A cricket club has launched a Crowdfunder page in order to ensure its financial stability ahead of the new season.
Farnham Royal Cricket Club, which were formed 132 years ago, has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and there are fears that the club could be in a precarious position by the end of April.
The aim is to raise £20,000 for the cricket club by April 26, 2021, after FRCC reached deficits of £56,000 in finances since October.
An excerpt from the page reads: “Our goal is to raise £20,000 through Crowdfunding before the season commences.
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“In order to mitigate the damage that the Covid lockdowns have had on the club, [this is] to ensure that we have [the] financial stability to continue as a club in 2021 and beyond.
“The club is 132-years-old, and many generations have enjoyed this great facility.
A screenshot from the Crowdfunder page
“With your help, we can secure the future of Farnham Royal Cricket Club for many more generations to come.”
The cricket club currently has two adult teams playing in the Morrant Thames Valley League on Saturday and an active team that play every Sunday, as well as a youth section, who play in all the various Berkshire Youth leagues.
They also hope to launch a girl's and women’s section to ‘help bridge the diversity gap between men and women in competitive sport’, this year if funding is suitable.
The club also hosts the Berkshire Stags, which is the county’s visually impaired team for a few of their games as well as Bucks’ Over 50s and over 60s matches.
They continued: “ Our strategy is to focus on developing talent, not paying players and most importantly, for all sides to enjoy their cricket playing in the right spirit.
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In the description box on their YouTube video which explains their current financial situation, they said: “During the pandemic, the club has been closed for a large majority of the time and this has resulted in a £56,000 deficit in finances since October.
Cricket hasn't been played in the country since lockdown (stock photo)
“Our bills still need to be paid and the ground maintained so it's imperative we meet our fundraising campaign to ensure we can open our doors on April 12, and our teams can start training and playing again in the Spring.
“Please support us if you can.”
To help the club reach its £20,000 goal, you can donate by going to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/farnham-royal-cricket-club-fund-raiser.
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