In June 2024 at the Berkshire Football Awards, Reading YMCA of the Thames Valley Premier League emerged victorious in the Matchday Experience category and were presented with their trophy by host Paul Watson.
Fast-forward to March 2025 and author, podcaster and journalist Watson and the Football in Berkshire team are heading to West Berkshire to experience the club for themselves.
So on Saturday 8th March (ko 2pm), Reading YMCA will face AFC Winkfield and there’s plenty going on – including a presentation of the clubs FA Centenary award by Berks & Bucks County FA CEO Liz Verrall.
Timings: Programmes on sale from 1pm – limited in number. 2pm kick off – meet Paul and seek out the County FA team.
Entry is free but programmes are £3 in advance plus admin fee. There will be a limited number of programmes available on the day.
Matchday Programme
Is there a printed programme? When the end of the world comes, there will still be people asking about printed programmes, such is our expected longevity of the format. And in this case the answer is YES! Football in Berkshire’s Abi Ticehurst has produced a wonderful printed programme priced at £3 +admin fee if you purchase in advance.
All profits from programme sales will be passed on to Reading YMCA FC.
On the menu
The main reason for YM’s award win was the matchday food on offer – unusual in these parts at Step 7.
The club have let us know that the famous beef chilli, hot dogs and soup will all be available on the day while the best value bar in the county will also be open for business.
Special guest(s)
Listen to the Guardian Football Weekly? You might be familiar with the dulcet tones of Paul Watson. Paul is the one they bring in during international breaks to cover all things outside the traditional big sides and is as devoted to bringing San Marino onto the big stage as he is Micronesia.
Paul loves the underdog and the game in places you might not otherwise expect to find it. Which is why he’s absolutely perfect for Football in Berkshire and will be our awards host once again in 2025.
And if you’ve not read his book Up Pohnpei! you really should. We’ll be giving away a signed copy on Saturday but you’ll need to buy a programme to find out how to win it.
We’re also delighted our County FA friends will be joining us and will be holding a Keepy Uppy challenge through the game.
Travel to Reading YMCA FC
Address: Reading YMCA, Padworth Village Hall, Padworth Lane, Reading RG7 4HY
Access to Reading YMCA is via Aldermaston Railway Station or off M4 junction 12. There is plenty of parking on-site with additional parking available across the road.
Want to find out more? Listen to Mark Lemm – Reading YMCA’s one-club man on the latest episode of Berkshire Football Stories.
