In this week’s update, I have both some good news and some bad news regarding the Club’s financial position.
On the positive side, I am pleased to say that thanks to all of the generous support over the last few weeks, we have managed to overcome our first goal of making sure that the Club is solvent in the short term. Through a combination of Season Ticket sales, Membership, Shop sales and donations, combined with donated/advanced Academy fees, we have generated just under £20,000 in less than 4 weeks. This is a superb effort and we are all extremely grateful for your support. Of course, Season Ticket and Membership revenue is effectively money brought forward from next season, so while it really helps now, we can only spend it once. However, the more we sell now the quicker we can start to plan for the new season with confidence.
As we start the process this bank holiday weekend of budgeting for next season, we do need to make sure we have the finance in place to meet the expected costs. So, if you possibly can, we would welcome any support you can give including purchasing of Season Tickets and Memberships for next season as well as donations. If you would like to donate, you can do so here or send a cheque or make a BACS transfer to account number 91508903, Sort Code 40-39-15, Account name AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
With regards to the bad news, you will have seen that Auto Windscreens have not been able take up their sponsorship option for next season. This is a direct result of their trading being impacted by COVID-19. While we understand their decision, and thank them for their support over recent seasons, it does leave the Club with a huge problem. As the Main Shirt Sponsor, their financial injection was key to the annual budget enabling us to compete at Step 3. Although we can mitigate some of the shortfall, while searching for a new Main Club Shirt Sponsor and other commercial revenue, we must find a further £15-20,000 in the next few weeks to be able to plan for a competitive campaign in 2020-21.
Everyone at AFC Rushden & Diamonds is incredibly grateful to our existing sponsors for their continued support and we continue to talk extensively to existing and potential sponsors to secure further financial support. There is an easy way you can help now. If you are aware of anyone, individual or national, East Midlands or local Northamptonshire company, who may be able to help at this difficult time, then please contact John Gregory either by phone on 07788 102430 or by email marketing@afcdiamonds.com or. Those providing successful leads will receive a £30 AFC R&D gift voucher for use in the club shop, maybe to purchase your 2020-2021 Membership?
In terms of other external funding opportunities, I cannot give you any good news yet. Nothing has been received from the footballing world, centrally or locally. Nor has any help been received from any other local or national body. However, on behalf of the AFC R&D Board I want to reassure you, that despite our current difficulties, we remain confident that we will come out of this difficult time strongly. We have applied for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan and also applied to Sport England for assistance.
We have received confirmation that the FA have ratified the decision to end the 2019-2020 season early. We will keep you updated when more information is raised about the new season start.
In the meantime, please stay safe and follow the guidelines issued by the Government and Public Health England; updated daily and can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
