There is something special about a visit to a local football club, particularly when you get the opportunity to experience not just the football but the community spirit and the people working hard behind the scenes.
Yesterday, we headed to Latimer Park to watch Kettering Town take on Redditch United in the Southern League Premier Central, and we certainly weren’t disappointed.
Before kick-off, there was also a particularly poignant moment as supporters, players and officials observed a minute’s silence as part of the Remembrance Sunday commemorations taking place across the UK. The atmosphere at Latimer Park fell respectfully quiet as everyone paused to remember those who have served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts past and present. The Last Post was then played, providing a moving tribute and a reminder that football, like so many parts of our communities, offers an opportunity to come together and remember.
The Poppies came away with all three points following an entertaining 2-1 victory, watched by an attendance of 908 supporters.
Kettering made the breakthrough in the 35th minute when Blaine Rowe found the back of the net, giving the home side a 1-0 advantage at half-time.
The second half got off to a flying start for the home supporters when Eddie Panter doubled Kettering’s lead just two minutes after the restart, finishing brilliantly to make it 2-0.
Redditch weren’t going to give up without a fight, however, and Tyler Bruck pulled one back on the hour mark to make things interesting. The visitors pushed for an equaliser, but Kettering held firm to secure a deserved 2-1 win.
The result was particularly important for Kettering, who finished the day sitting fourth in the league table with 31 points from 16 games. Redditch United remained 14th with 18 points from 14 matches.
However, our visit wasn’t just about the 90 minutes of football.
We were made incredibly welcome by Naheed Shears from Kettering Town Football Club, who was fantastic in making us feel at home and helping us appreciate what the club is all about. It’s people like Naheed who make visiting football clubs such an enjoyable experience.
It was also particularly interesting to see just how much the club has moved forward over the past year.
There has been a real drive to make Latimer Park more than simply somewhere to watch a football match. The development of the Fan Zone has been a major part of that ambition, creating a much more social and welcoming environment for supporters, families and visitors.
The club has invested in its matchday experience, with improved food and drink facilities, an outdoor bar and a big-screen entertainment area. The Fan Zone really came into its own during the 2026 World Cup, welcoming more than 3,700 supporter attendances across England’s matches.
There has also been significant progress behind the scenes, including a new 50-year lease securing the club’s future at Latimer Park and providing a platform for further investment in facilities and infrastructure.
From improved commercial partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to greater community engagement, there is a clear ambition to build something sustainable.
It is encouraging to see a non-league football club recognising that success isn’t just measured by what happens on the pitch. Creating a welcoming environment, involving the community and giving supporters a reason to return are equally important.
Our afternoon at Latimer Park was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Good football, a friendly welcome and a club that clearly has plenty of ambition.
A big thank you to Naheed Shears for making us so welcome.
If you haven’t visited Kettering Town recently, perhaps it’s time to put a matchday at Latimer Park on your list. You might just discover that non-league football has plenty to offer!
Final score: Kettering Town 2 – 1 Redditch United
Attendance: 908
Competition: Southern League Premier Central
Venue: Latimer Park, Kettering