The origins of the YTISA go back to the days when Yeovil Town were plying their trade in the ICIS League under the management of the larger-than-life figure Graham Roberts.

Devoted Glovers’ fan Mark Kelly would often drive or go by train to London to watch Yeovil in action against sides from the Big Smoke. But he then realised that it would be far more practical and cost effective for travelling fans if he drove a minibus for them.

The seeds of the YTISA were planted. The group had a regular bunch of ‘away day’ fans who liked to get to London early for a few pints and something to eat before going to the Yeovil game. Then, afterwards, they would spend another couple of hours sampling the local ale and chatting to the ‘home’ supporters about the afternoon’s entertainment.

Mark said: “We felt that away days were more than just going to watch Yeovil in action – it was a day out.

“The main supporters’ group would arrive at the ground for the match in their coach and then at the final whistle get back on the coach and head off back to Yeovil. We wanted a bit more than that.

“Those early days of the YTISA saw us meet up with plenty of strange and interesting characters from the clubs we visited – and some of the pubs we visited were pretty strange as well!”

The popularity of the minibus trips grew and on more than one occasion Mark had to find extra drivers to drive the extra buses laid on.

By now the group had picked-up the name of Away Day Lads and continued to be popular as Yeovil returned to the top flight of non-league soccer in the 1997-98 season.

And then Mark took the decision to form the Yeovil Town Independent Supporters’ Association during the summer of 1999 and went on to play a key role in the Erection 2000 Appeal which was set-up to help raise money for the building of a roof above the home terrace at Huish Park.

From small seeds grow big trees they say and so it was as the membership of the YTISA steadily increased and now boasts more than 300 members.

The YTISA, led by Mark Kelly as chairman, has continually raised money and ploughed it back into Yeovil Town FC.

Meat draws, raffles, merchandise and away travel income has allowed the YTISA to buy a whole host of items for the club and has now become an integral part of the supporter base framework at Huish Park and formed a good relationship with club chairman John Fry and his staff.

Mark said: “It is incredible to think that the YTISA has grown so fast after it all started with me just driving a minibus of 15 supporters to away games not so long ago.

“When Yeovil got to the FA Trophy Final in May 2002 we had a convoy of coaches taking hundreds of fans to Villa Park and my house had become stacked from top to toe with YTISA merchandise. It is incredible.”