Dabbers praised for ‘sterling’ effort by long-term sponsors

South Cheshire employer The County Group has praised the efforts of Nantwich Town FC to stay afloat as it resumes “organised activities” in line with the easing of restrictions.

The insurance company remains a long-standing sponsor of The Dabbers which ran a crowd-funding campaign last year urging local people to help mitigate the ‘devastating’ impact the pandemic has had on its finances.

The JustGiving page raised more than £23,000 but as junior teams resume play, more money will be needed to meet the shortfall for general maintenance and running activities such as popular holiday sessions for children.

Club chairman Jon Gold said: “Like other community clubs, the pandemic has hit hard.

“We have lost income from matches and from use of our function facilities for events and place to meet for organisations.

“We put out an urgent appeal late last year and there was a tremendous response.

“A fantastic £23,706 was raised.

“But we rely heavily on volunteers and this momentum needs to be maintained to ensure the future of the club as the hub of local activity.

“We are grateful to The County Group and to all our sponsors and would be delighted to hear from any local business that can support us.

“In line with the easing of restrictions we have welcomed back all of our junior, youth, ladies and disability sides this week and look forward to the day when fans can join us at the Optimum Pay Stadium to cheer on their
local side again.”

The County Group runs a special scheme called Club Connect to help raise funds for local clubs like Nantwich Town -where a percentage of the commission earned is donated back to the club, when a customer takes out a new policy and mentions the club.

County Group managing director Alastair Christopherson said: “Football bonds a community and we like to give back to the towns where we have offices and employ from the area.

“We are particularly proud of our association with Nantwich Town FC which is steeped in history and has passionate support.

“The club has strong roots in the community and encourages youngsters to get out and kick a ball while enjoying friendship and the camaraderie of being part of a team.

“Exercise to support mental health has become so crucial during Covid and the club plays a vital role in reaching out to so many youngsters with its youth teams and school holiday activities.

“Well done to all its officials, volunteers and fans for their sterling effort to support the club in what remain very challenging times.”

The County Group, based on Crewe Business Park, is also a long-standing sponsor of Nantwich’s other famous sporting sons – Nantwich Cricket Club.