Ashington AFC: Preserve & Elevate Our Legacy

by Ashington AFC in Ashington, Northumberland, United Kingdom

Total raised £10,463

raised so far

104

supporters

Ashington AFC, deeply rooted in football history, seeks community support for urgent stadium improvements, travel costs and equipment.

by Ashington AFC in Ashington, Northumberland, United Kingdom

We're still collecting donations

On the 13th December 2023 we'd raised £10,298 with 101 supporters in 42 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.

**Urgent Support Needed for Ashington AFC!** 

Since 1883, Ashington AFC, proudly nestled in the hometown of footballing legends such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Jack Charlton, Jackie Milburn, and Jimmy Adamson, has been a beacon of pride and heritage in our community. From the days of being a Football League club to our recent promotion, it has a storied and colourful history.  

Thank You!

Firstly, our deepest gratitude goes to our existing sponsors, devoted season ticket holders, regular match attendees, and each of you who have purchased pitch squares. A special shoutout to those who also backed our 'Build the Budget' scheme, raising almost £8,500 over the course of the season.

In April, when we earned our promotion, our club swiftly moved into preparation mode for the upcoming season. This included setting bold revenue targets and determining the necessary funds to uphold our squad, implement crucial ground improvements, and cover increasing travel expenses.

In the last six months, our small yet immensely dedicated group of volunteers has tirelessly pursued our objectives. Unfortunately, the current economic landscape has presented numerous hurdles, resulting in many closed doors and a lack of responses. Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic and continue to persevere in our efforts. 

It's important to note that our club does not have the luxury of a wealthy benefactor. Instead, we rely heavily on the tireless work of our volunteers, the kindness of our generous sponsors, and the unwavering support of our fans. We are a non-profit organisation, which means that we have no shareholders and all funds raised by the club are reinvested.

In addition to the above, our club facilities are often lauded by visitors as the best in the league, but they alone come with rapidly rising costs. In the past year alone, we've seen utility and insurance costs soar by over 120%.

What do we do for our Community?

On the positive side of what we offer, the club supports and promotes local food banks and various charities. It champions the cause of the vulnerable in our community. 

Beyond football, Ashington AFC stands as a communal sanctuary where individuals find a voice, combat loneliness, and come together to be united. Where else in Ashington is there a gathering of over 500 people every other week, bonded by a shared spirit?

Here's where your support becomes paramount:

1. **Pitch Enclosure**: A fully enclosed fence around the pitch is a mandatory requirement at Step 4, the level at which we are currently competing. 

2. **Rotating Turnstiles**: To provide seamless and safe access for supporters, two rotating turnstiles are also a necessity for Step 4.

3. **Away Game Travel**: With our promotion, we face longer journeys for away games. We seek sponsorship or funding to assist in transport expenses for our remaining away matches.

4. **Floodlight Upgrade**: By upgrading our 15-year-old floodlights to LED, we will significantly decrease both our energy costs and carbon footprint. The current lights are outdated, prohibitive to maintain, and due for replacement.

5. ** Grounds Equipment**: Our volunteer groundsman works wonders with the resources at hand, but our equipment is desperately in need of an upgrade to facilitate his efforts.

Although some may suggest cutting player expenses, we operate on a modest playing budget for our level and area. Our achievements on the field, driven by a collective commitment, have enhanced our match attendance, experience, and revenue. Without this revenue and support, our club could not function.

It's evident that we, a small but very passionate team of volunteers, have been working tirelessly to ensure the club's success and longevity. Our dedication to our club knows no bounds, with even our first team manager foregoing payment for the betterment of Ashington AFC. 

For those willing to rally behind us, we're offering a range of rewards, from acknowledgements to team shirts to lifetime season tickets to hospitality to sponsorship opportunities.

Let's come together, ensuring that Ashington AFC continues to thrive and instilling pride, passion, and belief into this community.

#AshingtonAFC #UnityIsStrength #BackYourLocalClub  

Rewards

This project offered rewards

£9 or more

Ticket for the Community

Make a donation equivalent to the price of a match ticket, and we will donate to our community.

£5 or more

Thank you!

A huge thank you for supporting our community club. Your name will be listed on our Website unless you remain anonymous when making a donation.

£10 or more

Donation & Sir Bobby Charlton Programme

Donate to the Football Club and receive a copy of the Sir Bobby Charlton tribute programme - Ashington vs Pontefract. Includes a column by former test cricketer Steve Harmison. Programmes will be despatched when Crowdfunder is complete

£15 or more

Supporter Acknowledgement plus Donor Ticket

Your name listed on out website and in the remaining matchday programmes of 2023/24 as a supporter of our fund. Plus offers entry into one home fixture of your choice.

