AFC Blackpool issue online appeal for urgent funds

AFC Blackpool is run by volunteers but still has running costs to meet without any current income Picture: ADAM GEE

The man behind the appeal is club volunteer Kallan Green, who hopes to raise £1,000 to help keep the North West Counties League club on its feet until it can re-open its doors on Jepson Way.

Like the rest of non-league football below National League level, the NWCFL has staged no fixtures since March 14 and has seen its season confirmed as null and void by the FA

And with no guarantee of the 2020/21 season starting as planned on August 1, these are desperate times for cash-strapped clubs, including those run on voluntary lines like AFC.

Green, who co-ordinates fundraising for the club, told The Gazette: “It’s very tough at the moment. Yes, we run on a voluntary basis but we are still a commercial enterprise with bills to pay and business rates to find cash for.

“We have all the expenses associated with running a football club and getting everything ready for next season.

“There is no revenue at all coming in and that doesn’t just mean no gate receipts.

“The summer tournament which teams come from all over the country for won’t be taking place. We also have dinner parties and christenings. All these things are so important to us, to help the junior section and pay for new kit.”

The online appeal reads: “We understand that this is an incredibly stressful time for clubs across the country and finding the right government funding can be overwhelming.

“Small businesses like AFC Blackpool run solely on donations and profits made by playing fixtures and private hire functions.

“With all games postponed AFC Blackpool have struggled to keep head above water due to the current climate.

“The money raised on match days, bar and kitchen takings and Saturday raffles hardly touch the bills to maintain the upkeep and running of the club.

“We rely so heavily on our clubhouse being used for private functions, events and celebrations. Without this the club cannot sustain. This is our main income source.

“We already are running low on the dedicated kindheartedness of the volunteers who give up their time to help run the club.

“They have had to halt their volunteering due to the virus and essential maintenance jobs which keep the club within the FA rules have had to take a back seat. As a community club we need your help.”

Donations can be made at:https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/afcblackpool--