This afternoon, Jo Platt MP went down to Atherton Collieries Football Club where she met the club’s dedicated volunteers.
During the visit, Jo helped out with some volunteering activities – like selling raffle tickets ahead of kick off.
Club Chairman Paul Gregory – and Mark Harris – Chairman of Pitching In and the Northern Premier League were also in attendance. The group met to discuss the financial support needed by clubs and the role they play in their community.
It was clear from the visit that the volunteer work is crucial, but the club also needs financial assistance from Government.
Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “Volunteers are crucial and without them, clubs like Atherton Collieries simply wouldn’t exist. But Government needs to do more to support grassroots football.
“We need to create space for all these clubs like Atherton Collieries to grow, thrive, and serve their communities without the constant threat of financial instability.
“For many, a local match is not just a sporting event – it’s the one time a week they leave the house. It’s a place for people to connect, build friendships, and foster community spirit. The social return on investment these clubs offer is immeasurable.”
Pitching In is a sponsorship programme – funded by Entain – that supports grassroot football clubs across the country. Through the programme, clubs are awarded financial grants to support community projects and they also help teams with volunteer recruitment through the Pitching In volunteer hub.
Atherton Collieries were founded in 1916 by workers of the six local coal-mining pits, in order to help raise funds towards the war efforts. They initially played under the banner of Atherton Collieries Joint Association.