What is Ground Hopping?
'Ground hoppers are people who love football, mainly Non League for several reasons really, the cost, the friendliness of the clubs and the people that run clubs. Some Groundhoppers go to a new ground every week, some even 2 or 3 new ones a week'.
The above is a quote by the wonderful Mr Rob Hornby; http://aroundthegrounds2015-16.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/a-non-league-view-of-groundhop.html
There are a few special 'ground hopper' events. The main one being 5 matches over the period of a weekend. The matches are between rivals within the league, and are hosted by different teams. The whole weekend becomes an event, with the grounds supplying food, drink and various other activities such as bouncy castles. The first match is on the Friday evening, with four more on the Saturday. Some fans make a whole weekend of it, booking onto the organised trip, staying in a local hotel and being taken by coach from one match to another.
There are also all sorts of collectors items to gather from one ground to another. The Friday night will have around 250 supporters, which will increase to around 1000 on the Saturday. The atmosphere is great and the 'ground hoppers' know and love their football.
Rob brought the 'Ground hopping' event to the Central Midlands League from the Northern League over 14 seasons ago, and it has gone from strength to strength.Last year I was allocated to run the line at a ground hopper match for the Nottinghamshire Senior League. I hadn't a clue what it was about. I was amazed when I saw the number of fans. The atmosphere made it a wonderful evening. My Mum was in the crowd and said that the fans knew the teams and the players, and their interest in the league and teams was immense.
In the past Sky Sports as well as the major newspapers have covered the events. I believe that some of the local TV and Newspapers will be attending a couple of the games
The weekend sees the Groundhop begin with a 6.30pm kick off on Friday 29 April at Attenborough FC which is situated in Attenborough Village, where they entertain Awsworth Villa FC.
An early start on the Saturday Morning sees the first match held at The Hetley Pearson Ground between Beeston FC v Underwood Villa FC at 10.05am. We then head to the Basil Russell Ground, where Bilborough United FC face Ashland Rovers FC with a 12.45pm kick off. Grassington Road, the home of Nottinghamshire FC sees them play Gedling Southbank FC at 3.15pm and we then finish with a 6.15pm kick off at the Inspire Stadium Ground when Real United FC host Unity FC
I have been allocated to referee the 1245 kick off at Basil Russell Ground, which should see a great game, and being the third match of the weekend, the atmosphere will be buzzing. I'm going to watch the Attenborough match on the Friday evening, as that is my local team.
Local Teams
I must admit, that since becoming a referee I have loved visiting the local league teams. There is so much passion, such a family atmosphere, such love from supporters for their teams and great football. The facilities do differ quite a lot from one team to another, but that commitment is always the same.
It would be amazing if people started to support their local team. It;s such fun, you can take all the family (including the dog!) and it usually costs around £3 each. There is always a little cafe providing chips and a bar for refreshments - That's cheaper than spending at the very least £200 for a family of four to go to premiership isn't it
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