Supporters Information.
AFC Emley prides itself on the warm, welcome that greets players, officials and supporters.
Emley has a core of diehard fans affectionately known as the "Faithful." Supporters are the lifeblood of any club, and as always we would like more. Emley have always played an attractive passing style of football, and always with a competitive edge.
We want to make your visit to the Welfare Ground as pleasant as possible in the hope that you will come back whenever you can. If you have any specific feedback for us please use the email link below and we will ensure that the correct person deals with your comments.
Contact - Webmaster.
On the left there are links to pages that we hope you find useful.
Parking.
As you turn into the entrance of the ground take the first left. You will see a grassed area that is suitable for parking up to 150 cars behind the covered stand. We have permission to construct disabled parking near to the left hand turnstile.
Ground Access.
For most AFC Emley fixtures entrance to the ground will be through the 2 turnstiles to the left as you look at the rear of the stand that shelters the top ground. On busy days we have the option of opening a further turnstile situated at the right hand side of the main stand.
AFC Emley Sports Bar.
The Sports bar is situated within the ground on your left as you enter through the Turnstile on match days. When no game is planned access to the bar can be achieved by walking down the left hand side of the turnstile and to the entrance between the main stand and changing rooms - head for the conservatory.
Open before, during and after all matches played at the Welfare, the bar offers an excellent choice of draught lager and bitter. It also has a comprehensive selection of bottled beers as well as soft drinks. Tea and coffee can also be ordered from here.
Licensing regulations imposed means that alcohol can only be consumed within the Sports Bar, so please do not take your drinks outside. Although there is a view of the pitch from the bar, the blinds are required to be closed whilst the match is in process again to comply with licensing conditions.
The bar has a large screen on which to view Sky Sports, it can accommodate up to 75 persons and is available for social function hire - see main Social Club page for details.
Watching The Game.
Due to the cricket pitch viewing can only be achieved via 3 sides to the ground.
The Alec Hardy stand has 330 seats offering a lofted view of the game. Only on rare occasions will you be charged to sit in the stand.
The top goal is sheltered by a covered standing area which will accommodate 1,000 spectators, again no charge is made for this area.
There is terracing on the remaining 2 sides, including in front of the Alec Hardy stand.
Whilst players and officials are entering and exiting the playing area, a sliding gate will be used to allow unobstructed access to the changing rooms. Please respect the players and officials when the gate is closed. They will be opened again once all players have passed through.
Catering.
Emley has an excellent reputation for our match food. The hostesses can be found at the far end of the stand where they will serve you an excellent selection of hot and cold food. There is access to a covered seating area behind the stand to get out of any inclement weather (which is often at the Welfare Ground).
Raffle.
Most games will see the club holding a raffle, you get to meet the lovely Helen who will sell you strip of tickets for £1.00. The prize is the much coveted Big Breakfast, sourced from a local butcher using locally sourced products, this generally keeps a family of 2 fed for week. Approaching Valentines day or other notable female celebration days, the prize changes to something that the ladies will enjoy. Please support if you can - it goes to desperately needed club funds.
Programmes
The club produces match day programmes priced at £1.20. Rob Dixon puts the programmes together, which are always of a good quality and informative. If you would like to advertise within the programme then please contact any of the committee for details. Alternatively if you have anything to contribute or would like a special occasion mentioning then please contact us.
Merchandise.
The club has a small selection of merchandise available for purchase. Please ask behind the bar if you wish to order - details of what is available via this link.
Please Help Us.
As stated above we want everyone who visits to enjoy themselves and to ultimately come back again. As such we would ask that you refrain from any of the below:
- Please refrain from any foul abusive language or behaviour.
- Please do not sit or stand on any of the playing area retaining walls.
- Please do not enter onto the playing surface.
- Please be mindful that if you stand up in the main stand, those behind you may not be able to see the game.
- Please do not bring your alcohol into the ground.
- Please do not take any alcohol outside the sports bar.
- Please do not smoke inside the sports bar.
- Respect when the sliding gates are shut, please respect players and officials as they are entering or leaving this area.
Thank you - enjoy your visit.
AFC Emley