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Walton & Hersham supporters are boycotting the matchday bar at their home ground amid an ongoing dispute over how food and drink revenue is distributed.
The newly-promoted National League South club's fans say the Swans are missing out on an important source of income as the club continues to grow rapidly.
Walton & Hersham do not benefit from food or drink sales at Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub
Walton & Hersham supporters have stopped buying food and drink at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub as frustration continues over the club's lack of income from food and drink sales.
The Swans' supporters' club has confirmed the main boycott will take place when Walton & Hersham host promotion favourites Dorking Wanderers on August 29th, with further unofficial boycotts also being considered.
Fans claim the club does not receive any of the revenue generated by the stadium bar, despite attendances increasing significantly following a remarkable rise through the English football pyramid.
Walton & Hersham were taken over by a group of young supporters in 2019 when the club was facing relegation to the tenth tier. They have since enjoyed several promotions and will now compete in the National League South for the first time.
Supporters' club chair Mick Moriarty said Places Leisure makes significant money from matchday bar sales while Walton & Hersham receives “not a penny”, warning that the situation could eventually hinder the club's ability to sustain its progress.
Places Leisure, which operates the stadium, argues that bar revenue contributes towards staffing, utilities, cleaning and maintenance costs at the venue.
Elmbridge Borough Council also said the club benefits from a reduced pitch-hire rate and does not have to cover several stadium operating costs.
The council added that it replaced the site's 3G pitch four years earlier than planned for £300,000 to help Walton & Hersham meet National League South ground-grading requirements.
The club is allowed to operate its own burger van and shop at the ground, meaning it does receive some matchday commercial revenue.
FGG says: Walton fans have a fair point
It is easy to understand why supporters are frustrated.
Walton & Hersham are a rapidly rising non-league club, and increased attendances should create opportunities to generate more income.
While the council and Places Leisure clearly have significant operating costs, it feels only fair that the club should benefit more directly from the growing crowds it is helping to attract.