Fortnite, tablets or lounging around. These are the typical recreations for 14-year olds "nowadays" but for one youngster from Wigan - this is just not the case as he volunteers at NWCFL Premier Division outfit Ashton Athletic.

Currently at secondary school preparing for his GCSE's, non-league fan Thomas Smart finds time on weekend's to help out at his local club, "I started volunteering due to my love of the game and I was interested to see what actually happened at a non-league club. I had been to one cup game against Ashton Town before and I was interested to see what jobs I could do and I wanted to be a part of this great club."

It all started one night under the lights at Ashton, "I wanted something to do on one Friday night so I thought I’d go and watch my local club, Ashton Athletic. It was a great game and I enjoyed it. The day after I contacted the club asking when was there any volunteering roles. They said "yes" and that’s where it all started.

"I started selling programmes and ball-boying and then I gradually started doing other things like cleaning the dugouts and moving things about. After a few weeks of volunteering, I was sat in the manager's car with the other manager and the Chairman going to Runcorn and then a few weeks after that I was doing the same but this time going to Oldham.

"I would’ve never dreamt of doing that, that’s why Non- league is special. Take your eyes away from your TV and stop reading the stories about the multi-million pound transfers and go and watch your local Non-League club. Everyone at the club will be friendly and they will give you a warm welcome. If you enjoy it you could even volunteer and get to know everyone at the club.

"Never in my life I would think I would know and speak to all of the players and managers at a football club but that’s why non-league is special. Ashton Athletic do have lots of games coming up to if you are interested go and have a look on the North West Counties Football League website and take your pick. Support your local team!"

Thomas ended with a rallying call to other football fans, "Have you ever wondered what other things happen in football on a Saturday? Well I can tell you. There are thousands of local clubs with armies of volunteers helping keep the club running!"

A big thank you to Thomas for getting in touch and to his Mum for allowing us to run the story.

Thanks to Craig Kendall at the NWCFL website for the article