Supporters of Basingstoke Town Community Football Club are already embracing the concept of a 200 Plus Lottery.
As the name suggests officials are hoping for at least 200 members, paying £10 a month, to boost the club’s finances.
After being launched only last week, about 150 people have already signed up, according to the Basingstoke Gazette.
Leaflets are being distributed around the town and a borough boasting a population of 170,000 urging residents and businesses to back veteran manager Terry Brown’s Southern League side.
The new club’s mission statement is clear:
A football club that we can proud of as we compete against other towns.
A place at the heart of the community, supporting football and other community initiatives.
A team owned by the community (one member-one vote) democratically and transparently run.
There will be monthly prize money of £1,000 including a £500 prize with the profits helping to boost the playing budget and also to fund a move to a new ground.
The club adds: “Everyone agrees – a town the size of Basingstoke needs a football team!
“Without fundraising like the 200 Plus Club we won’t survive.”
The community club was formed following the departure of long-standing owner and benefactor Rafi Razzak at the end of last season.
Article: Ken Gaunt