2025 was actually a really good year in football for both myself and my partner. It was the second best in terms of numbers (I attended 115 matches) since the year 2019, where I did a whopping 182! I’m not sure, if I’ll ever reach those heights again, but never say never… Out of the 115 games, 110 of them were ‘new' (to me) grounds, I saw 461 goals (averaging 4 a game) and my most seen team were, of course, my faves Worcester City Women FC at 8 times.
The lowest attendance was 10 (at several county league games) and the highest was 5,964 at the Liberty Stadium, where Wales Women took on Italy Women in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, back in June.
But, of course groundhopping isn’t only about stats, though I’m sure some will contest that opinion… It is of course about the enjoyment of watching the beautiful game in weird and wonderful places all around the UK and beyond. And, I will say, that my enthusiasm and pleasure for doing so has really been rekindled this year. I think one of the reasons for that is, because we’ve been to more interesting games/ grounds, which is obviously a huge help. Kind of how we used to do it way back when, just pick a ground or game which we really want to go to and then just go to it! It’s really that simple and those are always the best days out.
I think as well, the fact that I’ve been getting back into photography has had a lot to do with it. I love being behind the camera, so I need to keep on top of that and make it more of a regular occurrence in 2026. I have several games lined up already to photograph, so fingers crossed the weather plays nice and the clubs actually get back to me when I email for permission. I’m aware both of those things are out of my control, but still, one should never give up hope!
It’s also been great continuing attending Worcester City Women’s games, as well as being an ad hoc volunteer photographer for them. I love being part of a club in which my outlook and ethics align with so strongly and it’s great to be able to give back in whatever small way I can.
Ok, so time for my top 10 grounds of the year. As always, this list is not an easy thing to compile, but I tried my best. Also, I’m a sucker for a ground with an athletics track, which will be obvious when you read this list! I’m not sure what it is about them, but they always seem to have an interesting looking large stand, plus often some old curved terracing. Phwoar! The list is in order in which I visited, because to put them in order of my favourite, would not be an enjoyable task.
List is below, enjoy! I hope you have an amazing 2026, catch you at a game <3
Twerton Park
Bath City FC 2-0 Tonbridge Angels
National League South, 15/03/25
Attendance: 1073
Victoria Bottoms (phone photograph- definitely does not do the ground justice)
Bath City FC 2-0 Tonbridge Angels
National League South, 15/03/25
Attendance: 1073
Victoria Bottoms (phone photograph- definitely does not do the ground justice)
Nanpean Rovers 6-0 Roche AFC
St Piran League Division 1 East, 19/04/25
Attendance: 432
Wakefield Road
Lepton Highlanders 5-3 Greetland AFC
Yorkshire Amateur Supreme Division, 03/05/25
Attendance: 50
GER Sports Ground
March Town United 2-0 Ipswich Wanderers FC
Men’s FA Cup Preliminary Round, 16/08/25
Attendance: 192
Guru Nanak
Guru Nanak FC 1-0 Minster FC
Kent County Football League Premier Division, 06/09/25
Attendance: 51
Kuflink Stadium
Ebbsfleet United 5-0 Roche AFC
Men’s FA Cup Second Round Qualifying, 13/09/25
Attendance: 574
London Marathon Community Track
Stonewall FC 2-1 Harrow United
Middlesex County League Premier Division, 11/10/25
Attendance: 10
Alexander Stadium
West Bromwich Albion Women 1-1 Middlesbrough Women FC
FAWNL Northern Premier Division, 02/11/25
Attendance: 111
South Kesteven Stadium
Grantham Town FC 2-2 Abbey Hulton United
FA Vase Third Round Proper, 08/11/25
Attendance: 232
Moorways Stadium
Pride Park FC 1-3 Derby County Women Devs
Derbyshire County Cup, 21/12/25
Attendance: 52
And for a bonus ‘game of the season’:
Notts County Women FC 0-4 Worcester City Women FC
FAWNL Division One Midlands, 12/10/25
Attendance: 65 at Coronation Park
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