A thousand football fans took advantage of Trafford FC’s free admission match against Bootle on Saturday 2 September.
Helped by weather we’d been hoping for all summer, a carnival atmosphere was enjoyed at Shawe View Stadium.
Only the result wasn’t on Trafford’s side. Despite good application from Danny Caldecott’s younger players, and occasional flashes of Rob Worrall’s brilliance from last season, the Merseyside visitors proved worthy 1-0 winners.
Pete McGrath, the voice of Shawe View and a Trafford FC director said: “Today has been a great advert for non-league football. Many of the people we’ve spoken to had never even knew of our existence, let alone not come to a match.
“This was exactly what we wanted to achieve. We were so proud to welcome so many newcomers to our loving community, as well as our guests from Bootle who, as ever, did their club great credit.”
With the summer holidays coming to an end, and the cost-of-living crisis persisting, entire families came for free and enjoyed Trafford’s facilities including a licensed bar, can bar, as well as hot and cold food and drink.
A raffle provided half time fun and £180 was raised for Trafford Veterans, the chosen charity for the bucket collection.
A final gate of 1,011 was recorded – comfortably twice Trafford’s average home attendance.
Pete McGrath continued: “We hope we put on a good show today – it would be a boost for our club if the legacy of today is more fans. Coming to Trafford could be the perfect day activity for a Manchester stag or hen do, and it’s always a chance to meet your friends, at 3pm every other Saturday.”
(Image courtesy of Mr Kevin Waddle)
