Appeal launched to find club a new home
SKELMERSDALE United has launched a desperate Crowdfunding appeal as the club faces a fight for its future.
Skem has been left without a home ground after failing to agree a new lease with stadium owners Chequer Properties and will now fulfil the rest of this season’s fixtures 11 miles away at Prescot Cables.
As such, the club is facing a significant loss of revenue through ticket sales and sponsorship and will still need to find a home for the 2018/19 season.
The club was evicted from the Stormy Corner stadium a month ahead of the lease’s end date and was only able to fulfil recent fixtures thanks to a last second offer from Marine to host the matches.
Club chairman Paul Griffiths issued a lengthy statement last week detailing the problems between the club and the stadium’s owners and even warned that the very future of Skelmersdale Utd is at risk.
In order to ensure the survival of the 135-yearold club, which has been home to such stars as Steve Heighway, Paul Futcher, Peter Withe and Craig Noone, a Crowdfunding appeal has now been launched.
The club hopes to raise £10,000 to ensure that it “can continue its existence with financial stability”.
The appeal states: “For 135 years, Skelmersdale United FC has has provided a platform for the careers of many ambitious young footballers, some of which have gone on to great heights both domestically and abroad.
“However, now all that is at risk as we have been forced in to a very difficult situation by our landlord Chequer Properties Ltd. After the events of 20th October saw the club locked out of the Uretek Stadium, the club officially has no home in the town.
“After huge aid from Marine AFC saw the club begin to play outside of the town, Saturday officially sees the club begin what we hope will be a temporary exit from Skelmersdale, beginning a season-long ground share at Prescot Cables’ Volair Park while we investigate the prospect of building a new stadium in Skelmersdale.
“All this has meant we will require to find funds for the additional expense incurred, and we would be very grateful for any additional support to assist us through this difficult time, even a few more bodies through the gate on match days helps, buy a club lottery ticket, your support will be appreciated and is much needed.
“We are doing our best to make sure that Skelmersdale United F.C. continues to be part of your community for many more years to come, so please offer whatever you can to help.”
To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving. com/crowdfunding/ sufc1882