Stocksbridge Park Steels seek funding to survive

[SheffieldForum]

A non-league football club near Sheffield, Stocksbridge Park Steels, is urgently seeking up to £40,000 to ensure its survival for the upcoming season. The club, competing in the eighth tier of English football, issued a statement on Thursday highlighting its financial struggles.

 

Financial Challenges and Community Efforts

Stocksbridge Park Steels, founded in 1986, faces an annual operational cost of around £140,000. Vice chairman Roger Gissing expressed the club's dire situation, noting that they are "fighting for survival." Despite the financial hurdles, Gissing remains optimistic, stating, "We are positive that we can pull through."

Volunteer-Driven Club

The Northern Premier League Division One East outfit is supported by approximately 40 dedicated volunteers. Gissing, one of the key figures, emphasized their commitment: "We are not going to say that we are not going to make it. We probably need thirty to forty thousand to guarantee we can get through the season with everything we want to do and need to do."

The club has a strategic plan in place, which hinges on securing additional sponsorship. Gissing mentioned that they are in talks with various potential sponsors and that any support, big or small, is crucial.

Legacy of Nurturing Talent

Stocksbridge Park Steels has a proud history of developing professional football talent. The most notable alumnus is Jamie Vardy, a Premier League and FA Cup winner who also represented England. However, Gissing clarified, "Everybody thinks Jamie Vardy should bail us out because he played here – he doesn't owe us anything. It's not beholden to him. It's down to the club to make sure they are self-sufficient."

Decline in Sponsorship and Attendance

The club has faced significant challenges in recent seasons, including a substantial loss of sponsorship. Gissing highlighted that their average home attendances are among the lowest in the league, further straining their finances. Additionally, the club does not own the stadium bar, limiting another potential revenue stream.

Hope on the Horizon

Despite these obstacles, Gissing remains hopeful. Recent interest from national and international businesses has provided a glimmer of hope. "The committee is positive that we can pull through," he said. "There are lots of people committing to smaller things. We don't mind how we do it. It will be a struggle, but we are up for the fight, and we will do all we can to make sure the club survives."

Call to Action

Stocksbridge Park Steels is appealing to the community and potential sponsors to help them navigate this challenging period. With a united effort, they aim to secure the necessary funds and continue their legacy in English football.

For more information or to support the club, visit Stocksbridge Park Steels' official website.

[choogling]

People are not interested in watching low level football on a cold rainy Stocksbridge night when they can sit on the sofa watching world class football, sorry but that the way it is.

[hackey lad]

Surely Jamie Vardy could help . 40 grand to him , is about half a weeks wages .  

[HeHasRisen]

8 hours ago, hackey lad said:

Surely Jamie Vardy could help . 40 grand to him , is about half a weeks wages .  

How do we know he hasn't already helped. Also, why should it be down to him alone? 

[hackey lad]

13 minutes ago, HeHasRisen said:

How do we know he hasn't already helped. Also, why should it be down to him alone? 

I never said  it was . 

[HeHasRisen]

It seems to be the general theme on social media though. 

If the club are beholden to one person they may as well just fold now. 

[hackey lad]

2 minutes ago, HeHasRisen said:

It seems to be the general theme on social media though. 

If the club are beholden to one person they may as well just fold now. 

I don’t care about social media. I said my piece, that’s it .

[HeHasRisen]

That's fine, merely stating you share the same opinion as many others who seem to think one man should bail them out because he once played for them.

[MJ01]

My old nanna used to say 'cut your coat according to your cloth' - she was a seamstress

 

Keep rolling Vardy out - how tedious is that - a bit like Wednesday referencing Terry Curran or United referencing Len Badger. Vardy played a few games for them 20+ years ago, he owes them nothing (in fairness the club do say that), they've lived off this one tenuous link for years

 

Spend your available budget or go bust - straightforward - sadly if they go bust the people that print their programmes or that provide their pies take the hit

[Padders]

1 minute ago, hackey lad said:

8 hours ago, hackey lad said:

Surely Jamie Vardy could help . 40 grand to him , is about half a weeks wages .  

 

Well, Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has just been mugged in Cannes on the French Riviera..

He was outside his hotel at 4am.

The thief's stole his luxury watch, value, £255,000.

I've had a 20quid Sekonda which keeps perfectly good time, for about 10years..

Meks yer wonder dun it..........