Volunteers are key to success of Bognor Regis Town

The Rocks play in the Pitching In Isthmian League South Central Division and are aiming to make a step up under new boss Danny Hollands, who oversaw a 10-match unbeaten run last season to lead them to 11th place.

To maintain average crowds of around 750, the Rocks rely on their pool of volunteers, which they are looking to add to this season, as a vacancy for turnstile operator has just opened on the Pitching In Volunteer Hub.

Those volunteers include Liam Goodley – who writes the club’s home match reports you will see on sussexworld and in te Bognor Observer – and photographers Lyn Phillips and Trevor Staff, whose work we also use regularly.

The club’s general manager, Simon Cook, said: “It would be very difficult to survive or prosper without volunteers. There are probably 30 or so volunteers who regularly give up their time to do things for the club, carrying out all sorts of roles from maintenance of the ground, turnstile operating on match days, and stewarding.

“There are a couple of retired gentlemen who are literally at the ground every day. They do all of the sort of jobs that nobody really thinks of, emptying the litter bins and doing basic maintenance. And then you've got others that will volunteer on match days.”

Bognor were relegated in 2025 and endured a tricky start to their time in Step 4, but Hollands, who played over 300 times in the EFL for clubs such as Bournemouth and Portsmouth, and made one appearance for Bognor before being appointed manager at 40 years old, has turned things round.

Cook said: “He has just brought such a sort of fresh level of professionalism to the playing side of the club. We went unbeaten under him in the second half of last season and although we're only in the preseason, it's all looking very positive at the moment.

“Last year was initially a disappointing season at this particular level. Making a change of manager about halfway through the season made a big difference. So hopefully we're starting to move back up again.”

While their on-pitch exploits are certainly impressive, it is the off-the-field initiative that really sets Bognor apart, as they seek to make an impact on their community beyond football.

Cook said: “We tend to try to have a charity involved for most home games where they can have a bucket collection and we can publicise their good work.

“We also have a good relationship with some local care homes where they will bring residents to watch matches - perhaps elderly gentlemen who can't get out by themselves to football matches anymore.

“We have supported the Bognor Regis Food Bank very heavily over the years, where we will arrange food bank collections for certain games in the season, which we then take to the food bank, which our supporters bring in and donate to us for us to donate onwards.

“There's a steady requirement over the year to encourage more and more people to support their local team and volunteer to help us.”

Find volunteering opportunities near you at https://pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk/