Reduced entry in exchange for Food Bank Donation proves big success
The Robins dedicated their recent home fixture against AFC Varndeanians as their annual matchday in support of Hassocks Food Bank.
And a huge crowd of 520 made it the most successful yet, donating over 400 items which have subsequently been delivered to the Community Food Bank by Hassocks chairman Pat Harding and president Dave John.
Fans were given the opportunity to watch the Robins clash with opponents from just the other side of Clayton Hill for a cut price admission fee of £5 if they brought an item for the Food Bank along to the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground.
The response was overwhelming. More than 20 boxes and bags containing around 20 items each were collected at the turnstiles, with Hassocks players joining in to make a sizeable contribution of their own.
It ended up being a good afternoon off and on the pitch for the Robins. The attendance was the second-highest in Hassocks history for a league game not held on a Bank Holiday or as the final game of the season.
Eclipsed only by the 603 who packed out the ground for the post-Christmas clash against Roffey back in December.
Second half goals from Jack Troak and Bradley Tighe secured a 2-0 victory, keeping the Robins 13 points clear of Crowborough Athletic at the top of the Southern Combination Premier Division.
This was the third season running Hassocks have used a home fixture to collect donations for the Food Bank.
The first saw the Robins draw 2-2 against Newhaven in March 2023. 12 months later and Hassocks came from 1-0 behind to defeat Crawley Down Gatwick 3-1 on an afternoon featuring rain, sleet and sunshine.
Both of those matches took place on Non League Day, the national celebration of all things grassroots which encourages football fans to get our and support their local amateur club.
With Hassocks away at Shoreham for this year’s Non League Day, the Robins decided to use a normal matchday to support the local community.
