THE Ground Hoppers are heading back to the South West, this year being based in Cornwall.

This event attracts hundreds of ‘Ground-Hoppers’, serious affectionados of the game, whose hobby sees them watch the beautiful game at as many different grounds as possible. Many of them have seen football at over 1000 different venues.

They travel from all parts of the UK and also from Europe, with the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden in particular seeing a strong interest in the pastime.

Around 300 Hoppers are anticipated to descend this Easter, with some games expected to attract at least double that attendance as a lot of local derby matches are included.

Although there are many Ground Hops staged throughout the year, the Easter event is the main one and started in the Northern League 22 years ago. It transferred to the Old Devon and South Western League for six years from 1997 to 2002, and has visited occasionally since, the last time being in 2011.

This year’s event is sure to attract high numbers as the fact the grounds are so far off the beaten track only adds to the appeal. Also, six of the seven venues have never previously been on the Ground Hop.

The host Club stands to benefit from bumper crowds, with most ‘Hoppers’ also keen to purchase programmes and badges as souvenirs. Refreshments will be available at all venues, with BBQ’s, pasties and all other necessities.

The event starts on Maundy Thursday (March 24) with a local derby between St Austell and St Blazey, 7.45pm kick off.

On Good Friday, Illogan play Penryn at 11am, and then Wendron take on Porthleven at 3pm, before completing the day at Helston versus Falmouth at 7pm.

Saturday sees Sticker host Wadebridge at 10.30am, the St Dennis versus Milbrook at 1.15pm and the day will finish at Bude for their match against Holsworthy, kicking off at 4.45pm.

It is sure to be a great occasion not to be missed.