Academy campaign reaches important milestone
Pompey’s fanfunding campaign has smashed through the 33% milestone.
More than £84,000 has now been raised towards the £250,000 needed to install two additional training ground pitches for the club’s academy.
The campaign is the first of its kind to be launched in the UK with a professional football club and aims to raise the cash by the start of the season on August 9, so the pitches can be in place for the start of the following pre-season.
Fans are being encouraged to donate and receive a reward in return, depending on how much they pledge.
They can contribute as little as £10, but the ‘core’ reward at £25 is to purchase a virtual square metre of one of the pitches.
Blues boss Andy Awford, who is leading the campaign, said: “It’s blown me away, it really has. The fans never stop amazing me.
“When we ask for help, whether on or off the pitch, they’re always there for us. This is just the latest example of why they are not only the best fans in the country, but also the best people.”
Colin Farmery, the project manager at Pompey, has been overwhelmed: “I always thought this was a big ask, but so far we are bang on track, if not slightly ahead of schedule.” he said. “The response to the campaign has been incredible – we couldn’t have wished for a better reaction from our fans.
“What’s struck me most are some of the stories which have come to light during the first 18 days of the campaign. There is a real buzz on social media which is vital.
“If we are to reach our target we need fans to tell other fans about the campaign and how they can donate.”
Details of how to get involved in the online campaign can be found here, while you can click here to see how you can get involved offline (buying an official wristband or buying your virtual square metre of pitch) by visiting a One Stop store in the area.