07-05-2025
Horsham steward praises volunteers after club's title win
A steward at Horsham FC has hailed the club's dramatic title win last week as a fantastic moment for the club.
Dave Ward, 50, has been volunteering in the role for three years and watched on in delight as Dominic Di Paola's side beat Hashtag United 5-1 to claim The Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division title for the first time in their history, pipping Billericay on goal difference by a solitary strike.
The result means the Hornets will take their place in the National League South next season after Lucas Rodrigues' brace and goals from Ola Ogunwamide, Harvey Sparks and Jake Elliott were enough to top the division, despite Billericay's 4-2 win over Cheshunt.
Ward said: 'It was one of those worthwhile moments where everything came together, it was a fantastic day for the club and it was great to be there.
'I do not think any of us actually thought we were going to do it because we all thought Billericay were going to win quite comfortably.
'There were murmurs in the crowd they were 2-0 down and then at the end of the game when we found out [Billericay had not scored enough], people began to cheer in the crowd and then everyone went absolutely mad.
'It was a complete joy for the club, and it was an unbelievable moment.
Ward, who moved to Horsham five years ago and works in the club's carpark, also praised the incredible impact of the club's army of volunteers.
He explained that since his time at the club, he has seen the number of volunteers working with him grow from two to five, while crowds have risen from approximately 600 to being routinely four figures.
'I think the people who give up their time to be here are incredible,' continued Ward, whose day job is as a driver.
'I did not realise when I first started how much people put in, week in, week out, it really is a labour of love.
'The club would not be able to afford to pay offsite people to do what we do.
'We all do it for the love of the club, the friendships and the family feel. It is fantastic what everyone does.
'I would not want to be paid to do what I do if I am being honest. The club brings the whole town together and the celebrations last Saturday showed that.'
