Media output sponsored by Northumbria Print
Ahead of our Non-League Day clash with Ashton United, we caught up with one of volunteers to find out what motivates him to support his local side off the field.
Never has the role of a volunteer been more important and never has their support, and that of the supporters, been more welcome.
Speaking to our media team, we held a mini Q&A with Shaun Johnson, resident technical wizard who keeps that Local Hero booming out on the sound system!
What does your volunteer role involve?
It would be easier to tell you what it doesn’t involve! But mainly doing what I’m told by the Bossman ‘Chachi’, I help the clubhouse with the technical stuff – TV’s, sound, WiFi, and IT. You’ll see me working behind the bar and or emptying the bins, running around after Ken (Beattie, our chairman), the list goes on… But it’s what makes a club like this an important part of the town and its surrounding areas.
Why did you decide to volunteer at the club?
For me, it all began just before the 2016 FA Vase win for Morpeth, when my daughter Rosie had started playing football for a new Junior girls team. A change from the ballet, swimming and tennis so I decided to volunteer to run her team, completing my FA Coaching Level 1 badge. I was part of the coaching community for about three years, running Morpeth Milan. Because I was in and out of the Craik Park clubhouse quite often, there was always a few volunteers I got to know who gave up their time in a variety of roles for both Morpeth Town AFC and Morpeth Town Juniors.
Why do you still volunteer? What drives you to give up your free time?
It’s a really good laugh and there’s a great bunch of people up there from all walks of life. It’s almost like a social day out with friends. We all love the sport, the club and enjoy giving our time to help a grassroots club.
How important are volunteers at this level?
Volunteers play a really big part at the heart of the club supporting the chairman, the players and staff to make it a success and a place that when we welcome visiting clubs, they remark how friendly Morpeth Town is. As volunteers, we bring our own expertise and knowledge into the mix, whether it’s for match day prep, publicity, sound. After all, we’ve got to ensure the players walk out to Local Hero! (Ken insists)
Why do you have such an affinity with Morpeth Town AFC?
This really started with my daughter’s love of footy and being part of the Juniors initially, then when I packed in going to watch Newcastle United, I started watching Morpeth more home and away. It’s part of my hometown and I love seeing the regulars and new people coming along to matches and supporting the club.
