EXTRA:TIME: National League System Lens | EPISODE THREE HORSHAM FC

It is time for the final episode in our three-part series exploring the wonderful English Non-League System to learn how to run a successful, thriving club at this level.

In this episode, we visit Horsham FC. A well-respected, well-run football club with an illustrious history. Founded in 1881, Horsham FC has been through it all and in recent times, has enjoyed a fantastic period both on and off the pitch.

We speak to some remarkable volunteers and discuss how clubs across the NLS and the grassroots game can attract and retain great people to help a football club operate. Horsham share some superb examples of best practice in this episode and hearing from the volunteers themselves, it is quite clear the club does a fantastic job in making people feel valued. Each of the volunteers bring a wealth of experience and transferable skills from their different careers, adding huge value to all areas of the club and no doubt contributing to their impressive growth in recent times. We guarantee you will be inspired and take so much away from their answers and insights.

Whilst we focus on workforce, we also get to understand more about the media and marketing work the club does to support their business planning. It is vital to tell the story of a football club and we know the non-league game offers some pretty entertaining plots! There is a pool of creative people, including local university students, who want to use their journalistic skills and the NLS provides a fun, educational platform to do so. Horsham FC have recognised this and in this episode, we hear how volunteering is as rewarding for the individual as it is beneficial for the club. It truly is win/win when you get it right, just like the Hornets!

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For more information about the England Football Club Programme click here: www.englandfootball.com/participate/leagues-and-clubs/the-club-programme

00:00-00:34 Charlotte opens the episode and introduces Horsham FC
00:35-06:38 FA Club Consultant Laura Smith shares her observations from supporting the club in recent seasons
06:39-10:54 Laura’s tips on attracting and retaining volunteers
10:54 – 23:44 Director and Club Secretary Jeff Barrett reflects on 50 years at Horsham FC
23:45-41:52 Volunteers Mark Butler, Bryn Panther and Charlie Hempstead discuss what they value as volunteers and what skills they bring to the club
41:53-49:49 Media and Press Officer Matt Jones on the importance leveraging community support to tell the club’s story
49:50-50:38 Host Charlotte summarises this special NLS Lens series