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Guernsey Raiders has launched a sporting memorabilia fundraiser for fans in a bid to raise £50,000, having exhausted all other funding opportunities ahead of next season.
The rugby community has been hit hard financially by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been compounded by the RFU withdrawing their funding for rugby clubs travelling to and from the island.
After more than a year without revenue from home fixtures, Joint-Chair of Guernsey Raiders Andrea Harris said the club has "exhausted all other sources of available sponsorship and funding for next season".
"Raiders face a financial mountain to fund all our obligations to island rugby teams next season," she said. "The 2020/21 season promises a return to the new normal, meaning away fixtures in National 2 for the men, National Challenge 1 for ladies, the Zoo League Div 2 for the St Jacques Vikings and the Academy RFU Leagues.
"The RFU have been unable to confirm our travel grant funding, due to its own loss of revenues from home fixtures at Twickenham this season.”
The new fundraising initiative ties into the Centenary Siam Cup Match, which is scheduled to take place at Footes Lane on 28 August.
Donations of £120 or more will be entitled to receive either a memorial Centenary Siam shirt or the 2021/22 league shirt.
“This is a unique opportunity to have your name put on a Centenary Siam Cup Guernsey shirt," said Joint-Chair Charlie McHugh. "This offer allows supporters to show their financial backing for Guernsey rugby and at the same time to acquire a unique collectors’ piece of sporting memorabilia.”
Pictured: Mr McHugh said there are currently over 550 players (boys, girls, men and women) playing rugby in Guernsey as well as over 1,000 supporters.
The Siam Centenary shirts are made by ‘Guilbert’ and will feature a centenary logo and the swirls in the green stripes that are part of the design of the actual Cup.
Orders must be placed no later than the 12 June 2022 and the 2021/22 League shirts must be ordered before 1 August 2021. Orders can be placed via the club's website or directly via the giving.gg page.
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