£60 or more

Buy a Brick

An incredible chance awaits fans to etch their name "into the very foundation" and become an integral part of the club's legacy. We're embarking on the construction of a new wall of dedication on the entrance to our clubhouse, and we extend this unique opportunity to our dedicated supporters and friends. You can now immortalise your name or the names of your loved ones in our club. Terms and Conditions apply

£75 or more

Sponsor a Home Shirt

Sponsor a Home shirt and be acknowledged in our programme, website and social media. As well as this you will receive the worn shirt at the end of the season and have the option to have it signed and have your photo taken with a player of your choice to present it. (shirt numbers will be allocated on a random selection basis)

£75 or more

Sponsor an Away Shirt

Sponsor an away shirt and be acknowledged in our programme, website and social media. As well as this you will receive the worn shirt at the end of the season and have the option to have it signed and have your photo taken with a player of your choice to present it. (shirt numbers will be allocated on a random selection basis)

£80 or more

Mascot Experience (age 6-12)

Meet the players before the game in the tunnel area, with the opportunity for photos and autographs. Lead the players out before kick-off Photographs in the centre circle with both captains and the match officials Four match tickets in addition to the mascot ticket Souvenir Certificate to commemorate the day

£300 or more

1883 Club Reward

Join us for the remainder of the 23/24 season in our 1883 Club which is a non-formal way to enjoy the match with extra comfort at Woodhorn Lane. Access to our Charlton Lounge Hospitality Suite from 90 minutes prior to kick off • Welcome Drink on arrival • Complimentary Match Programme & Teamsheet • Reserved Seating in Main Seated Stand • Half Time Buffet / Teas and Coffees • Post Match Drink

£350 or more

Advertising Board

Pitch side advertising boards provide opportunities for local businesses to support Ashington AFC and the potential of reaching new customers. The package includes: • Your Branding on a pitchside board (2m x 1m) • Hospitality for two for a match of your choice • Social Media and Website Promotion

£500 or more

Sponsor an Away Coach

Have your name or your business name associated with an away day of your choice. You will receive: - 4 Places on the Team Coach to the designated away day - Entry into the game - Photo with the team before kick off - Advertising on Social Media and Website - 2 x Home Season Tickets for the remainder of 2023/24

£1,000 or more

Lifetime Season Ticket

We’re launching our very first Lifetime Season Ticket (apart from the special ticket David Bainbridge has). Yes, for a one-off payment of £1,000, you can attend every single Ashington AFC home league match at Woodhorn Lane for the rest of your life. Your name will also be listed on our lifetime season ticket holder page on our website. You can choose to start this in 2023/24 or the new 2024/25 season.

£1,800 or more

Matchday Training Kit Sponsorship

The package includes: • Your Name / Company name on training kit • Hospitality for two for a match of your choice • 4 x Season Tickets • Social Media and Website Promotion

£2,000 or more

Social Media Sponsorship

Reach thousands on a regular basis with your brand associated with our social media club accounts in each post. Includes: - 4 x Season Tickets for remainder of 2023/24 season

£3,500 or more

Clubhouse Sponsorship

• Branding inside Clubhouse for remainder of 2023/24 • 2 x Pitchside Advertising Boards • Matchday Hospitality for 10 for a match of your choice • Use of Function and associated facilities on non matchdays for preferential rate.

£7,500 or more

Stadium Naming Sponsorship

Stadium Branding and naming for remainder of 2023/24 season. Your Business referred to in all club, league and media correspondence. • 2 x 1883 Club Tickets • 2 x Pitchside Advertising Boards, External Stadium Branding • Stadium Name used in all club releases and press publications

£100 or more

Limited Edition Red Shirt Signed by Team

Get your hands on this exclusive Red Shirt as used by the First Team in the Sir Bobby Charlton tribute day vs Pontefract. Item can be signed by the squad and you can have your photo taken with a player of your choice. (shirt numbers will be allocated on a random selection basis). Please note these are worn shirts and may exhibit some damage / wear.

£350 or more

Framed & Signed Alan Shearer NUFC Shirt

Signed and Framed Alan Shearer Newcastle United shirt donated to Ashington FC in 2009.

£350 or more

Framed Argentina Shirt Signed by two NUFC Stars

Framed Argentina Shirt Signed by former NUFC stars Jonás Gutiérrez and Fabricio Coloccini donated to Ashington FC in 2009.

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