Grimsby Town fans unite to launch free shirt scheme for year six pupils.
Following a successful meeting with Grimsby Town FC and the Mariners Trust, a group of Grimsby Town fans have come together with an exciting fundraising initiative for children across North East Lincolnshire.
Grimsby, 9th July 2019 – The group, named ‘Fans of the Future,’ presented their business plan to the Club and Trust, in which fundraising activities were detailed to help raise a target of £30,000. Once raised, this money will be spent providing free Grimsby Town FC shirts to all year six pupils across North East Lincolnshire.
Trevor Hewson, spokesperson for the Fans of the Future group, said:
“We are overwhelmed with the positivity our idea has generated around the Football Club and it will be an honour to work alongside them to deliver free shirts across North East Lincolnshire.
“We’re challenging people to smash the target. The more money we fundraise, the wider we can spread our net. It is hoped that we will be able to raise enough money to cover areas outside of our catchment, such as Louth and Caistor.”
The group are currently in talks with local businesses about some of their planned fundraising activities, but the first step they are taking is to launch a crowdfunding page where people can donate money for experiences and items. Supporters can visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fans-of-the-future where more items and experiences will be continually added.
The group’s next plan is to install foreign coin collection barrels around Blundell Park, and buckets in local businesses. These have kindly been sponsored by Approved Roofing and Maintenance. Paul Greaves, Owner of the company, said:
“As a Grimsby born and bred businessman, it is always an honour to get involved in initiatives that have a positive effect on the local community. The group have some fantastic ideas that will pull together supporters, the Club and the Mariners Trust. It is important we work together, and I look forward to becoming a sponsorship partner of Fans of the Future.”
Hannah Dawson, Communications Coordinator of the group, said:
“It’s brilliant that Paul has come on board so early and we’d be delighted for more local businesses to join us for this community scheme. Whether you would like to host a fundraising event, provide sponsorship for our shirts, place posters or collection buckets in your workplace or simply make a donation to the cause, we would love to hear from you.
“Many members of our group, including myself, have children. We are passionate about working alongside the Club and Trust to leave a lasting legacy for our own families and those of fellow Mariners.”
This initiative links closely with the hard work which Grimsby Town FC are undertaking this season to ensure they are a family friendly club.
Dave Smith, Commercial Manager at Grimsby Town Football Club, said:
“The Club are delighted to support this project and would like to thank the group of fans who have put so much time, energy and know-how into making it happen. Hopefully it will be a great success and we hope everyone will give it their support.”
Dave Roberts, Vice Chair of the Mariners Trust, added:
“Capturing young supporters at a key age is vital to ensuring future support for the Club, and this will certainly achieve that objective.
“It is fantastic to see the commitment, enthusiasm and creativity of the people behind this initiative and they deserve the full support of everyone to make it a success. We have seen before just how effective it can be when everyone works together, and this is a great opportunity to achieve that again.
“This shows that not every fan initiative needs to be driven by the Mariners Trust and we are quite happy to use our experience and relationship with the Club to help facilitate ideas such as this for others to run with.”
The group are now appealing to local businesses for their support with this scheme. To offer your support or request more information, please email futurefansgtfc@gmail.com.
To visit the crowdfunding page and make a donation, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fans-of-the-future.
