Hungerford look at new ways to raise funds

HUNGERFORD Town’s acting chairman Cris Bowden is spearheading the drive to make the club more financially self-sufficient.

It’s an expensive business running a football club at Southern League or National League level.

And although it would be ideal to have a big sponsor or wealthy individual to pump money into the club, most teams have to be a little more realistic.

So Bowden and his committee are coming up with ways to raise money.

The first is to host a beer and music festival at the club on Saturday, May 25.

And Hungerford are also offering local businesses the chance to take part in a raffle to become the official shirt sponsor.

Bowden said: “It’s £750 for a raffle ticket and for that you get pitchside advertising, two games for a two-person hospitality package and the chance to become one of three sponsors.

“Third prize is to become the shorts sponsor, second prize is the away shirts sponsor and first prize is to sponsor the home shirts.”

Bowden added: “As a club we need to be more self-sufficient so we can cover the bills.

“We can’t just rely on donations. We need to raise more money through sponsorship or events.”

One fundraiser is the beer festival on May 25 (noon to midnight).

Entry is free and there will be 10 music acts and 12 real ales from six different breweries.

Bowden said: “Last season was challenging, but we have stabilised and are on the way back up.”