How helpers like Ben Choma dug Hednesford Town out of a deep hole

The Pitmen have endured a turbulent recent history, with the club at the brink of dissolution just 18 months ago before passing into the ownership of Craig and Amanda Gwilt earlier this year, ensuring the turnstiles stayed open at Keys Park.

Combined with the club’s stunning upset of Gateshead in FA Cup fourth round qualifying, Choma – who volunteers as Hednesford’s programme editor, head of marketing and webmaster – revealed the atmosphere around Hednesford Town is brighter than ever.

He said: “Eighteen months ago, we announced we were pulling out of the league for a season because a takeover bid had fallen through, and we were almost in the last rites for the club.

"It was a rallying cry for the community and suddenly people who felt like me were coming in droves and helping out.

"I was wondering what I was going to do with my Saturdays 18 months ago and now I’m preparing the programme for a FA Cup First Round game which could lead to the second round. The madness of non-league football never ceases to amaze.

“Our FA Cup exploits in the ‘90s are folklore at the club and I think it’s one of those games where it’s not the most glamorous tie to get a fellow non-league team but it’s a game that both sides will think they can win.

“The exposure from winning the qualifying rounds has been crazy with the BBC and ITV covering games. Everything over the last few months has seemed to be going in the right direction and it’s a reward for the new owners and the fans who’ve bought into this new regime that’s seemingly started as best as it possibly could.”

Choma is one of countless volunteers who play important roles at non-league clubs throughout the country, with opportunities to get involved now available through the Pitching In Volunteer Hub.

Through entering their postcode, individuals can locate volunteering opportunities at nearby clubs and discover more details about which roles are available.

For Choma, volunteers are pivotal in sustaining non-league football clubs, ensuring that the lights are always on even when things may seem their darkest.

He added: “I don’t think it’s overblown to say we were 72 hours away from not existing and it is volunteers behind the scenes that have kept the club going and limping on. 

"We’ve seen what happens when owners walk away, and clubs can just disappear overnight.“You don’t realise what goes on behind the scenes and what’s keeping the club going.

“The volunteers have got day jobs but then they put three or four hours after work, and it keeps the lights on.

“When the news came out that we were really close to pulling out of the league and not existing, the community really came around and it’s moments like that reignite a football club.”

Find volunteering opportunities at your local club by visiting https://pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk