Tain football club tackle fundraising pressures head-on in wake of rising costs
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DINGWALL resident Laura Symon joined millions of Argentinians and people all over the world in celebration when Leo Messi and co won their third World Cup in Qatar.
In doing so, Argentina unwittingly also secured Laura the winnings from the Tain St Duthus football club World Cup sweepstake, run to raise funds for the club.
Originally from Bangor in County Down, Laura is studying at the Scottish Episcopal Institute and is a graduate from the UHI Highland Theological College in Dingwall. She is also now a big St Duthus fan!
RELATED: More on St Duthus from the Ross-shire Journal
Dr Iain Morrison, vice-chairman of the club, who currently sit second in the North Caledonian League, said: “I was delighted for Laura that we were able to send some festive cheer and good fortune her way this month.
"Our World Cup sweepstake is one of a handful of fundraising initiatives we are trying to employ to help us meet our goals of providing football for our senior and youth teams. We are very grateful to everyone who participated in the sweepstake.
"We are very community-focussed and rely on sponsorship and fundraising to ensure our club continues to offer sporting opportunities for players and spectators alike."
Like many non-professional volunteer-run clubs and groups, St Duthus, who are based in Tain, rely solely on the generosity of supporters and local businesses, and the ability to raise money by holding events.
Sports clubs at the non-professional level were met with several difficulties when Covid restrictions were in place – and now, increasing costs, such as energy bills and fuel for travel, have compounded their problems.
Dr Morrison added: "Coming out of the pandemic, and with cost-of-living pressure having its effect on all of us, it is a continuing challenge to raise money to meet a bar that keeps rising.
"Going forward, we would be happy to speak with anyone wanting to be involved in the club from sponsorship of games or individual players, to our increasingly popular weekly lottery.
"Laura is testimony to how rewarding it can be!”
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