THE 1874 COLUMN - A different perspective with Matt Waters

OUR community club continues to look at ways in which we can have a positive impact on people.

And our latest outreach projects set out to achieve exactly that.

We are offering free entry to home games for anyone who is suffering from social isolation, battling depression, anxiety or any other mental health condition.

This offer is open for the remainder of this season and beyond.

As the cold, dark months arrive, we can offer a warm drink and friendly face.

We acknowledge the football won’t act as a curable treatment but we have developed relationships with local charities and community groups who can offer support and guidance for anyone who is suffering.

One of these charities is Mind UK,who are a charity supporting mental health across the country and we will be welcoming their Mid Cheshire branch to our home game against Longridge Town on November 30.

The offer itself is purely for home games and we encourage anybody suffering to come along so we can help this conversation move forward and put them in touch with charities which can support them.

Since this was announced, we have received lots of social media interest, with the club once again attracting national attention.

On Saturday, in my role as club media officer, I featured on ‘The Warm Up’ live on Talksport with Max Rushden to discuss this fantastic initiative so we can create change in our community for anyone suffering with mental health.

Another project announced within the last week is ‘Dogtober’.

At our home game versus Burscough on Saturday, October 26, we will be raising money for Dogs For Good, a charity that focuses on providing assistance dogs for families or children suffering with disabilities.

For every dog that comes to the game, as a club we will donate £3 to Dogs For Good to help provide extra support to help those families in need.

“I am absolutely delighted that 1874 has announced its support for both initiatives," said board member Vicki England.

"Our club is committed to reaching out to those who may require support, either by raising awareness or much needed funds as well as welcoming people along to the match and offering them a warm and friendly, social environment.

"1874 Northwich is a community focused football club and we are working hard to have a positive impact on people.

"For us, it's more than just 90 minutes on a Saturday!”

If you would like more information on this matter and would like to arrange attendance at a home league game, contact fanengagement@1874northwich.com.

* Matches this week:

Tonight, Tuesday: 1874 Northwich v Hanley Town

Saturday: Cheadle Heath Nomads v 1874 Northwich, Macron Cup first round.

Tuesday, October 22: Witton Albion v 1874 Northwich, Cheshire Senior Cup first round