Pitching In to the Isthmian League: Wroxham

1. Tell us how you became a fan? What attracted you to the club initially?

I first started going to Trafford Park in 2010. Despite living 5 miles from the ground, I hadn’t ventured to watch The Yachtsmen until then. It was the FA Vase run that attracted me to the club and I’ve been there since.

2. And what is it about the club that has kept you there since?

The friendly family atmosphere. Despite the ups and downs of supporting my local club, it was the camaraderie. I started volunteering and now I can’t get away from them!!

3. What does a typical home matchday look like for you?

I usually get to the ground between 1 and 1.30pm and deliver the match programmes to the turnstile operator. I then set myself up for the day in the clubhouse to prepare the teamsheet and the PA System. Having chased the manager for his teamsheet, I then write out the list for the supporters to read and deliver the teamsheet to the referee. At that point, it is the calm before the storm so catch up with a few people, have a chat with supporters etc. As the players come out, I announce the two teams and then it is over to the players to perform. Taking notes and photos for my match report, the game usually goes by very quickly. At half-time I try to grab a cuppa, a sandwich and a piece of cake in the boardroom. Any visiting officials, you are in for a treat with the cakes which are baked either by club volunteers Rachel or Louise. The second half is similar to the first and then it’s time to return to the clubhouse for a post-mortem.

4. Is there a moment in the history of your club that supporters always talk about? What would it be- and why is it important to you all?

The biggest moment in club history is the trip to Wembley for the FA Vase Final in 2010. The game against Whitby was not memorable for the club with the defeat but for a village side (which we are essentially), it was a remarkable achievement. More recently, I would have to say another FA Vase game in front of the largest documented attendance at Trafford Park from 2020. Stowmarket Town were favourites for the whole competition and on a magnificent run in both the league and the cup. Wroxham ran out 2-0 winners that day and it was great to see and hear a full ground.

5. For the benefit of those who haven’t visited before, describe your ground.

Trafford Park (or rather its pitch) is a bit quirky. The pitch has a distinct slope into one of the corners so anyone attacking down the left will need to be able to put the brakes on quickly before encountering the fence surrounding the pitch! There is a seated stand along a third of one side of the pitch spread across the halfway line. Behind one of goals is the Kenny Cooke Stand. A small terrace which Wroxham’s most vociferous and family friendly ultras, the Blue Wave congregate. The group came together a couple of years ago on a non-League Day and have been with us ever since. It’s great to see them at home games and even better following at away grounds. Behind the other goal is a grass warm-up area with an open-air paved section for supporters to stand. The other side-line is where the clubhouse is and there is a covered area to allow shelter from Winter weather. The majority of people stand on this side as it’s where the dug outs are and also close to the bar and snack facility. Behind the clubhouse runs the Norwich-Cromer rail line (many a ball has ended on there) where there are two options for disembarking at either Salhouse or Wroxham and Hoveton stations. From which both will require either a walk or a taxi to the ground.

6. If an away fan was travelling to your ground for the first time, how would you recommend they got there? Tell us about parking and public transport.

As mentioned, there is the Bittern Line (Greater Anglia) railway option which runs from Norwich to Wroxham and Hoveton (or Salhouse). From there, there is a 20-30 minute walk to the ground. Neither station has a taxi-rank so if one is required, you will need to order one. Alternatively, a bus (Pink Line) goes from Norwich to Wroxham which stops on the main road near the petrol station and there is a short walk along Skinners Lane to the ground. If travelling by car, there is a good road around Norwich (A47, A1270) which negates the need to drive through the centre of the city. There is car-parking available at the ground which is usually more than adequate. For any games where a big crowd is expected the club the club will try to arrange for parking available nearby. Alternatively, street parking is free in the village but please park sensibly and courteously for our neighbours.

7. Are there any local sights or amenities you’d recommend they visit? Tourist attractions, pubs etc?
A long weekend in the Broads or Norfolk in general is recommended. Autumn or Spring visits can give an option of hiring a boat for a leisurely time to travel the quiet and beautiful waterways. For those who do venture into Wroxham (actually it’s Hoveton over the river bridge), there is the famous Roys stores. From a toy shop, supermarket, department store and garden centre, it is fair to say that Roys does almost have a monopoly on the village. If you arrange to meet anyone, don’t say you are outside Roys otherwise it might take a while to find you! On a sunny day, there are riverside restaurants or pubs to sit outside and enjoy those rays. If you like fish and chips, then there is Ken’s for your lunch to enjoy watching the world pass next to the river. There is the King’s Head pub in Hoveton for a pint or why not come straight to Trafford Park to partake in a Woodfordes brew or two. Slightly further afield there is the Woodfordes brewery and pub in Woodbastwick but don’t be late for kick-off! Even more slightly afield is the city of Norwich or a trip to the North Norfolk coast or Great Yarmouth is less than 20 miles away.

8. Finally, pie, burger or pint? What would you recommend, and why?

The burgers and hotdogs are praised at the club so would recommend those with a plate of chips. Our kitchen facilities have recently been upgraded so we have been able to offer more options. The clubhouse has Woodfordes on tap including Wherry, a lager and a cider so that gets my vote.

We look forward to welcoming all supporters to Trafford Park this season and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask wroxhamfcpress@gmail.com or via our twitter account @the_yachtsmen. Ahoy!

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