Some football grounds forbid entry for dogs. Others – like Haverfordwest County – throw their gates wide open.
At least that’s what they did at the start of February, welcoming in a local alpaca farm so that fans could meet and greet the cute and friendly visitors ahead of the fixture against Pontypridd United.
Sweet Home Alpaca – also based in Haverfordwest – brought along a couple of their residents, and they proved a big hit for fans young and old.
“One of the key pillars of the club’s vision is working with the local community,” says Ryan Evans, the club’s multimedia executive. “Having the alpacas there really did drive a different audience to that match.
“There were lots of young people – it was great to see. And we have all ages following us, which is something we’ve noticed over the last few years and we want to cotninue to encourage.”
Even the players made sure they didn’t miss out on saying hello – heading over after they’d had their team talk.
And don’t be surprised to see other unusual guests there in the future – as well as other work in the community.
“We’d like to be winning, and being in Europe was a big thing for us, but it’s the community spirit [that’s most important],” says Ryan. “Playing for Pembrokeshire is our main hashtag, and that’s something we’re tapping into.
“Who knows where we’ll go next for a different organisation to come in? If alpacas can come, that sets the bar!”
