It’s Volunteers' Week (1-7 June 2023) - an annual celebration and acknowledgement of the value volunteering can have both communities and individuals participating.

At Emley AFC we recognise that without our volunteers there would be no club, they are our backbone and something we never take for granted. We want to say THANK YOU to each and everyone of our volunteers current and in the past for their time and commitment to make the club into what it is today.

Over the next few days we want to put the spotlight on our current and previous volunteers, but also tell you how you could get involved in the future of Emley AFC.

Here are some quotes from our current volunteers, sharing why they get involved and what it means to them;

"I've been a volunteer at Emley AFC for approximately 15 years, initially helping out with the teas at half-time, now doing the players' food. Living in the village it's great to be involved with the local football club and I'm proud to feel I'm doing my bit to help out. I've made lots of friends over the years, not just players but other volunteers. It's good to feel part of a team, working together and seeing results on and off the pitch."
Trudy Mason
Post Match Hospitality, Emley AFC

"Emley has given me a lot of happy memories over the years, its history speaks for itself. So when the opportunity came to be involved and give something back it was an easy decision. The environment and atmosphere that’s created by all involved is unbelievable, you really feel like you are part of the Emley family and you want to do the best you can to take the club forward."
David Walsh
Head of Goalkeeping, Emley AFC

"I like volunteering for the community spirit it brings. All volunteers work together as one team and the supporters are all appreciative of us."
Lucy Carey
Dugout Diner Team, Emley AFC

"I grew up in Emley, but hadn’t been to the club before I started volunteering two years ago, which only happened after I saw a post in the village Facebook group. I'd been looking for an opportunity to reconnect with people nearby after becoming a full-time homeworker.

Volunteering has given me so much, much more than I expected, from meeting so many new people to learning about football and business operations. Being part of a strong team made up of all different professions means we are constantly bouncing ideas and playing to our strengths. What a team to be part of!"
Krissi Simmons
Media & Marketing Director
& Board Member, Emley AFC

“Emley AFC has provided me with the platform and opportunity to coach at a higher level and work within a successful semi professional club.

The environment, support and most importantly the wonderful people here are the reason I continue to want to give my best for this amazing club.”
Dom Webster
Emley Academy Manager, Emley AFC

"I like being a volunteer at Emley because of the people within the club, everyone including the players and the supporters are extremely friendly and welcoming, which makes volunteering very enjoyable and the club a lovely place to be."
Jessica Oates
Sports Bar Team, Emley AFC

"I was an avid follower of Emley in the 90s so it made sense to get involved as a volunteer a few years ago to write match reports and work as part of the media team."
Martin Eastwood
Match Reporter, Emley AFC