fbpx
Connect with us

Non League

Storms leaves non league clubs’ stadiums damaged and needing help for repair costs

Storms leaves several non league clubs’ stadiums damaged and underwater and needing help for repair costs that they are left facing.

The likes of Sawbridgeworth Town and Kings Langley are among many who have suffered extensive damage, for Sawbridgeworth it’s to their key supporting wall and seating areas, while for Kings Langley damages amounting to at least £10,000.

Both clubs are now seeking help through fundraising appeals and volunteer efforts to manage the urgent repairs needed.

The storm, which brought winds up to 90mph, has left these clubs in a challenging position, with the need for community support to restore their facilities to a safe and usable condition.

Sawbridgeworth Town statement:

* Support Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club After Storm Darragh’s Devastation *

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community,

We are reaching out with heavy hearts following the destruction caused by Storm Darragh, which has severely impacted our beloved Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club. The storm has left us facing significant challenges, including:

•⁠ ⁠* Supporting Wall Damage *: A key structure that ensures safety and stability needs urgent repair.
•⁠ ⁠* Stands Affected *: Our seating areas have been heavily damaged, leaving fans without proper facilities.
•⁠ ⁠* Turnstiles Destroyed *: These vital components of our matchday operations have been rendered unusable.

For over 100 years, this club has been a cornerstone of our community, providing a place for players, fans, and families to come together. Now, we’re calling on our football family and friends to help us rebuild and restore what we’ve lost.

How You Can Help:
We’ve set up this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to cover the cost of repairs and replacements. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference.

Your support will:
•⁠ ⁠Help us rebuild the damaged wall.
•⁠ ⁠Repair or replace the stands for our loyal fans.
•⁠ ⁠Restore the turnstiles to keep our matchdays running smoothly.

⚽ Together, we can ensure the future of Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club remains bright.

Click Donate Now to help us get back on our feet. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign to spread the word.

Thank you for your generosity and for standing with us during this challenging time.

With gratitude,
Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club

Kings Langley also suffered £10,000 worth of damage after Storm Darragh. A club spokesperson said, per BBC Sport: “As a result of the storm we have experienced some damage around the ground.

“We’ve had other damage as well, the majority of which primarily affects the two youth pitches we have at the club,” said a Kings Langley spokesperson, speaking to the BBC.

“In order to make it safe for our final youth games of the season, we are looking for some volunteers to help clear up on Tuesday.”

Meanwhile, Cornish club Newquay are still dealing with what Storm Bert left behind as it swept through. They called upon “immediate help” with fascia, structural and electrical works following the damage.

A spokesperson for Newquay AFC said: “Unfortunately, overnight Storm Bert has caused significant damage to our stadium here at Newquay AFC.

“But thanks to the amazing efforts of our dedicated volunteers and players who worked hard from the crack of dawn, we’ve been doing our best to salvage what we can.

“This is just another reminder of the challenges that local grassroots football clubs face on a daily basis.

“From weather damage to wear and tear, maintaining a stadium isn’t easy, and funding is always a struggle, especially when always requiring match funding.

“We need support from the local community. If you can, please consider helping us keep our stadium in shape and continue providing a space for our community to come together and enjoy the beautiful game.

“We need immediate help with facias work, structural works and electrical works.️”

Hellenic League side Lydney Town had been forced to postpone their Premier Division clash, so they took the opportunity to go swimming on their flooded pitch.

Meanwhile, all domestic football and rugby matches in Wales which were scheduled for last Saturday had been postponed due to concerns over Storm Darragh.

Days on from it, a terrific initiative has been launched by Sport Wales, a #StormDamageFund to support not-for-profit sports clubs and organisations in Wales.

The Storm Damage Fund is open and accepting applications for funding.

Sports clubs with facilities damaged by the recent extreme weather are encouraged to apply.

You need to submit your application by 4pm on Tuesday 17th December.

Who can apply?

All not-for-profit sports clubs in Wales impacted by recent storms and bad weather can apply. This includes those who have already had a successful Be Active Wales Fund application this year.

You will need to provide:

  • estimated costs
  • any insurance details (where relevant)
  • at least one photo of evidence

What can I get funding for?

Your club can get funding from £300 to £5,000 to help clean and repair sports clubs and facilities.

You can get funding for:

  • cleaning costs
  • equipment
  • facilities
  • fixtures and fittings
  • flooring
  • furniture
  • infrastructure
  • pitch repairs
  • utilities repair, such as water and electricity
  • white goods, such as fridges and kitchen appliances

Please note: The fund will not cover loss of income.

If you have already spent money on fixing or cleaning your facilities, these costs can be considered.

For anything not included in the list above, the Be Active Wales Fund and A Place for Sport funding are currently open.

How to apply?

You can apply online by completing the application form on our Grants Portal by 4pm on Tuesday 17th December. You will need to register for an account if you haven’t already got one.

If your club is a multi-sport organisation, you should consult with all affiliated clubs before applying to avoid duplication.

We aim to get back to you within four weeks.

Apply for Storm Damage funding

You can submit your application in English or Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than those submitted in English.

We recommend that those applying for funding with us read our terms and conditions for grants.

How to contact us?

Email us with any queries at beactive@sport.wales. Or, phone the helpline on 0300 3003102, Monday to Friday, between 10:00-12:30 & 1:15-16:00.

If you are unable to reach one of our team, please stay on the line. Our voice message service can also be helpful outside of our working hours.

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Non League