Groundfunder update and Q&A evening scheduled

The club would like to provide an update on the groundfunder and other associated activity as we head into a critical few months.

First of all, thanks to all supporters who have contributed to the Yellows Groundfunder in some way. However big or small your donation, it is greatly appreciated. Donations have recently surpassed the £10,000 mark.

The vast majority of these donations have been from individual supporters. If any businesses are interested in sponsorship or donating, please contact james@warringtontownfc.co.uk to discuss opportunities available in return.

You will have seen in the reports in the local press that the planning application is to be heard by a planning committee at the Town Hall this week, where club chairman Toby Macormac will give a brief presentation on the proposals.

The club requires the plans to be rubber stamped before it is able to finalise its application for Premier League Stadium Fund money; and work is unable to commence until the funding has been approved.

Unfortunately, the delays beyond the club’s control will delay the release of funding which will subsequently delay the start of the works. This puts added pressure on the club, particularly with segregated games on the horizon, notably on New Year’s Day.

As previously explained, the Premier League Stadium Fund will contribute between 50-70% of the monies required for the developments set out, and that leaves an amount the club is estimating to be in the region of £80,000 to be covered.

Clearly the club will do everything in its power to ensure that the funds are raised, as demotion due to failed ground grading would be a massive blow to the club’s growth and development in recent years.

Fundraising events

On that note, fans’ have organised a fundraising Quiz Night to be held at the social club at the ground on Friday 8th December at 7.30pm.

Entry is £10 per team (max five per team) and there will be a raffle on the night, with all proceeds going to the groundfunder.

Please contact Collette via email (collettegraves8@gmail.com) to secure your place. Any donations for the raffle can be left behind the bar at the clubhouse.

It is worth noting that all of the work relating to the ground development – the planning, the applications, the meetings and the funding – have all been getting done alongside the usual day-to-day running of the club, which of course already keeps people busy.

Unfortunately, those challenges have been exacerbated again by the return of a grub infestation in the pitch at Cantilever Park, attracting crows and causing considerable damage to the surface. You may remember last season there was a significant battle with a similar episode, but thanks to the hard work of pitch staff, we managed to avoid having any games cancelled.

We do not think the infestation is anywhere near as big as last season, though it will mean that covers will need to be deployed on the pitch again, as well as the weekly treatment works, which again requires additional resource – both in man power and costs.

Q&A evening

To provide a further update, the club will host a Q&A evening with Toby, to be held in the function room at Cantilever Park on Wednesday 22nd November at 7.30pm.

This night will provide details on the next steps and give individuals and businesses the opportunity to highlight where they can volunteer to help.

The event will be free to attend, but please book your place online so that we can manage numbers.

We need your support – donate to our Yellows Groundfunder today!