Digital lottery aims to unlock sports funding

A Yorkshire-based digital sports business is helping grassroots clubs unlock new funding with a not-for-profit lottery initiative.

The Fundraising Club CIC has been created by the founders of Leeds-based Pitchero to simplify how sports clubs raise money. 

Open to all eligible UK clubs, the digital lottery allows each team to set up a personalised page and promote it to members, who buy tickets for a monthly prize draw.

Each ticket sold generates grant income for the club, which can be used for upgrades such as new equipment, pitch repairs or improved facilities.

Mark Fletcher, co-founder of Pitchero, which provides websites, mobile apps and digital tools to more than 70,000 teams across the UK, reaching more than four million users every month, said: “More than ever, clubs need support to raise funds. 

“The cost of running a club has increased, and sources of funding are decreasing. 

“Many clubs have ambitious investment plans to create new pitches, refurbish changing rooms and develop new facilities. 

“We cannot allow these plans to stall or be forgotten.

“This is why we launched The Fundraising Club Lottery, empowering clubs’ fundraising activity and to build momentum with exciting investment plans.”

Legal advice on the launch was provided by the sports, media and marketing team of Leeds law firm Gordons, led by commercial solicitor Ella Fitzpatrick and head of privacy Lauren Wills-Dixon, with support from partner and head of regulatory Simon Tingle and solicitor Harvey Blake.

Ella added: “The Fundraising Club Lottery opens up a vital source of revenue for sports clubs and empowers them to enhance their fundraising activities and new opportunities for loyal fans to support their teams.

“It was great to have advised on the creation of this exciting initiative.” 

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