TUAFC caught up with matchday volunteers Paul Dennis, Dennis Kallmer and Shakira Gilbert, to find out about their roles at the Club on home matchdays at Plainmoor.
From gate staff to programme and 50/50 sellers, on a matchday here at Plainmoor, the Club is fortunate to have a number of loyal volunteers who assist the Club on all home matchdays. Ahead of last Saturday’s fixture against Eastbourne, we caught up with three of our matchday volunteers, Paul Dennis, Dennis Kallmer and Shakira Gilbert.
Paul is a long-standing volunteer at the Club, and will be a familiar face for those entering the ground via the Bristow’s Bench and Family Stand turnstiles, with Paul on hand ready to sell supporters 50/50 tickets. Meanwhile Dennis Kallmer and Shakira Gilbert are always on hand to sell supporters their official matchday programmes.
“I’ve been doing the 50/50s since they started back in 1994/95 and I’ve been a volunteer at the Club for over 40 years.
Paul’s first game here at Plainmoor is one he remembers fondly and was back in 1971, when United drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers. Upon being quizzed on his favourite memory here at Plainmoor, Paul has had many to choose from over the years, but eventually settled on one particular Devon Derby.
“Too many, there’s so many! Probably what does top it is beating Plymouth Argyle 3-1 in 2011,” said Paul.
Meanwhile programme seller duo Dennis and Shakira took up their voluntary role selling the Club’s official matchday programmes last season, and have continued their role throughout 2023/24. Dennis spoke of how both he and Shakira enjoy their roles on a matchday here at Plainmoor, even more so when the pair manage to sell out their programme allocation!
“It’s great, it’s the banter – I’d like to think I’ve got a bit of a sense of humour and we have a bit of fun, and it’s nice to help Shakira sell programmes in our role as she’s got a slight disability, and Shakira loves it – it’s just great, it’s a great feeling,” explained Dennis.
“We just have fun every game. We do like to sell out. We don’t always sell out but we did on Boxing Day!”
Alongside Dennis, who she sees as an Uncle figure, Shakira loves her matchday role here at Plainmoor, and was quick to let us know who her favourite United player is.
“Jarvis, I love Aaron Jarvis,” said Shakira.
TUAFC would like to thank Paul, Dennis, Shakira and all the other volunteers that help out on matchdays here at Plainmoor, with all of their hard work much appreciated by everyone at the Club.
Torquay United AFC is privileged to be able to call upon a whole host of volunteers, who all play a vital role in the smooth running of the Club.. Anybody who shares our passion for pushing our Club onto greater heights, and would like to join our team of volunteers either throughout the week or also on matchdays, are invited to contact us via [email protected], detailing which areas of the Club is of particular interest to them.
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