IN anticipation of the ‘biggest game in Penistone Church FC’s 120-year history’, Chronicle reporter Charlotte Oldroyd visited Barnsley’s highest-ranked non-league club to delve into what makes grassroots football so special.

Growing up in a family that can barely tell the goal from the half-way line, my first interaction with non-league football was nothing short of eye-opening.

I met with chairman, David Elliott, who gave me a tour of the grounds and insight into the magic of matchdays and what keeps the club ticking behind the scenes.

With the club set to play their final home game of the season, they hope to welcome 1,000 fans through the Parker Roofing Memorial Ground’s turnstiles tomorrow for the first time in their history.

Tickets will not be sold at a set price, with attendees being encouraged to pay what they like, prioritising fans’ fun over profit.

Honouring Non-League Day, the club promises a day packed with entertainment and tomorrow is a fantastic opportunity to support your local club and see what they’re all about.

For Penistone Church FC, their team of dedicated volunteers are the heart and soul of the club.

All of the club’s voluntary handymen are 70-plus, with over 500 years collectively between them.

Fuelled entirely by people who dedicate their own free time to keep it running, the club also feeds back into the community.

As I’ve learned, league games have a reputation for being expensive, whereas non-league football can be far easier on your wallet.

Penistone Church tickets range from £4 entry for a child to £6 for an adult, for example.

All of the money earned is funnelled back into the club, with the most ambitious fundraising project being a new 3G pitch.

The pitch will allow the club to play in all weather conditions, with the partially funded project challenging the club to raise over £300,000.

Not being the kind to back down from a challenge, Penistone Church FC hope that the match will be a step in the right direction.

The club also welcomes anyone, both on and off the pitch, with youngsters, boys, girls and over 45s being able to play - with the club revealing that a disability-friendly team is also in the works.

Hoping to host community groups such as Andy’s Man Club in their clubhouse, Penistone Church FC is always looking for new ways to give back.

For David, his involvement in the club almost constitutes another full-time job.

He said: “On Mondays I’m always up early and from 7am on Sunday morning, it’s Penistone Church work.

“It’s a lot more involvement than I originally thought it’d be, but I love it.

“What we’re trying to do is encourage people and families to come who haven’t been before.

“Some people think that league games can be loud, but here they can come and meet other people and it’s much more community-focused.

“We have 35 teams, of which 30 teams are for juniors, meaning we have in excess of 450 kids who have found a purpose and something to do.

“Kids playing football gets them out from behind screens and out of their bedrooms and getting them burning energy and meeting new people.

“My granddaughter plays for the under 12s and absolutely loves it - she’s always out training.

“Penistone is so lucky having a club like this, as a community you can’t venture far without meeting someone who plays football here.

“It’s such a good day out, the energy is really high on match days.

“What’s so special is that fans from two competing teams can stand beside each other and have a drink whilst having a friendly chat.

“Fans aren’t looking to start an argument - people even come into the clubhouse after to have a meal and refreshments together.

“There’s a lot more interaction between the fans and players, which is something that you can’t find everywhere.

“On good days we’ve had a turnout of 400 or 500, but we’re hoping to have over 1,000 fans tomorrow.

“In terms of fans, it’ll definitely be the biggest day in our 120-year history.”