They think it’s all rover! Maltby Main FC smashes world record Support Dogs and Maltby Main FC are celebrating after smashing the previous world record for the number of dogs attending a non-league football match. Seventy-eight pitch-side pooches were confirmed in attendance, beating the previous record of 32 held by West Didsbury FC. Maltby Main FC in Maltby, South Yorkshire, had appealed for as many dog-loving footie fans to ‘bring their hounds to the ground' for their final league game against Pontefract Collieries FC on April 28, which was officially designated Non-League Dog Day. As well as trying to setting the world record, the club also raised £500 for Support Dogs, which held a bucket collection on the day. The attempt to set the world canine attendance record was the brainchild of Maltby Main FC’s chairman Wilf Race (pictured far right) and chief executive Darrell Johnson (right) as a means of engaging with the local community and raising awareness and cash for Support Dogs. The idea gathered momentum and the day was turned into a family fun day at Main’s ground at Muglet Lane. The event also generated lots of media interest, and even got a mention on the BBC’s Football Focus. “I’m a big Twitter fan and love following stories about dogs at non-league football matches,” says Wilf, who is also a former manager at the club. “We thought it would be a bit of fun on our last game of the season, and it would also be fantastic to raise money for such a good cause as Support Dogs, who are based just down the road from us. “There’s a real community spirit in Maltby, and happily we got lots of support from local dog owners. It was a really great fun day, despite the driving rain.” Fundraising manager Danny Anderson said: “We’re really grateful to Wilf and Darrell and Maltby Main FC for thinking of us in their successful attempt to break the world record.” April 2018. Manage Cookie Preferences
Seventy-eight pitch-side pooches were confirmed in attendance, beating the previous record of 32 held by West Didsbury FC. Maltby Main FC in Maltby, South Yorkshire, had appealed for as many dog-loving footie fans to ‘bring their hounds to the ground' for their final league game against Pontefract Collieries FC on April 28, which was officially designated Non-League Dog Day. As well as trying to setting the world record, the club also raised £500 for Support Dogs, which held a bucket collection on the day. The attempt to set the world canine attendance record was the brainchild of Maltby Main FC’s chairman Wilf Race (pictured far right) and chief executive Darrell Johnson (right) as a means of engaging with the local community and raising awareness and cash for Support Dogs. The idea gathered momentum and the day was turned into a family fun day at Main’s ground at Muglet Lane. The event also generated lots of media interest, and even got a mention on the BBC’s Football Focus. “I’m a big Twitter fan and love following stories about dogs at non-league football matches,” says Wilf, who is also a former manager at the club. “We thought it would be a bit of fun on our last game of the season, and it would also be fantastic to raise money for such a good cause as Support Dogs, who are based just down the road from us. “There’s a real community spirit in Maltby, and happily we got lots of support from local dog owners. It was a really great fun day, despite the driving rain.” Fundraising manager Danny Anderson said: “We’re really grateful to Wilf and Darrell and Maltby Main FC for thinking of us in their successful attempt to break the world record.” April 2018.