Supporter campaign aims to “REUnite” Carlisle’s fanbase

Fan groups across the country have been looking at ways to raise money to support their club’s survival – we’ve already reported on stories from Exeter City and Grimsby Town.

This week we heard from Carlisle United Official Supporters’ Club (CUOSC) who told us about their Carlisle REUnited campaign which aims to play its part in securing the club’s future and bring the fanbase together.

“We want to raise some funds in case there are no games for supporters to attend next season,” says Nigel Davidson, vice chair at CUOSC.

“Gate receipts are hugely important to clubs at this level and, in the absence of any rescue package, we are determined for the club not to go out of business – so we came up with the Carlisle REUnited campaign to raise funds and reunite the fan base.”

The Carlisle REUnited campaign says it aims to “Re-Energise, Re-Focus and Re-Unite the fan base of Carlisle United whilst helping to raise funds for the club”.

It will act as a fundraising campaign and is especially relevant with the uncertainty regarding the 2020/21 season and the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19.

There are some great ideas which could be adopted by other fan groups with similar goals:

• CUOSC plan to run online quizzes with guest hosts such as current manager Chris Beech and video messages from ex-players such as Jimmy Glass and Matt Jansen.
• They have unearthed a song – “Looking Good, We’re Carlisle United” – written about the club during their 1974/5 season in the top-flight and secured supporter pledges to donate once the video hits 3,000 plays.
• Work with the club to raise funds and enhance the atmosphere if games are played behind-closed-doors or with reduced crowds (further details TBC).

If you’d like to get involved or donate email info@cuosc.org.uk

Have you launched a club-specific campaign? The Football Supporters’ Association would like to hear from you. Contact the FSA here.