Stocksbridge Park Steels, an eighth-tier football club based near Sheffield, has issued a heartfelt plea for financial support, stating that they need up to £40,000 to ensure their survival through the upcoming season. Founded in 1986, the club is facing one of the toughest periods in its history.
In a statement released on Thursday, Vice Chairman Roger Gissing revealed that the annual cost of running the club amounts to around £140,000.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Gissing expressed optimism about the club’s future, affirming that the team of volunteers is committed to doing “all we can to make sure the club survives.”
Stocksbridge Park Steels, a Northern Premier League Division One East outfit, is largely run by a dedicated group of approximately 40 volunteers.
The club heavily relies on donations but also sponsorships such as Stadium sponsorship.
A great way to support your business, and South Yorkshires TOP Non-League club. pic.twitter.com/V22Ro8ZquK
— Stocksbridge Park Steels (@parksteelsfc) May 30, 2024
Gissing emphasized the community spirit driving the club, saying, “We are talking to lots of people. We are not going to say that we are not going to make it. We probably need thirty to forty thousand to guarantee we can get through the season with everything we want to do and need to do.”
The club has crafted a plan to navigate through the financial difficulties, which hinges on securing additional sponsorship.
However, the loss of substantial sponsorship in recent seasons has severely impacted their financial stability. Gissing noted that the club’s average home attendances are among the lowest in the league, further compounding their financial woes.
Stocksbridge Park Steels is renowned for nurturing talent, with one of the most notable alumni being Jamie Vardy, a Premier League and FA Cup winner who went on to represent England.
Despite the club’s role in his early career, Gissing was clear that the responsibility of supporting the club does not fall on Vardy.
“Everybody thinks Jamie Vardy should bail us out because he played there – he doesn’t owe us anything,” he said. “It’s not beholden to him. It’s down to the club to make sure they are self-sufficient. That’s what we are trying to do.”
Despite the financial hurdles, Gissing remains positive about the club’s ability to overcome the crisis. “We have a plan that will see us through, as long as we can manage to get a bit of sponsorship,” he stated.
This resilience is echoed by the club’s supporters and volunteers, who are determined to see Stocksbridge Park Steels thrive once more.
The club’s financial situation is further complicated by their inability to profit from the stadium bar, which is not owned by them.
You can donate to the club here:
We would like to say a massive THANK YOU for all the support we have recieved over the last few days, it's so encouraging to know that so many people are behind us, and willing us to succeed in our mission to keep the club alive.https://t.co/uLvcZOKCf5 pic.twitter.com/82ysohb7jJ
— Stocksbridge Park Steels (@parksteelsfc) June 2, 2024
This restriction limits a potential revenue stream that could alleviate some of the financial pressures they face.
