Poole Town steward speaks on importance of volunteers

Poole Town volunteer steward Owen Warren has spoken about the crucial roles he & other volunteers do & their importance in helping non-league clubs.

Warren stated: “Non-League football runs on volunteers, they need volunteers”, also stressing that financial challenges for the clubs makes their role even more significant. “Without volunteers non-league football wouldn’t exist, because there’s no money”.

Like many people who give up their time for the cause Owen does it because of his passion for the game: “I do it because I love football & that’s the reason why I don’t take any money, I enjoy what I do & I come back each week & do it again.”

Owen was previously at Dorchester Town, a community owned club & the need for volunteers in that environment is even more important: “your hands are tied with the community owned clubs, you’re not allowed to make a profit, you’re not allowed to make a loss, April to April (financial year) the bank balance has got to be basically zero”.

Another benefit to volunteering is the bonds that can be made with other volunteers & Staff members with Warren calling it a “Family”.

Despite all their hard work volunteers still face some scrutiny: “we’ve got some younger fans who give it all mouth on match-days, but then again if you don’t like what you see get in touch with the club & the club will ask you to come down (to volunteer)”.

Owen & his fellow volunteers will be making sure the terraces are safe & the match-day experience runs smoothly at their next home match as they host from on February 1^st.

Non-League