Linnets secure £15k Winter Survival Fund grant

● Winter Survival Fund

I am very happy to inform you all that we have received confirmation from the Football Foundation that our application for a £15,000 Winter Survival Fund grant has been successful.

This grant will ensure we have the cash to cover our operating costs plus essential pitch and grounds maintenance whilst safeguarding our earmarked reserves. I would like to thank the Football Foundation for their speed in processing our grant claim.

● Season Update

At the time of writing we do not have an update from the league. However, the Government have released their roadmap out of COVID19 restrictions and as it stands it looks as though we will not be able to welcome fans back to the Millbank until 17th May at the earliest. This could of course change, as ‘non elite’ sport has been treated differently to ‘elite’ sport in previous restrictions changes.

If the 17th May remains the date when we can welcome back spectators, then I cannot see any way for the current season to continue. We will of course update you as soon as we hear from the league.

In happier news our Junior section will be able to start training and playing matches again from 29th March and this is great news for our Little Linnets. It will be great to see them all back at the Millbank complex.

● Floodlights

I bet you were hoping you’d heard the last of our floodlights, but I have a bit of information that I felt was worth sharing with you all. Following the repair, it was discovered that one of the bulbs had gone. When this bulb is replaced we will also take the opportunity to replace the capacitors (one of these going caused the fault and subsequent fire) on the other floodlights, so hopefully we should have no more issues with floodlights and you never have to read about them again!

● Pitch Booking System

As I’m sure you’re all aware, having the Hybrid Pitch allows us to hire the pitch out to bring in some additional income. We will shortly be launching a new booking system which will allow prospective customers to view the available time slots and then book a slot if it is available. The system will then allow the club to vet the prospective hirer before confirming the booking. The new system will make the pitch booking more efficient and professional.

● 200 Club Draw

February’s 200 Club draw will take place on Sunday 28th February at 2pm, if you do not already have a number but wish to be included in the draw, join the club using the link on the club website (www. runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk).

● Volunteer Request

Response

I was absolutely blown away by the response to my request for volunteers and some of our new volunteers have already started work including attending a working party to help with clearing the compound ready for the much-needed maintenance work to begin.

I was there myself to lend a hand and it was great to see how much work has already been done.

If you would like to become a volunteer, see club website for details.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update, as always stay home, stay safe and I’ll see you all soon.