Fans have been left saddened as non league club West Allotment Celtic reveal they’re on verge of folding and make a plea for help.
They are currently facing significant financial difficulties and are in dire need of new sponsors and volunteers to continue operations.
They are seeking assistance to keep the club alive, especially as they are just four years away from celebrating their centenary.
They have written to the Ebac Northern League requesting a two-week pause on their fixtures, indicating the severity of their situation and their inability to continue playing without immediate support.
The situation underscores the challenges many clubs, and not just at their level, are facing, particularly with financial sustainability.
The club’s call for help is not just about keeping a football team alive but preserving a piece of local heritage and community spirit.
If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about how to help, to volunteer, go attend their matches or reach out directly to the club through their official channels.
— West Allotment Celtic FC (@wacfc) November 14, 2024
Another North East non-league club in trouble as West Allotment Celtic announce they’ve written to the Ebac Northern League to request a two-week pause on their fixtures.
New sponsors and volunteers required to keep alive a club four years short of celebrating their centenary. pic.twitter.com/NsRjmwRebD
— Mark Carruthers (@MarkCarruthers_) November 14, 2024
The said in a statement: “West Allotment Celtic FC is sadly on the brink of folding and has written to the Northern League to ask for two weeks suspension of fixtures to explore if the club can continue.
“A number of factors have led the club to this point.
“The loss of our main sponsor Wade Financial who over many years helped the club left a hole in club finances which has never been replaced, added to this was the rent this season tripling.
“The club this season tried to make the match day experience much better by the provision of an on site catering unit and also a bar offering draught lager and cider.
“Increased social media and roadside boards advertising fixtures was also used.
“Despite this the local community has shown very little interest in non league football and even when the club finished fifth in Division One the attendances were poor.
“The club has probably the lowest playing budget in the league but even if this was reduced further the costs of running the club would not be covered.
“Our situation is not an isolated one with many clubs seeing falling attendances.
“The other major factor is that like many we have an ageing committee and despite many attempts the failure to attract new members to step up and take on roles such as Secretary and Treasurer.
“Our current treasurer is stepping down after fifty years of service with many others on the committee having been involved with the club a similar amount of time.
“As Chairman as I have been involved with West Allotment for 25 years in one role or another and that role now involves making sensible decisions and in this case a very difficult one.
“The club did not wish to dig itself into a financial hole leaving lots of debts.
“If anyone is interested in trying to help the club continue please get in touch directly.
“We will need investment and people to join the committee in roles such as treasurer and secretary.
“Our junior and Ladies teams will continue as they are not connected financially to WACFC so the name will go forward to reach our 100th anniversary in four years time.
“Any interested parties please contact me directly on 07977 413102.
“Chairman David Dodds, West Allotment Celtic FC.”
As mentioned, fans have been left saddened as non league club West Allotment Celtic reveal they’re on verge of folding and make a plea for help…
@07JonMcDonald: Very sad news, a fantastic non league club with history, and such great people involved. I sincerely hope the club can continue 🙏
@shomac28: Good luck
@kingy8685: Such a sad day for non league football. Hopefully things can get sorted 🙏
@geoffwalker80: Sad times. Such a historical club. Had some great battles with yourselves over the years playing and involved with management. Hope someone can save yous. 🤞
@kendallrowanx: Another non league club struggling. It’s actually awful and so disheartening
@davemalone6: 10 great years at allotment with some fantastic people running the club hopefully they can get the help they need
@BlockchainCJ: Hopefully there will be some backing
@Jen_m101: 😥 Hopefully the club can be saved
@paul_springett: Very sad times – Gavin and the players doing a great job as I’m sure the Chairman/Committee will be doing also but running a club is expensive and getting harder and harder. Every Club needs more Fans, a 4G pitch or both. There are Youth Teams now making more money in a tea bar
@quakerette: Really sad news 😢
Lewis Essex: Is there not a crowd funder for this club?
James Wilson: Should never happen to a club of this size. Hope everything gets resolved
Wendy Brady: Well I am deeply saddened in reading this post this morning. I sincerely hope all can be resolved. Thank you to all those who have and do support the club, however small.⚽️
Andrea Jameson: This is sad to read l. I did physio for a season quite a while back. Enjoyed it a lot. Team were great and all the committee staff were lovely too. It will be a great shame if the team folds. Good luck and fingers crossed they stay up and running
Jason Newall: Was up there Tuesday night. People involved in club and behind bar etc very welcoming and credit to club. Hope they get stuff sorted 👍
Scott Leigh: I hope you can sort something out, from not just myself but am sure everyone connected to Carlisle City FC
8th tier club, ‘bidding for stardom’, keep being mistaken for near-namesake Wrexham
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