Dulwich Hamlet FC describe themselves as “London's Finest Football Club since 1893”, a statement which their very vocal supporters would agree with. Based in the London Borough of Southwark, Dulwich play in the 7th tier Isthmian Division, having been promoted from Division One South in the 2012-13 season.
The team has grown a reputation for being one of the best, and most loudly supported, teams anywhere in non league football. Average attendances for last year's games at the Champion Hill ground were 944, more than double that of 4th placed Lewes, though they trail Maidstone United who brought an average of 1,749 fans.
Some have questioned why fans are flocking in their droves to watch a team in the 7th football tier. For one thing its the price of entry – a regular ticket costs £4, with a £2 programme and pints of locally brewed lager for a relatively reasonable £3. Compare that with a London based Premier League team, where you'd be lucky to get through the turnstiles without forking out £40. In fact last year an average day out to a Chelsea game clocked in at a whopping £57.50.
But another major draw is the sense of community building in the Champion Hill stands. Attendance has grown by 250% in the last 5 years in tandem with community initiatives like the 12th Man Scheme – which raises funds to acquire fan “owned” players. This gives fans an innovative way to connect with their team – rather than shouting abuse at the manager!
Dulwich's fans are known as “The Rabble”, a reputation they live up to. Loud, raucous and enthusiastic there is also a strong strand of left wing activism with regular attendees. A major supporters group, ComFast, is Communist in ideology and members are often seen wearing red star scarves.
Having an avidly leftist support can cause problems. When Dulwich played the Metropolitan Police in a league game, a heavy challenge by a police player was met by chants of “he fell down the stairs”, much to the ire of the visitors.
While the latest Premier League action can be followed almost anywhere, non league football struggles to attract media attention. However, if the example of Dulwich Hamlet FC is anything to go by, we might hope that the future will bring more local support for grassroots teams and the formation of new, vibrant communities around lower league sides.
Just 2 seasons after promotion, Dulwich currently sit a comfortable 3rd in the Isthmian League standings, with 4 games in hand over 4th placed Metropolitan Police. Promotion may be a long term objective, but for the moment fans are content to cheer on the Pink n' Blues wherever they play!
