A 10th tier club’s survival is at stake as they make a plea for much needed help with a GoFundMe page being set up this week.
St Margaretsbury, who currently sit bottom of the Eastern Counties League Division One South, with 12 points from 24 games played and 11 points from safety with games in hand, are in urgent need for the replacement of a heating system.
They said that their heating system broke on the 7th of February 2025, making hot showers unavailable, and as per league rules mean, they can’t play any home matches until it’s fixed, meaning the whole club’s survival is at risk.
At the time of writing, they have raised £180, from 8 donations. If you want to donate something, please clip below…
PLEASE HELP SAVE OUR CLUBHOUSE!
Our heating system broke on Feb 7, making hot showers unavailable. League rules mean we can’t play any home matches until it’s fixed so the whole Club’s survival is at stake.
IF YOU CAN… Please donate to our GoFundMe: https://t.co/0LLD33TkCH pic.twitter.com/Xy7HkrdYqE
— St Margaretsbury FC (@StMargaretsbury) February 12, 2025
They said in their GoFundMe page: “For nearly three centuries, the St Margaretsbury (formerly Stanstead Abbotts) Football and Cricket clubs have been an integral part of the local community.
“The Football club has over 130 years of football history (founded 1894) and our Cricket club (founded 1737) has an incredible 287 years of history.
“Since 1962 the present Clubhouse has been home to generations of Football & Cricket players, forging friendships and memories on these very grounds.
“But today, this legacy faces its greatest threat: the Club Boiler and heating system has failed irreparably, leaving all sports without hot water or showers – a mandatory requirement for league matches.
“Without immediate action, it puts the entire clubs viability at risk, potentially ending centuries of sport and tradition.
“The consequences are dire. League rules demand functioning hot showers for player welfare, meaning we cannot host home matches until this is resolved.
“Without games, we lose vital revenue, community engagement, and the heartbeat of our clubs.
“We cannot let that happen.
“Your donation will go towards the funding a new replacement heating system and all the extensive pipework required, safeguarding not just showers, but the future of this historic club.
“Every contribution, big or small, helps preserve this legacy.
“Please give what you can – together, we can ensure the next generation inherits the legacy and passion we’ve cherished since 1737.”
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The club have unfortunately already seen their home game against Newbury Forest (for the 8th of February) postponed by the league due to a breakdown of the club boiler, which means no hot water or showers operating.
St Margaretsbury are to now play their next home game, against Cannons Wood at Ware FC on Saturday the 15th of February (kick off 6pm).
TThis is what social media users said with the 10th tier club’s survival at stake as they plea for help by setting up a GoFundMe page…
Harlow Town FC: “HELP ST MARGARETSBURY FC 🚨 Local club and friends of Harlow Town FC, St Margaretsbury are currently encountering issues and we’d really appreciate any supporters of our club or any other club to spare a donation to help them continue to run as a club.. this is a crucial time for them and we’d like to help come together and do everything we can for them.”
Dan Moore: Thank you. I’ve lived in Stanstead Abbotts and was a Parish councillor in stanstead abbotts and Stanstead st Margaret’s. I’m actually angry that the current councillors aren’t looking after the football club as there was links with the club and the PC. I took on a secondary councillor role to stop the PC in Stanstead St Margaret’s from being dissolved and got cctv installed in the village. Looks like local historical interests aren’t being looked after now
@donnaeast: Donated, one of the nicest people in our league, hope you get it fixed soon
@SouthendManorFC: Please help our friends at @StMargaretsbury
@foreverayellow: wishing the club all the best in trying to get this sorted, what a nightmare situation, for their heating system to break and now per league rules they’re unable to play any home matches until it’s fixed, good to see donations coming through, but surely the football family can come together and raise much more than that for a great club like St Margaretsbury who are quite clearly in need of right now, i will share it where i can to get them through this.
Jason Lee: Got my fingers crossed for the club, find it madness that with all the money in the football that clubs are at risk of going under because of these kinds of issues. Here is hoping that fans, local community and nearby clubs can them out with this
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