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More on KentOnline
Chatham are hoping for a bumper turnout this weekend when they host Lordswood.
Crowds at the Bauvill Stadium have exceeded 300 in each of their three league encounters and they’re hoping to attract a whole lot more this Saturday.
What’s been promoted by the club this week as ‘project 500’ is ambitious and a target chairman Kevin Hake admits would be “unthinkable” but the club aren’t short of ambition.
“The crowds this year have been amazing,” he said.
“When we set out two years ago (taking over from the old regime) our crowds averaged 100.
“This has been a combination of the success of bringing home the first trophies in 20 years, challenging for the league and also the tireless work the club do in the community.
“I believe this club has the ability to gain the support within the local area as we aim to climb through the leagues.
“There are over 300,000 people who live in Medway. To put that into perspective that is the size of Newcastle, so if only a fraction come and support the Chats it will help us achieve that.
“We want this to be a place of sporting excellence that everyone can enjoy. Whether it be enjoying our free fit classes on a Monday or supporting the youth teams on a Sunday, we aim to be a positive influence within our community.”
Chatham are the team to beat this season and a 1-1 draw against lowly Fisher last weekend raised eyebrows. Only a late goal from Harry Harding rescued a point.
The team look set to remain in the hunt for promotion from the Southern Counties East League, however, and Hake believes grassroots football is on the up.
He said: “People are embracing more grassroots football as they are getting increasingly disillusioned with the state of the game at the highest level.
“They can come and see a game at Chatham knowing that every penny they spend is going into improving the club both on and off the pitch and I think people appreciate that.
“The game against Lordswood will be a tough local derby and for anyone who hasn’t come to watch the Chats it will be a great way to start your journey with us. You certainly will receive a warm welcome.”
