7th tier club Hendon reveal they need help amid struggles to fund itself and compete in the Southern League Premier South division.
A new plea was issued on social media, with supporters since spreading the message to try and help in any way possible.
They are also welcoming fans of nearest clubs with no Premiership or Championship games for Non League Day, with Hendon offering a ‘Pay what you want’ for the game against Winchester City at 3pm.
Hendon currently sit 9th in the table with 47 points from 34 games pplayed, 9 points from the playoff places.
Fund our Future – we need your support 💚https://t.co/ezagO0DVNC pic.twitter.com/AHdHgonDwz
— Hendon Football Club (@HendonFC) March 20, 2024
CLUB STATEMENT:
2024 sees Hendon Football Club celebrate its 116th anniversary. After being formed as Christ Church Hampstead in 1908, the club has enjoyed a rich and illustrious history as one of the most famous clubs of the amateur era.
Successes included three FA Amateur Cup wins under the famous twin towers at Wembley Stadium, European success in the Barassi Cup, and holding eventual runners-up Newcastle United to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup 3rd Round at St James’s Park in January 1974.
Today, supporters-owned Hendon FC continues to play in the upper-echelons of the Non-League game as members of the Southern League. After losing our famous Claremont Road home in 2008 we are now the largest football club in the London Borough of Brent after moving to Silver Jubilee Park in 2016, becoming an essential part of the local community.
We believe passionately in the power of football to inspire, unite, and transform lives on and off the pitch. Whether that’s through introducing youngsters to the beautiful game through our burgeoning and successful youth system or providing a safe community hub for those with mental health issues or dementia to come together and find support, Hendon Football Club is a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds.
To help Hendon Football Club thrive and grow these essential services on matchdays and during the week, we are seeking your help in helping to fund our future.
We are not the only club to still be feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Hendon Football Club cannot continue to fund itself and compete in the Southern League as costs continue to rise beyond our control. We believe that for the community to thrive, we need a strong football club playing at the highest possible levels on Saturday afternoons.
Therefore we are seeking sponsorship and donations to help us:
– Play at the highest possible level according to our means
– Offer the management team a competitive budget
– Invest in player development from primary school age upwards
– Organise and support events that promote community engagement
– Protect our future
We are therefore delighted to launch our “Fund our Future initiative that offers you – supporters, local businesses, and interested parties in our story from across the globe – the chance to support our endeavours with one of our tiered packages:
Dave Diedhiou Tier (£5 to £99)
John Swannell Memorial Tier (£100 to £499)
Rod Haider Tier (Over £500)
More details on each tier can be found on the newly launched Hendon FC Supporters Trust website.
Together, we believe we can shape a vibrant and successful football club that represents the diverse community we are part of. If you would like to become a valued partner in our journey towards securing our long-term future, please donate today. Every single contribution, large and small, makes a huge difference and can help us keep our incredible club alive for future generations to enjoy.
The other side of the coin is that Hendon Football Club could face a very different and difficult future.
Thank you for being the heart and soul of our cub. We appreciate every single one of you.
The Hendon FC Supporters Trust Board
March 2024.
As the goals went in in last night win,@HendonFC 2 @PooleTownFC 0,,@JubileeSilver @lee_allinson @HendonFCSA @HendonHooligans @SouthernLeague1 @Hamzasemakula8 pic.twitter.com/OzluaY3EhV
— alan Woodhouse (@woodhouse50) March 20, 2024
Next up, our Pay what you want match against @wincityfc on #NonLeagueDay pic.twitter.com/v0xuJqJvhZ
— Hendon Football Club (@HendonFC) March 21, 2024
Why Support Non-League Football?
Non-League Day goes beyond just watching a game of football; it’s about supporting the local community. Many non-league clubs rely heavily on match day revenue to survive. Attending a game, buying a programme, or enjoying a pint in the club bar can make a significant difference to these clubs.
It’s also a chance to experience football in its purest form, away from the commercial pressures and high ticket prices of the top leagues. Fans can stand close to the action, meet the players, and enjoy a more personal and friendly atmosphere.
How You Can Get Involved
Getting involved in Non-League Day is simple:
1. Find a Match Near You: Use the Non-League Day website or social media channels to find a game happening in your area. With clubs all over the country participating, there’s bound to be one near you.
2. Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to spread the word about Non-League Day. Share posts, tweet about the event, and invite your friends and family to join you.
3. Embrace the Day: Whether it’s your first time at a non-league game or you’re a seasoned fan, embrace the experience. Engage with other supporters, explore the club’s facilities, and immerse yourself in the community spirit.
The Impact of Your Support
By supporting Non-League Day, you’re not just watching a game; you’re helping sustain the future of football at its most foundational level. Your presence boosts morale, provides financial support, and highlights the importance of community clubs.
You’re also likely to witness the stars of tomorrow, with many players starting their careers at these levels before making it big.
Conclusion
Non-League Day 2024 is more than just a celebration of football; it’s a call to action for fans to support their local clubs. It’s a testament to the game’s enduring spirit and the vital role these clubs play in their communities.
So, mark your calendar for Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, and get ready to experience the beautiful game in its most authentic form. Your support can make all the difference. Let’s fill the stands, cheer on the teams, and show our love for the heart and soul of football.
Choose having a drink and a chat with the players after the game. Choose mixing with the opposition fans. Choose the old dears in the tea but serving Bovril for the 49th consecutive season. Choose meat raffles. Choose to watch football alongside dogs. Choose away days in towns you did not know existed. Choose getting a beer for a couple of quid and standing on the terraces with it. Choose getting a lift to the game with a club director. Choose to give your money to a local club not a soulless corporation. Choose players who know the fans by name. Choose parking right next to the ground. Choose standing wherever you want to. Choose listening to everything the benches say. Choose paying a pound for a cup of tea. Choose proper pies. Choose honest football right on your doorstep.
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