Our series of articles outlining why unpaid volunteer workforces in Non League Football deserve more respect continues.
Man of the people: AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth
Building a family atmosphere for volunteers has paid dividends for AFC Emley, according to Darren Hepworth.
Two or three years ago, Emley were really struggling for volunteers because of retirements, but the Toolstation NCEL Division One side now have a thriving and ever-expanding workforce.
“Credit goes to the committee and the chairman because they have helped create an environment where we welcome people in,” Hepworth told Non League Yorkshire.
“We have created almost a mini-community in itself. We have a good social set-up with our own bar and its important because you get to socialise with everyone. I’ll talk to anyone.
”Everybody is made to welcome and everyone has an important role to play and we certainly wouldn’t survive without them.
“The committee work tirelessly to make sure we have enough people. We’re getting new people helping all the time and with things like social media you can get the word out.
“Social media has helped us massively and (secretary) Andrew Painten has done a great job in putting the club on the map by making sure the voluntary roles required are well aired.
“We were struggling two or three years ago (for volunteers) and the difference is night and day.”
Hepworth also expressed sympathy for Selby Town chairman Ralph Pearse, whose comments earlier in the week triggered the debate about volunteers.
Hepworth agrees that everyone from players, managers, officials supporters to referees should have the attitude of ‘we’re all in this together’ and shouldn’t believe that they are above anyone.
“If it’s true what’s been going (at Selby), I’m not surprised that they got upset,” Hepworth added.
“It is a pound (for a raffle ticket) so it is not asking much and it is about giving back. It is the same with the players when they go into the bar, you’re in the social arena.
“Whether you’re a player, official, manager, supporter, you’re all equals in the bar. Nobody should be above that. So if people are selling raffle tickets, no-one should be using the fact that they are officials and are above that.
“Then about the bit about officials not saying ‘thank you’ for their after match food, I would be furious if one of my players did something like that.
“Manners cost nothing and volunteers are giving up their own time and in the end, all they want is a bit of appreciation.”