BASILDON MP Stephen Metcalfe donned his hi-viz jacket and got behind the turnstiles to help one of his local non-league sides out.

The South Basildon & East Thurrock MP went to work at Bowers and Pitsea FC on Saturday (22 October) to help promote the need for volunteers.  

Entain, a sports-betting group, sponsors the Isthmian League thorugh its "Pitching In" brand an promotes a 'Volunteer Hub' that enables clubs, such as Bowers, to post volunteering vacancies, while fans can search for available opportunities either at a specific club or based on their location.  

The club is currently looking for a volunteer photographer, a volunteer turnstile operator, match day stewards, and some volunteers to assist with stadium maintenance during the off-season. If you would like to get involved, click the link here: https://pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk/search?club=12&method=club  

Last Saturday, Stephen visited Bowers and Pitsea FC to hear about the volunteering opportunities available and then got stuck in by volunteering on the turnstiles.  Afterwards he said: "A big thank you to Bowers and Pitsea FC for having me on Saturday. It was great to pitch in and help the club operate the turnstiles during a busy match day.  

"Volunteers are at the heart of non-league sport and Bowers and Pitsea FC rely on local people to enable them to run the brilliant community events they do."