Crusaders seek sponsors for National League campaign

Hungerford Town chairman appeals to business community

HUNGERFORD Town are on the lookout for new shirt sponsors for their first season in National League football.
Crusaders chairman Nigel Warrick has launched a business plan to help the club compete at this level – just two promotions away from a place in the Football League.
And they are looking for sponsors to help them consolidate their place in Vanarama National League South.
Warrick said: “We are really trying to step up our game.
“The football side of the club has driven change because we have been so successful under Bobby Wilkinson.
“Now we have to catch up off the field as well.”
Crusaders’ business plan is aimed at generating revenue for the club, which is by far the smallest outfit in national league football.
The most prestigious deal is sponsorship for Crusaders’ home and away kits.
With increased local coverage, as well as appearances on BT Sport and the national Non-League Paper, sponsors would be getting their money’s worth.
And Hungerford are also looking for businesses or individuals to sponsor pitchside boards, floodlights and players.
Just seven years ago Hungerford were playing Hellenic League football.
But their meteoric rise will now see them competing against such non-league giants as Bath City, Welling United and Margate.
Warrick said: “There are two sides to the club – football and the community.
“We have relied on the hard work of volunteers and we want to have a sustainable community side of the club.
“We want people to sponsor us, not just for this season, but for the foreseeable future.
“The hard work is trying to get people to commit for that first year.
“If they do, then I am confident that we will look after them and they will be back for the following season.
“Having a company’s name on the front of our shirts is good business for them – just make us a bid!”
Work on the pitch has been carried out and the Bulpit Lane surface is now in pristine condition.
But improvements will still need to be made on the ground to meet the exacting national league standards.
Some extra revenue will be generated from increased gates.
Crusaders averaged around 180 people last season, although more than 1,200 watched them beat Leamington Town 2-1 in the Southern Premier play-off final in May.
Warrick is hoping that more people from the area will turn out to back his side next season.
And with most clubs in the division averaging between 800-1,000 for home games, there will also be a big increase in away support.
These are exciting times at Bulpit Lane, and Warrick is keen for local businesses to enjoy a slice of the action.
n Any local clubs or businesses interested in sponsoring Hungerford Town or finding out more information on the club should contact Nigel Warrick on (01635)282090 or nigel.warrick@njwfm.com