Yeovil Town FC is delighted to announce the launch of a Crowdfunder page, which in part will also benefit NHS workers and the Yeovil Hospital Charity.
The page which can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/yeoviltown is a direct response to recent social media comments where fans were seeking ways to contribute to YTFC. The Crowdfunder page will allow supporters to help the club with donations as well as selling packages for next season. 10% of all monies raised will be donated to the Yeovil Hospital Charity and there are options to donate tickets to NHS workers for next season.
Commenting Club Chairman Scott Priestnall said;
“After the coronavirus pandemic prompted the suspension of our season, we had loads of messages from supporters who wanted to know how they could help us through this tough, uncertain time.
“While we are working towards securing the financial stability of the club in these difficult times and are confident in doing so, we appreciate this generous sentiment of our fans and have therefore decided to make several packages and experiences available to ‘pre-order’. The money raised will, of course, assist with our cash flow at a time when most of our income streams have vanished.
“Also we are aware that we’re not the only organisation facing tough times and have therefore teamed up with Yeovil Hospital Charity to ensure 10% of all monies raised goes towards helping them continue to provide their services, which have never been more crucial”.
First team Manager, Darren Sarll, who is currently on furlough, underlined the Crowdfunder’s potential value to success on the pitch. Darren said;
“As soon as it is safe to do so the lads are keen to get back on the pitch and finish what we started. We are up for the challenge and had built some real momentum backed by outstanding fan support and in our last game at Dover we gave one our best performances of the season when we were fit, strong and aggressive on and off the ball.
“Irrespective of whether our next game is in the playoffs or next season, cashflow over the summer is key as what you see on the pitch depends massively to the infrastructure off it and that infrastructure needs money. Less money equals the real possibility of some off-field infrastructure being permanently cut back. I am very aware that money is tight for many of us now, but anyone who contributes to the Crowdfunder will be helping us continue to ‘Achieve By Unity’ and making us hearing those fantastic renditions of Allez, Allez much more likely next time we play”.
The project also has the backing of Rich Rendell the Chairman of the Supporters Alliance, Rich said; “Not only as Chairman of the YTFC Supporters Alliance and GWSC, but as a supporter of our club. I fully back the Crowdfunder concept. It’s a way of bringing all supporters together and helping our club, please support it”.
Commenting on recent social media speculation about fans wanting to buy shares in the club, Scott said; “I have stated previously that I would consider a new unified fan shareholding and in normal times I would be all for this idea. However, those proposing the concept now would need to be confident of raising a significant sum – in the £100,000’s. If they do not think they can raise those funds over the next four weeks then there is a very significant risk of diverting funds away from the Crowdfunder project which is aimed to aid cashflow when we need it – now, not several months down the road.
“I have committed to Rich Rendell and Stuart Burell that over the next few months and before the new season starts we will pick up these discussions. The priority at present is the crowdfunder project and donation of tickets. This club will never forget those supporters who stick by their football club in these difficult times. Please continue to ensure you and your families remain safe.”
Meanwhile Chief Operating Officer David Mills, who is also on furlough, revealed that another idea being floated on social media – fans raising ringfenced money for pitch Improvements was unnecessary as much had been done on this subject in the run up to lockdown. David said;”Prior to the pandemic we were investigating funding options for this and following discussions with Yeovil Town Women FC we wrote (with the Women’s team support) to South Somerset District Council requesting grant funding for pitch improvements which in part would enable Yeovil Town Women to play their home fixtures at Huish Park next season.
“We were also actively pursuing other potential pitch improvement funding so any ringfenced fundraising from fans now is probably not the best use of resources and the ring fencing clearly blocks the funds from meeting the club’s biggest current need – maximising cashflow now.
“The Crowdfunder idea however gives any fans who can afford to the chance to immediately help the club, as well as supporting NHS Workers and the Yeovil Hospital Charity. We are in challenging times and many people are not in a financial position to contribute to the Crowdfunder, but anyone who can will be massively helping the club and we thank them for it”.
Finally, fans potential concerns about where the Crowdfunder monies would go were eased by Chairman Scott Priestnall when he urged fans to back the project and gave this guarantee “I can guarantee all the money raised from the Crowdfunder will go to help pay the running costs of club apart from the donations to the NHS workers and the Yeovil Hospital Charity, so please support it as you will be helping us continue to rebuild this great club on and off the pitch.”
NB The club’s current situation in respect of the playoffs, club operations and ticketing all remain as detailed in the club statement of May 4th which can be found HERE
We are currently investigating an error regarding accessing the crowdfunder link. We will issue a further update once fans are able to access.
