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Bedlington Terriers FC have released details of a new fundraising campaign which is designed to make it more affordable for local companies and organisations to support, and invest in, their senior football club. The ‘Grand Sponsors Draw’ has the aim of raising funds which will make a significant contribution towards the running costs of the Club as they continue their astonishing comeback from near extinction only 3 years ago.
Each entry into the draw is only £100 with no limit to the number of tickets which can be purchased. Bedlington Terriers Chairman Dave Holmes explained why they have adopted this novel approach to raising funds;
“We have recognised that companies and organisations at this difficult time in the midst of an economic downturn do not have the resources to invest heavily in non-league football, and following on from the Northern League’s hugely successful Grand Draw last year, we have decided to adopt the same approach.”
The Northern League ‘sold’ the naming rights to their League last season when long-term sponsor Brookes Mileson was taken seriously ill and it meant they faced going into a season with no guaranteed income. Their draw, which raised more than £20,000 in its own right, was an outstanding success, and has proven to be a long term strategic masterstroke, as the company who won the rights in the draw (skilltrainingltd) have recently agreed a 4 year sponsorship deal with the Northern League to continue their relationship.
The Northern League were offering only one prize, namely the naming rights of the League itself, which understandably was a lucrative draw to many companies and organisations. Bedlington Terriers are guaranteeing a prize for EVERY ticket sold, from shirt sponsor to programme advert, training kit sponsorship to advertising boards at their Welfare Park ground - and many, many more prizes. All those buying a ticket will be recognised on a dedicated sponsors page on the official website, as well as in every home match programme.
Holmes explained the some of the benefits for those considering sponsoring the Terriers; “We were the most successful Northern League club in this area for well over a decade and having overcome some difficult times in recent years, we believe we now have a squad capable of challenging for honours at local and national levels once again.”
“The main aim this season is a successful FA Cup and FA Vase run on top of a title challenge in the Northern League. Of course, with this, comes significant media attention, most notably through the internet and regional newspapers as well as visibility to people who attend the games and will see how well supported the Club is in the business community” he added.
The draw will be made when the Club hosts a special Sponsors Night on Saturday 1st August, open for all entrants to come along and enjoy some food, entertainment and of course drinks before and after the draw. Full details have yet to be arranged but will be announced in due course. It will be an additional opportunity for sponsors to network with like-minded people and possibly forge links which will enhance their own interests beyond their immediate relationship with the Terriers.
Companies and organisations who are interested in purchasing a ticket, requiring further information or would like to discuss other ways that they could support Bedlington Terriers, are invited to make contact with the Club Secretary Dave Collop on 07853052450 or davidcollop@hotmail.com. The draw is open to everyone, meaning that individuals have the same opportunity as any other to win whilst supporting their local club.
The leaflet and application form can be downloaded:
HERE
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