A Football Fanatic’s Dream: A 1,200-Mile, 32-Club Journey Across England

What first began as a casual idea turned into an awesome adventure for a group of Tarka Yard employees. Over four days, the group embarked on a 1,200-mile journey across England, visiting 32 football stadiums–a trip filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a deep love for the beautiful game.

This incredible experience was made possible through the close collaboration between Tarka Yard and Disability Engagement Services. At DES, we are dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with additional needs, including those with autism spectrum disorders, mental health issues, and learning disabilities. Many of these individuals find meaningful employment at Tarka Yard, where they are supported in their roles by dedicated staff and support workers provided through our partnership with McIsla Recruitment.

Funding from Access to Work ensures that these initiatives run smoothly, allowing employees to participate fully in their work and in special opportunities like this one. And so began an epic road trip–a celebration of the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by DES and Tarka Yard, where everyone is empowered to pursue their passion–in this case, football.

The Birth of an Epic Journey

When the idea for a stadium-hopping road trip first came up, it seemed like a fun challenge–how many football grounds could they visit in just four days? With a shared passion for football and a spirit of adventure, the group decided to go for it. They hit the road–equipped with a loose itinerary and a boot stuffed with enough junk food to fuel a small army–and let motorway signs along the way guide them towards their next stop.

Day by Day

Thursday: Kicking Off with a Bang

Their quest began with stops at Bristol City and Bristol Rovers, setting the tone for an energetic and exciting trip. Making their way towards Birmingham, the group made several important stops–West Brom; Aston Villa; and Walsall–with a triumphant end to the first day at Birmingham City, where the crew managed to sneak into St. Andrew’s Stadium thanks to some conveniently open gates and some rather unobservant builders. Naturally, a photo in the stands was a must, and the day ended on a high note with a delicious Brummy curry and a well-deserved rest.

Friday: Triumphs, Trophies & Tribulations

Friday’s itinerary was packed with some of the most iconic clubs in England. Wolves, Stoke, Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, and Liverpool were all on the list. At Wolves, the group took the opportunity to visit the Megastore, taking some time to browse through the club’s merchandise and soak up the atmosphere. 

Later, at Manchester United, the group ventured into their second club shop of the trip. One member was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer volume of footie merch. The day was packed full of memorable moments–a stop in Manchester to see a genuine Premier League trophy, and a football jersey originally worn by Mo Salah. Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium with its Champions Wall was another highlight, with members of the group later declaring it a favourite stop–the stadium’s colossal size and significance were awe-inspiring. As the day drew to a close, they arrived in Blackpool just as Storm Lilian was hitting, but even the wild 70mph winds weren’t enough to dampen their spirits.

Saturday: The Adventure Continues

Despite the blustery weather, Saturday was another day of football-filled fun. The gang stopped by Fleetwood, Darlington, and Hartlepool, where one intrepid adventurer might have snuck into the stadium for a fleeting glimpse. The day continued with–thankfully–far less misdemeanour, with stops at Middlesbrough and Newcastle, where the gang took a moment to admire the statue of football legend Bobby Robson. Newcastle’s St. James’ Park was another favourite stop, for its towering stands and immense presence. Finally, after a long day of visiting stadiums, the group enjoyed some well-deserved chill time in the popular Shearer’s Bar.

Sunday: The Final Sprint

Sunday was a marathon day, with the group determined to squeeze as many stadiums into their return journey as possible. The final leg of the mammoth expedition began in Sunderland, moving on to Leeds, Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, and Sheffield United. The day did, however, unfold rather unexpectedly with a stop at The Crucible in Sheffield, famous for snooker, not football. One member of the group was decidedly unimpressed by this turn of events, grumbling, “It’s not even a stadium!”

With this anomaly out of the way, the journey continued, with stops at Chesterfield, Mansfield, Nottingham Forest, Notts County, Leicester, and finally Coventry. Whilst progress was swift, the long hours on the road began to take their toll–tiredness was creeping in, and the final McDonald’s stop was a somewhat grumpy affair. But the team pressed on, eventually completing their journey and arriving back in Devon, exhausted but accomplished.

Beyond the Stadiums

This trip represented far more than just a football-fuelled foray among friends; it was about creating memories and strengthening the bonds between colleagues who work together each and every day at Tarka Yard. The shared experiences–from navigating unexpected challenges to celebrating small victories–highlight the supportive and inclusive environment that Disability Engagement Services and Tarka Yard strive to cultivate.

Reflecting on the experience, it’s clear that the adventure has deepened the connections within the group, not only among each other but also to the places they visited. Each stadium, each stop along the way, added a new layer to their understanding of a sport they cherish and the friendships that sustain them.

An adventure like this serves to remind us all of the unique opportunities that come from being part of a community that values inclusion, teamwork, and shared passion. The road trip might have ended, but the spirit of adventure and connection continues at Tarka Yard.