EAST Devon football clubs are set to play a major role in a football phenomena known as 'ground hopping' when the South West Peninsula League stages a ground hop next season.

EAST Devon football clubs are set to play a major role in a football phenomena known as 'ground hopping' when the South West Peninsula League stages a ground hop next season. The event is one that sees a number of football clubs selected to be part of the 'hop', which comprises a large following of people attending seven football matches over a three day period from Thursday, April 9, to Saturday, April 11. The hop's opening game is the Thursday evening match at Clyst Rovers (v Cullompton Rangers), then on Good Friday morning it's Axminster Town (v Ottery St Mary at 11.30am), followed by Royal Marines (v Exeter Civil Service) at 3.30pm and in the evening the hop takes in the Exmouth Town (v Budleigh Salterton) game at Southern Road (kick off 7.30pm). The final three of the seven game schedule are on Easter Saturday with followers able to take in matches at Buckland Athletic, Galmpton United and Liverton United. The hop sees supporters come from far and wide, with some travelling from as far afield as Australia and Canada. Exeter University is set to be the base for next spring's intrepid football fans and in general the grounds chosen for the hop see crowds well in excess of 500 and this will represent a real opportunity for the hosting clubs to make some much needed funds.