Hemel Hempstead FC calls for everyone to pull together during coronavirus pandemic

Hemel Hempstead Football Club is appealing for the fans, players, staff and community to pull together to get through the coronavirus outbreak.

The club has set up a fundraising page to help the club continue to support the community through the education scheme, walking football, charity events and campaigns.

The club's supporters club, Hemel Fans was heavily involved in the decision making process as they were very keen to support the club.

Dan Finill, head of media at Hemel Hempstead FC, said: "We had nine games left of the season when it was suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak, some of those were at home, which creates revenue for the club.

"It is without doubt the current pandemic has been horrendous for many.

"Whether it’s disruption to daily routines, losing jobs, financial hardship or losing loved ones. This has been very hard on so many of us.

"In all this we strongly believe that football must come second.

"As we move towards the summer months, we have to start to plan how we as a club can continue to support our community.

"I saw a few other clubs setting up a fundraising page so I spoke to the chairman of the club about doing it and he supported the idea.

"Football relies on people coming through the gates and with that stopping the funds have dried up

"We set a target of £5,000 and the support from the community has been great, in a few days we have raised over £1,400.

"Over the years we have supported the police's hate campaigns and held a fundraiser for prostate cancer.

"Hemel Hempstead Town is a community club and we want to be able to ensure that once it is safe to do so, we can be that support once again.

"The fundraising page is is to ensure that all of our good work over the years can continue, but also to ensure that we continue to be the best we can be both on and off the pitch."

Dave Boggins, club chairman, said: "I think the most important thing for me in the present climate is to make sure that the football club survives as it means so much to many.

"We now need to plan for next season whenever that may be. The survival of our football clubs is important, not playoffs or promotion.

"We just really appreciate everyone's support during these challenging times.

"It's incredible to see so many support our fundraising campaign.

"The football club is very much about the community and things like our function hall have lost bookings which is a big part of our income at this time of the year.

"I want to ensure that when we return from this pandemic, we can continue to serve our community whilst offering best value for money.

"I can assure you that your support will be returned tenfold.

"The lack of decisions made by our league board creates an uncertainty which means you just don’t know what is going to happen in the future and when football will resume.

"If the league created a scenario where we had a rough restart date, then that would be so much better for us to work to.

"I do however think it would be unfair for our league to finish our season any differently than Steps 3/7 - it’s unfortunate but that’s the way it is."

Dan added: "We understand that during this time many of our usual sponsors and supporters will have been impacted by this too.

"This is why we want to ensure that their loyalty is rewarded through our improved season ticket pricing structure as well as discounted matchday tickets throughout the 2020/21 season.

"This offer will also extend to a special pricing structure for NHS workers to reward them for their heroic efforts during this difficult time.

"Together we can ensure our great football club continues to provide outstanding support to all those who love it.

To make a donation visit: www.gofundme.com/f/hhtfc.