Carlton Town Supporter Ben Marsh talks about his involvement with the club as a volunteer, producing media content for the Club's TV Channel. He looks at the long distance travelling for away games and the implications to the club along with his hopes for the future for the club. We look at the Vase results as well as a mega penalty shoot out and a few stories you might have missed.

Girls Go Groundhopping - @GGGroundhopping Tony Hodgkinson visits to talk about the Social Media success he has created while groundhopping with his two young daughters. They show how affordable and fun non-league football can be while spending quality time together. We look at favourite grounds and recall some of the experiences going to games. We also look at last week's limited action and a few stories you may not have heard.

Nick Labbate joins us to talk about his time as a player and manager at Steps 5 to 7. He looks at the difficulties each raise, and recalls some of the managers he played under starting in men's football at 15 years old. Nick recalls his favourite ground plus his greatest sporting moment as he steps back from the sharp end of the game. He looks to the future as he helps players find clubs. We look forward to the Vase and have a few stories you might have missed.

Robin Bourne joins us for the last podcast of the year. He reflects on almost a half century in local football, officiating at games including a game at Wembley, serving as chairperson in a local Football Association, his pride when his son was appointed to the Football League list. We look at a few Christmas games past, last weekend's Vase and look forward to a few festive fixtures. A big thank you to our sponsor for 2024 Gusto Homes, all our guests, listeners and contributors over the last year.

Happy Christmas and see you next year.

Steve Penny is an author of many non league football books, has been programme editor for several clubs as well as sports writer and editor with several newspapers and as a freelancer, His current book is raising money for The Offside Trust an organisation committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and working to make sport safer for children.

links:

Latest news on Facebook – ‘Steve Penny Media’ Email steve@stevepennymedia.co.uk

On the drag – the football grounds of Suffolk – available on Amazon from January 2 and already on eBay £19.95. Also bookshops in Beccles, Diss and Halesworth. Direct from me at £18 – mention Grassroots Plus – via email for payment details.

Pilgrims’ Patch – the football grounds of Lincolnshire (with Martyn Girdham) – Amazon £19.95 Direct from me £18, as above.

Island Hopping – the football grounds of Lanzarote – Amazon £15.99 Direct from me £13, as above.

Tarts, Trams & Tuk Tuks – Amazon and eBay £7.50 Direct from me £6, as above

Soap Stars and Burst Bubbles – Amazon £11.24 (£9.99 ebook)

Towering Tales & a Ripping Yarn – Amazon £12.24 (£9.99)

The Mont – Amazon £16 Direct from me £12

The Totty Cup – Amazon £26 Direct from me £20

Wath Wonders – due out Christmas 2025

A long-time supporter and head of media at Bourne Town, Anthony Heppell joins us to talk about his role at the club. We look at the prospects of the existing team as they look forward to a tie in the FA Vase. We also look at the new developments at Abbey Lawns with regard to the club's future plans and sustainability. We look at the winners and the losers while Mick spots a club badge he likes.

This week's guest in Max Bailey from Emma's Ground Guide, With the season roughly at the half way point we look at how teams have progressed so far in the United Counties North and Division 1, Lincs League, Central Midlands Alliance and the Nottinghamshire Senior League. We discuss the popularity of the Vase and the FA Trophy. We also have a local lookout, the winners and losers as well as the stories you may have missed.

A fixture change as this week's guest gets a late call in to work. We look back at last weekend's UCL Premier North games and a ban in Bridlington. We have the local lookout, winners and losers and The FA's National League System Stadium Accreditation documents for 2024-25. Uncle Albert visits Hampshire and a few stories you may not have heard.