Running Costs Support

Aim: To continue to support community members, user groups and visitors to site providing a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Who are we?

We are a non-profit, volunteer run registered charity and our aim is to provide the children of Wilberfoss and surrounding villages a safe and enjoyable environment in which to play.  We offer access to sport and recreational activities for all regardless of age, ability or background. Our responsibilities are the upkeep of a clubhouse, outbuildings, football pitches, tennis courts and children's play areas incorporating swings/slides etc. trim trails, picnic benches and 5 a side pitch.

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Community impact

As our and surrounding area has expanded so too has the use and demand on our facilities. Over recent years we have developed from being just a sport club to supporting a wide range of user groups from within the community including a jazz group, football club with 1 veteran, 2 adult and 6 junior teams, a girl guide group, tennis club with 2 mixed, 2 female and 3 male teams, flyball dog trainers, archery club, fitness class, friends of Wilberfoss school (FOWS), volleyball group, darts team, boy scout group, running club, model aircraft society and senior citizen friendship group.

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Why are we crowdfunding?

Over recent months our running costs for electricity alone has almost trebled. We have gone from a monthly direct debit of £295 to the last 4-month invoices which are £667.38, £791.54, £852.37 & £1190.17. At current rates we will have gone from an annual bill of £3600 to circa £9000. These increases are the biggest challenge we have faced to keeping our doors open. As a non-profit organisation we do not accumulate large reserves, any profit realised is simply reinvested into our facilities. Our Pavilion is non membership free entry to all and is open 5 days a week offering food and drink facilities and to assist the current cost of living crisis trialled opening earlier on weekdays from 3pm. 

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How we’ll spend the money raised

 We are raising funds towards the increase in our running costs. We are currently applying to various trusts and foundations for financial support which we hope to match fund via this scheme. We are also actively seeking solutions to assist our long-term sustainability. Approximately 5 years ago we installed solar panels and are currently waiting for estimates to install battery storage to the system which we hope to achieve via environmental grants. Equally we are in the process of changing all of our lighting to LED together with installing timers in certain locations to gain "small wins" against running costs.  

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