Lilywhites issue plea for community cash

SEEL Park, home of Mossley Football Club

MOSSLEY FC director John Larner has issued a rallying cry to the local community in a bid to ensure the future survival of the Seel Park club.

The Lilywhites failed in their bid to secure a £50,000 bursary towards ground renovation work from Buildbase, sponsors of non league's most prestigious knock-out trophies.

Just as they did in the 1980 FA Trophy final to Dagenham, Mossley finished a close second when they made a Dragons' Den style pitch in front of Buildbase and Football Association representatives.

The improvement work, highlighted in an impressive presentation video, still needs doing to meet ground regulation standards, but with finances tight and low attendances, the Evo-Stik League First Division North club faces tough challenges ahead.

Larner said: "The local community recently backed the club in their thousands to help us reach the final of the Buildbase competition.

"SUPPORTED"

"And although we weren't awarded the bursary, we were thrilled with the way the people of our town and beyond supported us.

"The bursary would have been used to bring the changing rooms and other facilities used by local community groups up to standard so they met ground grading regulations.

"Now, more than ever, we need the people of Mossley, Tameside and Saddleworth to rally around us and help the club fund the renovation of facilities that serve both the club and people of the area.

"If our crowds increased, we could truly reach our potential.

"Our early bird season tickets (£120 adults/£70 concessions) offer superb value, while families can enjoy an affordable day out with under 16s admitted free of charge."

West London-based Hanwell Town FC took the prize ahead of Mossley and Stafford Rangers for clubs entering the FA Trophy.

Cleethorpes Town FC secured a £50,000 bursary for clubs in the FA Vase.

To find out more about Mossley's sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact Larner on 01457 832299 or email: john.larner4@btopenworld.com.