Sports clubs of all shapes and sizes have been dramatically affected by the outbreak of coronavirus, with financial worry a factor at almost all teams.
Stafford Rangers are no different but the Staffordshire outfit thought quickly on its feet to combat the challenges the pandemic would throw at it right from the outset and formed a working party to quell the impact of Covid-19 as much as possible.
The Business Continuity Group was formed at the beginning of the nationwide lockdown in March with a mission to try to safeguard and protect the club from the inevitable strains the UK shut down would produce.
Member David Montgomery told Sport in Staffs that the group’s aims were to: “Safeguard the club from extinction from the unprecedented challenges of Coronavirus; To launch an initiative to fans called ‘Stand Together’ and communicate with them clearly on a regular basis; To support the current Directors; To raise much needed funds to support the club with cash flow; And to develop a strategy to protect the club and ensure sustainability.”
The Stand Together campaign invited Boro members and supporters to donate the money they’d usually spend on a normal matchday to the Northern Premier League outfit.
The initiative also raised funds from shares sales too and as a result has collectively managed to bring in over £50,000 – money that will be of vital significance to the club.
David sang the praises of Stafford Rangers’ supporters for their efforts in raising such a remarkable figure.
“It’s just fantastic,” he said. “It’s what involvement in non-league football is all about and demonstrates the passion loyalty and belief our fans have for the club. They are just the best!”
He went on to explain that the Business Continuity Group has more ideas that it hopes it can implement.
“Like every other business the virus has decimated every avenue of income stream from both the football and social club. The only certainty is now uncertainty and to survive we have to develop and action a model that is fit for purpose and achievable as we look to the future.
“We have many other initiatives in discussion phase including corporate strategies to attract new business to the football club as well as existing sponsors and to rebrand some existing products.
“We are developing a Business Development plan that everyone can buy into to set goals and objectives throughout the club making sure everyone understands our values, ethos and how we interact with the community.
“The virus and lockdown implications made us realise that we need to change and everyone at the club has recognised that and bought into it.
“We want to make sure everyone understands the vision the club has and how we are going to achieve it. Effective, transparent communication is key. We now want all fans to come together and all enjoy the journey Stafford Rangers is going to take.”
David – who chairs the several video conference meetings every week with group members Sally Ann Ashby, John Macmillan, Mark Alcock, Alan Gee and Paul Griffiths – said he was “blessed with being part of a small group of like-minded people with a common goal who have been able to make a difference and will continue to do so if we can.”
He concluded: “I’m happy to receive emails or contact by text or calls if anyone needs information they can’t find or if they have any great ideas.”
To keep up-to-date with the work the Business Continuity Group is doing, check the Stafford Rangers social media pages, its website and press releases.
In other news, earlier today Stafford Rangers unveiled Jody Banim its new team manager.
Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
WE HAVE MOVED! 