West Lancs 'Groundhop' - how to get involved

As revealed last month, hundreds of ‘hoppers’ will descend on West Lancs grounds over a bumper August bank holiday (Aug 22-25) with up to 10 matches taking place over four days.

Clubs have now been sent a form to fill in to indicate if they want to put their names forward to be considered either as a home club or be an away team for the first ‘hop’ in 2025/26.

Those who volunteer to be away clubs will be given priority to be a host club in 2026/27.

Committee member Martin Benson, who is leading the organisation of the groundhop for the league, said: “Following the announcement made at the League Secretary’s meeting in January we are setting the ‘ball’ in motion to put the host clubs in place as early as possible.

“This is being done deliberately to try and give those clubs chosen to host fixtures as much time as possible to prepare for the event, and additionally to give Groundhop UK as much time as possible to deal with the organisation required at their end.

“The deal with Groundhop UK means every club, should they wish, will get to host a game whilst a member of the league and meeting the criteria set out by Groundhop UK and provided to clubs, over the length of the agreement with the West Lancashire League.”

More information will be provided once the league knows which clubs wish to be involved in 2025/26.

How it will work (times rough guidance)
Friday August 22 – one match, 7pm kick off
Saturday August 23 – three matches, 11am, 2pm, 5pm
Sunday August 24 – three matches, 11am, 2pm, 5pm
Monday August 25 – two or three matches, 11am, 2pm and maybe 5pm