Danny Stuttard, a 57-year-old volunteer at Clitheroe Football Club, discovered a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment after responding to a call for volunteers at the EcoGiants Stadium. Struggling with depression, Stuttard initially hesitated to join the club, but he now attributes the organization and the surrounding community for aiding in his personal recovery.
Stuttard recollected, “I became involved five years ago after my partner came across a post on Facebook. At that point in my life, I was battling severe depression and was in need of a purpose. I reluctantly joined and began stewarding on matchdays, but the chair and her husband departed within seven months, and I ultimately took on multiple roles.”
He went on to say, “I inquired about assisting with the pitch because, as a child, I always aspired to paint the stripes on football pitches. I distinctly remember watching the FA Cup final as a child and admiring the Wembley pitch, thinking ‘Oh my god’. When the chair informed me of her departure, they asked if I would take over that responsibility, and that’s how it transpired.”
In addition to his duties as the groundsman, Stuttard also fulfills the role of catering manager, kit man, and aids in managing the club shop, dedicating over 40 hours a week to the cause. He expressed, “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship; the club has aided me, and I am aware that I have contributed to the club. I’ve gained a sense of purpose, and it has significantly improved my overall well-being. It is unequivocal that, were it not for this football club, I may not be present today.”
Stuttard’s dedication to the club has yielded benefits not only for himself but also for the club as a whole. He proclaimed, “The club has made tremendous progress since my involvement as a volunteer, and the most gratifying aspect for me has been the club’s success, as it has contributed to my own. Everything escalated for me, and once I regained my confidence, I recognized my proficiency in catering due to my background as a chef.”
Clitheroe Football Club has experienced a surge in attendance in recent years, achieving success on the field and cultivating a hospitable environment for volunteers. Stuttard remarked, “Clitheroe is currently experiencing a period of prosperity; we have several volunteers in my age group and some younger individuals who have significantly assisted us with endeavors such as social media, which is paramount. Additionally, we have an 84-year-old gentleman named Jim who collaborates with me. The crucial aspect is that we are all united in our efforts.”
Stuttard epitomizes the affirmative influence that volunteering can impart, not solely on a football club, but also on an individual’s personal life. His account serves as a source of inspiration for others to contemplate volunteering opportunities at their local football club.
To identify volunteering opportunities at your local club, please visit https://pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk/.