With Premier League and Championship football on hold for the World Cup, local clubs such as Emley AFC, Golcar United and Marsden FC want to encourage fans out of their armchairs to watch some ‘proper’ football.
Emley AFC, riding high at the top end of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, have been quick out of the blocks to offer Huddersfield Town season card holders free entry to their biggest game of the season.
Second-placed Emley – unbeaten in 21 matches – host leaders North Ferriby in a game which could prove a title showdown.
The game is at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday November 26 (3.00) and Town season card holders can get in for free – and bring a friend too. All you have to do is show your card on the gate.
And that’s not all. A free bus service is being offered by Stotts Coaches leaving St George’s Square at 1.15pm.
The number 1903 ‘Emley Express’ bus service will also call at the Moldgreen Ivy pub (1.20pm), Waterloo shops (1.25pm), Lepton shops (1.40pm) arriving at Emley for 2pm.
Return is via the same stops leaving Emley at 6pm. You don’t have to be a season card holder to take advantage of the free travel either.
Emley chairman Andrew Painten said: “We hope many Huddersfield Town fans will take up this offer. Lots of fans are going to miss going to live football during this next month and so why not come to Emley?
“We are playing some great football at the moment and are playing a promotion rival, and we think it is a terrific day out which won’t cost you a lot.
“We have great facilities here at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground to make it an enjoyable afternoon out in a friendly but competitive atmosphere. Town fans can come into the game for free if they show their season card at our gates.
“Huge thanks have to go to Stotts Coaches for providing transport which is at no cost. One coach will set off and stop at various places on its way to Emley and return those fans to those same stops afterwards.
“We understand for some fans it can be a stretch to get to us and so we wanted to put some transport on. It’s on a first come first served basis so I’d urge people to get to those bus stops early!”
Meanwhile, Golcar United also want to welcome new fans to the Skye Direct Stadium and always get a boost to attendances when Town are away. Watch their social media channels for more details.
Marsden FC is another grassroots club on the up and boss Luke Haigh said: “Local football is what it’s all about at the end of the day.
“The local leagues have everything you want and, above all else, no VAR! Come along and support Marsden FC and watch a decent game of football.
“You can watch a game of football and for £2.50 get a cheese burger and chips from the clubhouse. We offer refreshments and sweets for the youngsters as well.”
