Bashley players and supporters help club in time of need

BASHLEY FC have raised over £4,000 to help the side get back on its feet during the coronavirus pandemic.

The total was boosted significantly after the current players donated £2,000 to help the club stay afloat during a challenging period.

Bashley FC is a FA Charter Status Community Member club consisting of four teams: first, development, U18s and U16 girls, whose sources of income depend mainly on gate money from first-team games and clubhouse functions.

Bashley FC President and Secretary Mike Cranidge told the A&T: “Football at this level is hand to mouth and we now face the prospect of four months of fixed-charge payments and new season preparation costs with an empty purse.

“A quandary not helped by a pitch left deeply scarred after the final game and the immediate self-isolation of most senior club officers.

“The future looked bleak and closure a strong possibility.”

Bashley chair Elisabeth Marrion set up the fundraising page and the club is aiming to raise £5,000. With over 20 donors including the £2,000 raised by the players, the Wessex League Premier side are nearing their goal.

Cranidge said: “The fund made a steady but slow start as club members responded but were still well short of the target.

“Then something happened that I have never experienced to such a degree in my time in football: an eye-watering donation of £2,000 from the Bashley first-team players. It is situations like this that make the worry and effort of running a football club worthwhile.”

Cranidge added: “An upside of isolation is that club communication and bonding has improved between and within all four Bashley FC teams as more use is being made of online media. We now look forward to the restrictions being lifted and a return to normal.”

“Funds are still needed as it takes more than a repaired pitch to survive the ravages of COVID-19. It is hoped, however, that thanks to the generosity of Paul Morris’ first-team squad and the responses of club members, supporters, there is now a chance of a black and gold tomorrow.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/keep-on-playing