Kyneton Football Netball Club is calling on the community for support as it struggles under the weight of financial burden.
A five-year-old legacy debt from when the club went into recession, combined with accumulating new costs, has left it with a current debt of about $200,000.
Club president Karen O’Sullivan said the new executive committee had identified a number of areas where cost savings could be made in 2019 and had formulated a strict budget that was expected to make a surplus next year of about $40,000 in order to return the club to financial stability.
“The future looks bright, however this year’s new executive committee believe that in building for the future it is imperative that we are transparent in our governance, and to that end it must be disclosed that our club’s senior department faces serious financial issues,” she said.
Ms O’Sullivan said the senior playing group had had their match payments delayed for season 2018, and coaches and managers’ payments had been withheld – with their knowledge – however the club still had a number of unpaid creditors.
“In order to meet immediate obligations before the end of the year to creditors and players we are looking to explore any opportunities to raise $100,000.
“We are a club of loyal volunteers, dedicated sponsors, members, players and parents.
“We have proven we are a giving club with a social conscience – we’ve raised $17,000 for charities this year – and now that the boot’s on the other foot, we have no shame asking the community to support the Kyneton Tigers.
“We will be looking at ways to cut our costs as well as ways of increasing our fundraising, we are open to all ideas from people in the community who support local football and netball.”
Community members able to offer any form of support are asked to contact Ms O’Sullivan on 0409 126 792 or vice-president Rob Waters on 0422 231 278.
