A Lancashire football club says it is determined to give local children the chance to be part of a “real community” despite the growing financial pressures facing grassroots teams.
Bacup Borough Youth FC has continued to expand at a time when many clubs are struggling with rising operating costs and falling sponsorship opportunities.
A recent report by sports equipment suppliers Net World Sport found that almost three quarters of grassroots football clubs in England do not have enough funding to cover basic running costs.
Despite the challenges, the Rossendale-based club has grown from just 10 members to more than 60 players across five teams thanks to the work of volunteers and community fundraising.
Eduard Sieg-Hogg, under-9 coach at the club, said: “Some of the kids who play for us come from socially deprived areas, and it’s not always easy to fund extra activities like football. So, we’re trying to keep costs as low as possible so it’s affordable and open to everyone.
“We want the kids to play for the local town, play with lads that they’re going to go to school with, and have a real community. We live in a semi-rural area, so I think a lot of them love representing the town and they’re really proud to play for Bacup Borough. We’re a family environment club.”
To help cover costs and continue expanding, the club has partnered with easyfundraising, which allows supporters to raise money for the team while shopping online at no extra cost to themselves.
The club has already raised more than £650 through the platform and recently secured a £1,000 grant after winning the easyfundraising x Sports Direct Grand Giveaway.
Eduard said the funding had made a significant impact.
He said: “We’ve been able to buy a new lawnmower to maintain the pitch and the prize money has also helped fund our recent expansion. We’ve now introduced a new Saturday team so more kids can get involved in the club.
“Because other companies are struggling, we struggle to attract local sponsorship. Winning the £1000 means even if we don’t get a sponsor this season, we can still buy a new kit for the team without worrying.”
The club also provides opportunities many children may not otherwise experience, including attending professional football matches and playing in stadium settings.
Through support from the local Football Association, players have attended matches including the England women’s team against Brazil and a grassroots event at Rochdale AFC.
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The team also recently played at Avro Football Club.
Eduard said: “It was their first time playing in a proper stadium, it’s the sort of opportunity they would never have been able to have before.”
He added that the club’s biggest challenge remains covering winter training costs, with pitch hire, lighting and equipment expenses continuing to rise.
Eduard said: “The club’s getting bigger and bigger all the time and winter training fees cost a fortune, because you can’t train on grass.
“Getting extra bits of money from easyfundraising means we can give the kids the best facilities and the best opportunities.
“With easyfundraising people are able to contribute and support the team without it costing them anything, because the donations are made by the retailers. It quickly brings in money for the team and means we’re able to keep the monthly subscriptions lower."
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