South Yorkshire Groundhop Walk

Hi, my name is Mat.

On Friday 29th March 2024 I will be walking 23 miles over roughly 10 hours, between the stadiums of Barnsley FC, Rotherham United, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.

I am looking to raise money to help support Thurcroft Hubstars Junior Football Club. This is a grass roots, non-profit community club that provides a safe and supportive environment for children to socialise, learn and play the game they love.

The costs faced by grass roots football clubs in communities like Thurcroft are astronomical. The cost of training and pitch bookings for suitable playing surfaces over the winter is in the region of £15,000 for this year alone. There is no Saudi or US investment rescuing clubs at this level - if they cannot afford these costs, they simply disappear and children in our communities are left with nothing.

I have no connection to Thurcroft (I used to have family in Dinnington, which I believe makes me a sworn enemy!) - other than the fact that this club gave my step-son an opportunity to learn the game and make a brilliant group of friends at a time when other clubs wouldn't.

I would like to try and give something back.

All proceeds raised will be split 50/50 between Thurcroft Hubstars Junior Football Club and The Children's Hospital Charity, based in Sheffield but who provide care and support to children right across South Yorkshire and beyond.

The entire walk will be tracked via Strava with time stamped photos taken outside each ground.

Thank you so much for your time and any donations. Every little really does help.