The effects of Covid-19 will be felt by all of us for many years to come. The biggest impact without any doubt has been the tragic loss of life, with so many people’s family members and friends sadly no longer with us. The country owes a debt of gratitude to all key workers, whether that be NHS staff, teachers, retail workers, bin men, postal staff, public transport workers or the countless other important roles that the people of this country have bravely continued to perform, without which we would not have been able to get through this crisis.

The lockdown and temporary closure of so many businesses will likely lead to a downturn in economic activity which may take years to fully recover from. Thackley AFC are no different – the football club has had no income since football operations were halted in early March 2020. Our previous Club statement provided an update on the financial health of the Club and confirmed that the Club was well positioned to weather the storm. However, we are under no illusions that the Club also needs to adapt to survive whilst continuing our efforts to support our local community however we can.

The Club recently launched the “Thackley AFC Business Club” and we are pleased that so many local businesses have already signed up. The aim of the Business Club is to create a hub of local businesses, centred around the Club, to promote collaboration, with the hope that this will assist the local business community with getting back on its feet.

In addition, we are now pleased to announce a further initiative as we reflect on all the sacrifices many people made during this time to keep friends and loved ones safe and cared for.

For the upcoming season, the sponsorship of our Stadium, the iconic Dennyfield ground, sitting in the heart of Thackley and nestled within Buck Woods, is vacant. This has given the Club an opportunity to do something different. The Club will provide local businesses with the opportunity to be part of a group of sponsors of the Stadium for the 2020-2021 season, whenever that may start, and by doing so they will also be contributing to local charities.

Thackley AFC are proposing to rename Dennyfield for the 2020-2021 Season, the “Thank You Key Workers Stadium at Dennyfield”.

This is to say thank you to all those key workers who have served all of us and have gone above and beyond since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The Club is setting an ambitious fund-raising target of £10,000, which will see:

1. 50% of funds raised to support Thackley AFC;
2. 30% of funds raised to be donated to local NHS charities;
3. 10% of funds raised to be donated to local food banks; and
4. 10% of funds raised to be donated to local mental health charities.

This sponsorship package is entirely bespoke and allows you to support not only Thackley AFC but a host of local charities. In return for your sponsorship and contributing to the renaming of the stadium for 2020/2021, you or your business will (1) feature on our “list of stadium sponsors” and on graphics around the stadium, (2) benefit from regular “shout outs” to our social media audiences (with reach in excess of 6,000 across all our platforms), (3) have access to the Thackley AFC Business Club and (4) be invited to our annual “Sponsors Day”.

The Club is asking for minimum donations of £100, from either individuals or local businesses, with no limit on maximum donations. Depending on the level of donation made, you will receive further benefits. For example, the following levels of donation will entitle you to the following benefits:

• £100 donation will receive x1 complimentary Match Ball sponsorship;
• £250 donation will receive x1 complimentary Match sponsorship and x1 Match Ball sponsorship;
• £500 donation will receive x2 complimentary Match sponsorship and x2 Match Ball sponsorship; and
• £1,000 donation will receive x1 Advertising Board, x1 Match sponsorship and x1 Match Ball sponsorship.

Bespoke packages can be offered for any other level of donation which you or your business may wish to make.

If you are interested in discussing this unique sponsorship opportunity further, please contact either our Commercial Manager, Matt Humm, or Chairman, Ben Oliver, who are happy to discuss further.

Thank you as always for your continued support.