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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Connell Rawlinson highlights the importance of community spirit ahead of 'Football for a Fiver' fixture

"To be able to do something like this is fantastic," were the words of Notts County defender Connell Rawlinson ahead of their 'Football for a Fiver' fixture against Yeovil Town next weekend.

In the lead up to the National League fixture this Saturday the Magpies confirmed that fans would be able to donate a ticket to gift someone less fortunate, which has seen ticket sales rocket since the initiative was announced.

It proved to be a record-breaking day last time it took place, with 12,843 packed inside Meadow Lane to watch Notts' 2-0 win over Solihull Moors.

READ MORE: Five things learned from Notts County's 2-0 win over Eastleigh

Having played in that fixture last year, Rawlinson revealed how much the atmosphere inside the stadium helps the player during the match, explaining that when the crowds gather at Meadow Lane it almost replicates a similar atmosphere to a Premier League fixture.

"Just going back to the Southend game the other night, you could tell that their fans were giving them that extra buzz when they were winning tackles and headers, it was a real incentive," he said.

"But when we get fill this stadium, you feel the atmosphere. In the tunnel before the game, there are people walking on the streets outside, it feels like a Premier League game.

"I have been to games myself in the Premier League and you are walking around the streets before the game, and you feel that buzz.

"It's a chance to bring the community together, I was part of the squad last season for the game against Solihull Moors and it was a great attendance, and we broke the National League attendance that day.

"When the fans come and watch us, anything over 10,000 you feel that atmosphere and connection with the fans."

The importance of having that bond with the community was not lost on the Notts number five.

Having signed for the club in 2019 from Port Vale, the 31-year-old has formed a great relationship with the Magpies fans and the local community.

And the defender explained how important Notts is to those within the local community, and further highlighted how the 'Football for a Fiver' incentive is a perfect chance for the whole community to come together and celebrate a wonderful day given the current financial state of the country.

"Any big football team in their city is almost the corner post of their community, it brings families and people together," he added.

"To be able to sell tickets for a fiver during hard times at the minute with everything that is going off the pitch, it's a price that can be afforded by everyone.

"I think it's a great incentive and it brings people together. You might have people come down who are not necessarily Notts fans but want to be part of the day.

"Hopefully we can go and break our own record on the day, but the incentive is there to get everyone down to enjoy the day and hopefully we can deliver a good performance for the fans."

For the first time since its introduction, the 'Football for a Fiver' incentive allows fans of the club to donate tickets to people who are unable to attend matches regularly which has seen a huge uptake from the Magpies faithful.

Luke Williams' staff and the Magpies players instantly got the ball rolling, donating 50 tickets when the announcement was released, creating into a snowball effect among the Notts supporters.

It comes as no surprise to Rawlinson, who explained the positive impact the incentive will have on the local community, adding that the football club has always been a 'fans club' with new owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz emphasising the importance of the fans.

"It speaks volume for the club itself," said Rawlinson.

"Since I joined Notts we have been a big advocate of bringing people in and giving people less fortunate to come and watch football.

"We are all footballing people, and the passion it provides and the love and drama, you don't get that same feeling anywhere else.

"To be able to give back to the community, you have to understand there is a huge fan base at Notts and they come week in, week out, so for the club to be able to give back to them in this type of way and it speaks volumes on how the club is run at the minute.

"To be able to do something like this is fantastic."

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