A passionate group of Westbury United supporters has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £36,000 and help the club overcome its financial crisis.
The club is battling severe financial difficulties that have left it unable to pay its players or coaching staff and forced them to play home games in Frome. The club’s financial troubles arose after negotiations with a housing developer failed to materialise, leaving them unable to cover the £36,000 outstanding electricity bill at its home ground, Platinum Hyundai Park. As a result, Westbury United was forced into a ground-share arrangement with Frome Town FC while their own stadium remains in the dark.
Now, a new Supporters Trust Fund has been set up by fans which aims to raise enough money to clear the club’s debts and bring Westbury United back home.
They are rallying the local community, businesses and football lovers to join the Supporters Trust by emailing supporterstrust@westburyunited.co.uk who will then reply with details on how to donate. It is hoped any donations made through the Supporters Trust Fund could be refunded if an agreement is made with a developer in the future.
They are also setting up a JustGiving page for anyone who does not want to join the Supporters Trust but want to help with a donation.
Lifelong fans, ex-players and trustees Phil Alford, Keith Harvey and Mark Nickels, three of the key figures behind the campaign, said the supporters couldn’t stand by and watch their club suffer. “Westbury United is the heart of our community, and we simply cannot allow this club to struggle alone,” they said. “It’s devastating to see the team playing away from home and our squad of players and management team have shown incredible loyalty by continuing to play without pay or travelling expenses. Now, as fans, we need to do our bit and get them back where they belong.”
It comes at a time when, on the pitch, the team is doing better than ever before. It’s in its third season in the Southern League, playing at the highest level in its history, and prior to moving to Frome, was in the hunt for a play-off place.
“We know it’s a huge amount to raise, but if everyone who cares about this club chips in what they can, we believe we can do it,” added Phil, Keith and Mark. “Westbury United has given us so many great memories – now it’s time for us to give something back.
“We have a home game against Melksham Town on 21st April and it would be amazing if we could raise the money by then and play that game at Meadow Lane in front of a bumper crowd.”
Westbury United’s joint managers Ricky Hulbert and Lewis Porter have expressed their gratitude for the fans’ efforts, calling it a testament to the club’s strong community spirit.
“The support from the fans means the world to us,” Ricky said. “The players and staff are doing everything we can to keep fighting for this club, and knowing the fans are fighting alongside us gives us even more motivation. This club has a special bond with its supporters, and we’re hopeful that, together, we can get through this.”
To contact or donate to the Supporters Trust Fund, email supporterstrust@westburyunited.co.uk or visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wufc-supporters
Pictured: Mark Nickels, Phil Alford and Keith Harvey
