They may have been defeated on the pitch but Badshot Lea Football Club won over a community last weekend by holding their first Community Day.

There were at least fireworks above their Wrecclesham pitch last Saturday to round off a day of entertainment in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

The event was the brainchild of BLFC volunteer, supporter and fundraiser, Nick Hester, as he wanted to showcase the club at its best while giving something back to the village community.

The Baggies sometimes struggle with crowds because of their position “tucked away at the back of Westfield Lane” but are punching above their weight in Step 4 of non-league football despite their meagre budget.

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BLFC players sign autographs before their match against Southall. (Nick Hester)

So Mr Hester decided to “do something about it” with he and the club being rewarded on the day with a crowd three times their normal attendance and a further 100 more gathering in the evening for fireworks.

There was also live music by Blackout, children were treated to a free lucky dip, and parents enjoyed the bar.

The event is expected to raise around £2,000 for the hospice, buoyed by raffle takings and the club donating entrance money.

“Even though it was my idea and I have bruised hands from posting over 1,000 leaflets through letterboxes, it was very much a team event,” added Mr Hester.

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There was live music from Blackout at the community event (Nick Hester)

“We couldn't have done the day without local logistics company Hi-Speed Services sponsoring Saturday, Blackout playing for free and local businesses donating all the raffle prizes. And on top of that I'd like to thank our volunteers who all played a major part on the day.”

And although they went down 3-1 courtesy of two very late goals from Southall, the visitors showed their class by having a whip round and also making a donation.

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And at least there were fireworks above the pitch to round off the day. (Nick Hester)

'That was a nice gesture from their chairman and just goes to show that the non-league football scene is a friendly one with clubs appreciating what goes in off the field,” added Nick.

Going forward, Nick hopes that people will return and support their local football club at matches and for forthcoming events.

He said: “We've had some lovely comments from residents who had never been to the ground before and someone actually said that we should try and do this once a month. I’ll have to see what my partner says about that.”