Ambitious Worthing launch major fundraising drive to help fund ground revamp

They need to complete around £150,000 of improvements to make sure that when their dream of reaching National League South is realised, the Crucial Environmental Ground will be ready.

Worthing are now aiming to be in the National League as soon as the 2020-21 season - having seen their hopes of promotion this season ruined by the decision to null and void 2019-20 and its results for clubs at non-league step three and below.

The improved facilities will benefit the growing number of teams at the club and other visitors. Ground grading is strict as teams move up through the divisions, with the threat of relegation hanging over any clubs who cannot bring their surroundings up to nationally-required standards.

Worthing have already said they believe they will come out of the lockdown in a strong state.

The club have today (May 14) gone live with a crowdfunding bid - called Future's Bright - which they hope fans and local businesses will get behind.

A statement said: "Worthing FC is a truly community focused club and welcomes over 2,000 people to the ground every week, ranging from junior football parties, youth and adult training sessions, six-a-side leagues through to party celebrations in our clubhouse.

"Many will know about the continued success of the men’s team but the club is about much more than that. Following the launch of a women's team two years ago, the team has performed exceptionally well and gained promotion this year.

"The club also runs a Development Centre for U8s through to U16s aimed at giving all local young players a chance to shine. We have extended our Youth Programme to include U14 / U15 / U16 teams alongside our U18s including an Academy programme in which boys study for a BTEC Sport Diploma and compete in a National Alliance U19.

"There is a seniors' football team for the over-50s, and we promote the local walking football team for older men who like to continue playing football and this year we have launched "Worthing Inclusive", a new disability team consisting of 20-plus boys with different types of disabilities who have an amazing team bond and are always looking for a new challenge.

"We are now about to embark on an exciting and ambitious facilities upgrading programme to improve our fan and player experience. The improvements include new floodlights, a new additional bar, new toilets and new changing rooms.

"The total project cost comes to just over £150,000. We are delighted that the Premier League Football Stadia Improvement Fund are fully supportive of our ambitions and have committed close to £96,000 to the project. In addition, we already have £11,000 pledged to the project from a corporate donor.

"We have made a great start. However, the programme will only materialise if we are able to bridge the gap between the pledges above and the overall budget required.

"Our challenge is to raise £43,000 to add to the funds secured and continue to build a club that we can all be proud of. Please help in any way you can."

You can choose to make a straight donation by clicking on the donation box at the top right of the page on this link or you can opt to buy one of the reward Items listed on that page.

"In addition," the club add, "you can help enormously by spreading the word and the link to this page. Tell your friends and family and even your boss and lets make this happen! Thanks for your support!"

Worthing have also announced they will donate 100 home game tickets for every £10,000 raised, to local care homes' staff and families to recognise the heroic efforts they have all made during the coronavirus pandemic.

Once the fundraising is completed the club will work with those care homes on how to allocate and distribute.