This week at AFC R&D we held our April Board meeting and I thought I would update you on the progress we are making during this exceptional time, as there are some important updates as we continue with our 2020-2021 budget and try to bridge the current gaps.
As mentioned in previous updates, thanks to the generosity of members and supporters alike, we have been successful in generating substantial immediate financial support from season tickets, Membership, merchandise and sponsorship. To raise further income, AFC R&D will also soon be launching a new initiative called Club2020, which is something a little different to sponsorship packages offered by the Club previously. Full details will be released within the next week or so via social media and the Club website. You can also make a donation to AFC R&D here, send a cheque or make a BACS transfer to Account Number: 91508903, Sort Code: 40-39-15, Account Name: AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
On the commercial and sponsorship front we have contacted over 30 companies since the last update and, thanks to a private donation, have joined Wellingborough and East Northants Chamber of Commerce as we actively search for new sponsors. Along with back-of-shirt sponsor Fuelsell, we have a new shirt sleeve sponsor CALM – the Campaign Against Living Miserably – through a GoFundMe fundraising campaign led by fan Mike Paul, which raised £1,200. Please contact John Gregory either by phone on 07788 102430 or email marketing@afcdiamonds.com, if you are aware of any organisation who can help the Club. All converted leads will be rewarded with a £30 AFC R&D Voucher.
We will shortly be holding a Members Vote for our new Home and Away shirt. One of the three designs for each shirt will be based on one fan’s suggestion to have individual supporters’ names included as part of the fabric of the shirt as a way of raising additional revenue for the Club. Full details of the vote will be released once the designs have been finalised.
While the shop is currently temporarily closed for merchandise sales, you can still purchase season tickets, Membership and the End of Season Draw tickets here.
Sadly, I have no further news to bring you about any external funding being provided. It is only a matter of time before we must finalise the 20-21 budget which, with the finances which we currently have available, means that some tough decisions will have to be made. If you are able to help, or know someone who can, now would be a great time to let us know!
Away from the urgency of the financial difficulties, normal Club administrative activities, continue and we can confirm the following:
- We will archive all the football statistics for the 2019-2020 season as normal. So, all results, appearances and goals will remain as part of club records.
- The Annual General Meeting of AFC R&D will be held on 15 July 2020. Depending on Government advice this may have to be via live streaming – further details will released closer to the time.
- Election for the Board will be held between 1 June and 6 July 2020.
- Due to the current restrictions, the Club will not be holding an End-of-Season Awards Presentation Evening.
Finally, we are urgently looking for someone to help manage AFC R&D Membership. This is a busy time with Membership renewals and sales so if you have some spare time and would be prepared to take on this important role, help out with the administration or focus on certain areas of the Membership scheme, please contact Matt Parker via shop@afcdiamonds.com
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.
(You can find previous update statements in the Boardroom News section here, and Fundraising News can be found here).
