Welcome back to another Through the Turnstile meets and this time we are meeting an amazing volunteer, Richard, who has taken it upon himself to give up time to help fans of his club enjoy away day trips by organising coaches to and from grounds all around the leagues.
It is people like Richard who i absolutely love to shine a light on as the work they do is invaluable to so many people and they often never truly understand the amazing impact the work they do has on people.
Well i would like to introduce you all to Richard….
Name – Richard France
Age – 36
Favourite team – Ilkeston Town
Occupation – Van Driver
Thing I love about football – Family aspect with our fans
My football pet hate – Referees who think that they are the main event
Q) What is so special about non league football?
The most special thing for me, the sense of togetherness with players, owners and staff of the team. The fact we have a proper relationship with players is nothing football league can buy.
Q) Why Ilkeston Town?
A friend said I should come down before Covid hit, I instantly caught the bug and started coming more and more as the ground had a special feel about it.
Q) What does a matchday mean to you?
Matchday is what we go to work for in the week. Meeting friends beforehand who also live and breathe this club is special. Matchdays are the absolute highlight of the week for many of us.
Q) How much do you enjoy watching the team play & who is your current favourite player?
It’s a cliche, it really is like a rollercoaster. Win 4-0 one week then get thumped 5-1 on the Tuesday. From no win in 6 to 6 unbeaten. Favourite player at the moment is Sam Essien. What a signing he has been, he gives 110% every game. Close 2nd is Jamie walker, who has got some right tekkers.
Q) How did you come into the role of being the supporters coach organiser?
I kind of fell into the role of away travel. The lad who did it before us says he was stepping down and since I go to 90% of away games (midweek I miss because of work) I thought why not!
Q) What does that role entail?
It entails communicating with the coach company to relay pick up times, drops offs. Also letting our fans know the prices and general travel information.
Q) What has the feedback been from fans of you carrying out this role?
Feedback so far is mixed, mainly positive but with increasing costs, fan numbers dropping it’s been challenging.
Q) Do you have a favourite story from your time in the role?
Favourite story would be getting everyone on a good sing song every week, win or lose.
Q) What has been your favourite trip to organise and why?
Favourite trip so far was Morpeth at the start of the season, it was a mega trip for the amount of miles we travelled.
It was also a great win with great locals before the game and just a great friendly vibe at the ground.
Q) And what has been the best ground you have arranged a visit to with the club?
Best ground this season, maybe again Morpeth just all round great time. Hebburn was a highlight too.
Q) Volunteers like yourself are the backbone of the non league world, what does you think it is that makes so many want to give back to their local club?
I don’t think of myself as a ‘volunteer’ there are so many who give a lot of time to the club day in and day out. They are the real faces of the club, from stewards to people who clean the clubhouse afterwards. Everyone of them is special and without them, this club wouldn’t run the way it does.
The club has been at the heartbeat of volunteers for years now and I’m fortunate to see how they impact the day to day running of the club. I have so much respect for them.
Q) If someone has never been to a non league club match before, why would you say they should?
I cannot describe ilkeston town to anyone, if anyone asks me I just purely say, you need to experience it for yourself and many have! It’s just a real sense of community I’ve not experienced until now. We have a great solid set of away fans and think of them as family.
Q) And then once they have caught the bug, how much would you recommend they become a volunteer too?
The bug is real, I was a Derby county season ticket holder up until my dad passed away. I couldn’t go to the rams for a while so got into Ilkeston through friends. I wouldn’t go back to league football as it doesn’t compare at all. At Non League, you know the same faces, even away fans have become friends and we love to have a drink at a catch up before games.
Q) What do you hope the future look like for yourself and the club?
I hope to be involved in Ilkeston away travel for a while, getting a system in that works for everybody. The owner has Ilkeston in such a great position at the moment to preserve the longevity of the club. I’d recommend anyone in the area to pop down to the manor ground and experience ‘proper football’ and join our Ilkeston family.
A massive thank you on behalf of the Ikeston fanbase who are able to go on away days at an affordable cost due to the work that Richard takes on in his own time.
Keep being great !!
Until next time everyone
Through The Turnstile of Non-League Football 
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