FUNDRAISING AIMS TO REDUCE MEMBER COSTS
Teesside Lions have set a mammoth task of maintaining current price of membership fees despite the cost doubling, and also reducing the cost of National and Durham League kit bundles from £255 to £75.
Parents from Teesside Lions have begun a period of fundraising to support the reduction of spiralling costs and make a new kit bundle a manageable cost.
The club have always endeavoured to maintain a cost that is affordable for all. Venue hire and game day fees are the largest expense for the club, along with a range of other expenses to keep the club running and looking great!
The recent announcement of fee increases at Basketball England have placed a pressure on the clubs decision to launch a new kit recently, the first kit launch for more than three years.
It is often overlooked at how big figures can become, but effectively the cost of membership with the governing body has doubled along with each team entry fee. The cost of entering five teams into the National League this season is £1,260 alone.
The main concern was making things affordable in a cost of living crisis.
The club have already taken pro-active steps, raising £400 at the Presentation Evening, and another £500 by selling existing stock. The cost of original purchases has been written off by the club so the full amount can go towards the cause.
With the estimated 100 kit bundles required equating an eyewatering cost of £25,500, the club have set a target of reducing this to £7,500 or just £75 per player.
Club Chairman James Thomson is, as always, optimistic, saying:
“We have been planning the new kit launch for a while now and want people to be excited by this, not in fear of the cost. We have already raised funds and earmarked some sponsorship to reduce the cost, and there is a strong desire from parents to help fundraise.
“I am confident with us all pulling together we can make a big difference and get to the point of maintaining the current fee structure at club whilst also reducing the kit bundles to just £75.”
James went on to say that it’s not just elite programme players who will benefit, adding:
“We have managed to maintain our merchandise pricing structure for many years, despite global costs increasing. £45 for a full customised kit is a great price and the quality is great. Our plan is to maintain the current prices at point of kit launch meaning anyone can purchase the new products at the current price.”
Membership for community players is also part of the plan to maintain current cost levels, meaning everyone at the club will benefit significantly.
Nikki Attah is taking a lead on fundraising, along with a number of contributors and everyone is excited about the project.
Nikki said: “We want to do something positive to help everyone involved. Some of the players on the Unlimited Package are only paying about £2 per session which makes you think how does the club survive.
“We don’t want to miss out on the new kit and if we can keep the fee structure at the same level, then everyone who supports our fundraising efforts will be making a valuable contribution.”
Nikki has two activities planned and is encouraging everyone to get involved.
Blind Card
Nikki and Quintin are taking a lead at running a blind card for just £2 a go with potential to win £50 at each session and the Tribal League.
Sponsored Walk
Nikki has organised a sponsored walk for all players, family members and friends.
Planned for Sunday 30th June at 12.30 the club will set off from Redcar to Saltburn and back, at a distance of around 8 miles.
Please contact Nikki on 07961 572293 to register interest in the walk, or request a sponsor form.
Last season the club raised some funds to support course qualifications for 16 coaches, 17 referees, 27 table officials & 12 statisticians.
