Alvechurch FC hope more fairytale FA Cup exploits can create long-term benefits for the club and its community.
Alvechurch take on third-tier Plymouth Argyle in the First Round Proper on Saturday 6 November, with the Church looking for a repeat of their 2022 run when they beat Cheltenham Town at the same stage.
More than 500 fans are booked to head to Devon, far more than the club’s average attendance of 350 for home matches in the seventh tier Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central.
Sporting director Mark Fogarty hopes their afternoon in the spotlight can encourage more people to turn up week in, week out to Lye Meadow with Alvechurch well-established in the early play-off race.
“The FA Cup run is a huge boost,” said Fogarty. “When we had a big cup tie here previously, it attracted new supporters who have stayed with us ever since. That's the long-term benefit. If we get things right on the day, those people become fans for the future.
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“It's created a real buzz. Everyone has got involved, whether that's booking coaches or making plans for the day.”
Alvechurch beat Cheltenham 2-1 away at Whaddon Road in the First Round four years ago thanks to Danny Waldron’s brace before losing to Forest Green Rovers.
Plymouth are targeting promotion from League One under Tom Cleverley but Alvechurch will make the trip south full of hope of another famous upset.
“Why not dream?” he added. “We managed it last time and reached the Second Round against a League One club.
“We'll go there full of optimism. The management team are all winners, so why can't we do it again?”
The FA Cup run continues the feelgood factor emanating from the club, after its off the pitch work was recognised.
Alvechurch were named Non-League Community Club of the Year thanks to its extensive disability and walking football offering.
Over £10,000 of grant funding from league sponsors Pitching In’s Trident Community Foundation has aided the Church’s community efforts, which Fogarty sees as a key part of what the club should be doing.
“It's created a fantastic community that gets involved in everything we do,” added Fogarty.
“We've got holiday camps running at the moment and people from those sections come along to those as well. It all helps bring people together
“Since I arrived five years ago, we've never charged for our disability or mental health sessions. That's something everyone at the club is proud of.
“Times are tough and a lot of people are struggling financially. Right next to us is one of the UK's most deprived communities, so the work we're doing makes a real difference.
“Everything connects. When people come to sessions, their families come too. They use our café and facilities, and it helps create a real sense of community around the club.
“From the outside looking in, people can see that we're a genuinely inclusive football club.
“Back then we had three participants. We now have around 30 people regularly attending our Thursday sessions, plus another 20 involved through our mental health programme. That's around 50 people altogether.
“The section has really flourished, and grants such as the Trident grant have played a big part in that growth.”
The Trident Community Foundation, established by Entain's award-winning Pitching In programme, has awarded over £750,000 in grants to support projects at Trident League clubs across the country. Find out more at https://www.entaingroup.com/sustainability-esg/social-impact/pitching-in/
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