Posted on 26th June 2020
Supporters from the men’s and women’s game who have been locked out of their team’s cup finals have taken to virtual ticket sales to raise money for good causes.
Grimsby Town fans put more than £100,000 back into club
Grimsby Town fans are the latest to provide financial aid to their club during the pandemic – putting over £100,000 into the club over recent weeks.
Fundraising efforts have been led by the Mariners Trust, who have helped raise £65,000 through crowdfunding campaigns, share issues and Ebay sales.
This is on top of fans volunteering to forgo their season ticket refunds, which has enabled Grimsby Town to keep an additional £39,000 in cash.
Lower league clubs are facing huge financial challenges during the COVID-19 health crisis, as many rely on gate receipts and other matchday revenues to keep going.
With the remainder of the League Two season curtailed and stadiums set to remain empty in the coming months, supporters have stepped in to help the club stay afloat. Additionally, the players and office staff have also taken a 25% pay cut.
“When fundraising to support the club was initiated a few weeks ago, we knew that fans would step up,” says Kristine Green from the Mariners’ Trust and FSA board member.
“But to step up to this extent during such difficult times for so many is just incredible.
“Coupled with the wage cuts, it shows that we’re all in this together to ensure the club survives one of the toughest periods in its history.”
The success of Grimsby Town fans’ fundraising follows on from their League Two counterparts Exeter City, whose fans voluntarily donated more than £40,000 to the club by way of cash donations and forgoing season ticket refunds.
