Over the last few years Ross Juniors have not just solely concentrated on playing football. The club has an ever-growing reputation for social events and club trips.

In December they took 160 members to watch Aston Villa play against Manchester United at Villa Park. United deservedly won 3-0 in what was an open and entertaining game. It gave many of the Ross Juniors club members a chance to watch Premier League football without the hassle of arranging tickets, parking and travel. The coaches departed Ross Sports centre at 10am and went straight to the ground, giving all a chance to visit the family fun day, club shop and explore the ground and local area. The club has been running trips to Villa for five seasons and has such a strong relationship with them that 200 tickets are automatically reserved.

The club is currently on a recruitment drive for under 8s girls (current years 1 and 2). For young players, in particular, the social aspects of being a member of a football club are an important part of playing the game.

Ross Juniors' Paul Flitney said: "An under 8 player may not necessarily ever train or play with an under 10 member, these trips though bring the club together and creates a great atmosphere.

"The club has attracted new players by the lure of the trips and has also led to several parents being talked into becoming coaches over a few glasses in the evening!

"Sponsors and new kit has been donated and strong relationships have been built. Already for 2014 the club has the annual weekend to PGL Liddington booked, as well as plans for an England International and a trip to Anfield."

In April last year, 170 club members went to Paris for a four day tour. A day in Paris and at Eurodisney was complemented by the activities and setting of PGL's Chateau Grande Romaine. A local French football team provided a fine evening of games on their own ground on the banks of the Seine.

Paul said: "The contrast of our rolling Herefordshire countryside to cosmopolitan urban Paris could not have been greater. The trip proved so popular that the club were approached by friends of friends asking, though they were not part of the club, if they could come along."

In June, the club's annual trip to PGL Liddington in Wiltshire took place where a tournament was arranged for the boys, while the girls had the honour of playing Swindon Town's girls side.

Paul said: "Alongside the football, these trips have a high emphasis on the social aspect. The bar was regularly visited and proved a great hub for the weekend. All the children and some of the braver parents took part in all of the activities on offer, such as canoeing and abseiling."