Member Article

Darlington football fans use crowdfunding to save club

Fans of stricken Darlington Football Club are looking to secure the future of their much-loved team by using a crowdfunding website to raise funds.

The 129-year-old club has faced financial difficulties, and in a last bid to save it from closure fans are using Crowdcube to offer the chance to buy shares in the club.

Following administration on January 3, the ‘Buy Darlo’ campaign has now raised £291,450 of its £750,000 target and if the bid turns successful, fans of the Quakers will own 100% of the club.

Jenny Chapman, MP for Darlington and a Quakers fan comments: “If Darlington FC went bust it would be a disaster for the local community and economy.

“With clubs around the country experiencing financial difficulties we passionately believe that fan ownership is the future for Darlington and other clubs to ensure that they are run sustainably and are here for future generations to enjoy.”

Support for the campaign has extended beyond the UK, with one Italian fan investing £100, after following the club for 20 years.

Luke Lang, co-founder of Crowdcube says: “Crowdcube was designed to be a platform to help entrepreneurs raise growth capital but Darlington is proving that it is just as effective for sports clubs seeking to raise money.

“As a personal supporter of Exeter City FC, who faced its own financial difficulties in 2003 and is now owned by fans, I’m especially happy that Crowdcube could provide that platform to make this fantastic dream one step closer to becoming a reality.

“Crowdfunding has tremendous potential for the public to step in and take ownership to safeguard important organisations such as a village pub, post office or in this case a football club.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .