline to those in need.

They offer an employment support program that helps individuals overcome barriers to employment, offering resources and guidance to re-enter the workforce with confidence.

They supply food and essential items, offer free haircuts and interview attire, and provide critical support to individuals and families in crisis.

They also have a Football Against Dementia campaign that raises awareness and supports those affected by dementia and their families.

Plus, lots more, including Nordic walking, to promote physical activity and social connection, and at Christmas, they distribute stockings filled with gifts to families facing financial hardship.

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I am so pleased I chose Great Yarmouth Town as my choice of game on Non-League Day as it embodied everything that the annual day is about and much more!

This club is definitely on the up and with so many fantastic people who are like one big family working together alongside a very young talented squad of players the future looks very bright for The Bloaters and I urge anyone from the town who has not been to a game yet to get themselves down to Wellesley Road and be part of something that is ultimately great for the town!

A massive thank you to everyone who made me so welcome on the day and we sincerely wish you all the best for the future.

Great Yarmouth Town is a Proper Football Club!