Coventry Rugby has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help the club bridge the financial chasm caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and honour its payments to local companies and suppliers.
The club has been on a steep upward trajectory over the past four years, bringing full-time professional Championship rugby back to Coventry city centre, taking the positive message of rugby and sport into local schools and community groups, expanding its charitable Foundation to grow wheelchair rugby and give disadvantaged youngsters the opportunity to shine, and – thanks to the installation of a new pitch at Butts Park Arena – given junior clubs of many sports the opportunity to play on a top class surface for the first time.
Just as importantly, the club works with a variety of local companies and suppliers throughout the week and on match days, from catering to printing, match day security to medical provision, and everything in between.
This network is also under threat, with no end in sight to the current pandemic and no cashflow following the cancellation of all rugby union, rugby league, football and other sports.
This is why the crowdfunding campaign has been launched, with a range of rewards and offers available to people who donate, from discounted match tickets and replica shirts all the way up to opportunities for clubs to join the Coventry squad for pre-season training.
And for every £100 raised we will donate a match ticket to the Coventry and Warwickshire NHS staff who are working above and beyond the call of duty at this time.
“We are still in survival mode before we can start on our revival planning and we are facing a significant financial challenge,” said Managing Director Nick Johnston.
“We have a strong sense of responsibility to all of our suppliers and know that the business we provide them contributes significantly to the Coventry economy. We would hate to see that put under threat.
“Over the last few years Jon Sharp’s generosity has given us the foundations but like every business we need cashflow in order to fulfil our commitments.
“However right now we need that bridge, and the funds raised in this crowdfunder can help us pay our suppliers, many of which are local companies who have their own staff and suppliers, and so on.
“We know that this is a lot to ask at a challenging time and would like to thank everyone who contributes for their generosity.”
To support the club head to crowdfunder.co.uk/coventryrugbycrowdfunder