Football fans rallying to help their clubs out at a tough time

Both Newburgh and Tayport have been out of action for some weeks now, like others across the country, while the nation battles back against the coronavirus.

This week, the two were given confirmation that their seasons had, in fact, been brought to an end, when the East Region Junior League’s management committee made a call on the rest of the campaign.

It leaves clubs knowing now that gate recepits and other revenue sources will not return until the next season kicks off.

Rallying calls went up from both Tayport and Newburgh, with ‘Port chairman Dave Baikie saying recently that the current situation was putting the club’s very existence at risk.

That proved enough to spark supporters of the Canniepairt club into action and an online fundraiser, set up with a target of £500, has now raised more than four times that. At the time of writing, it was sitting at £2120.

The club thanked all those who had donated so far, saying: “We would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported our page. It’s greatly appreciated.

“Please feel free to share and pass it on because we know the club has been, and will continue to be, a special place for a lot local people and beyond.”

To donate to the club, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tayportfc

Tayport’s north east Fife neighbours, Newburgh, have also started their own online fundraiser.

The East Shore Park club has joined the ‘donate a ticket’ scheme, which lets fans buy a ticket for the game which was scheduled to be played that weekend.

At the time of writing, ‘Burg had raised £100 ahead of their next ‘game’ against Kirkcaldy & Dysart.

For more information on how to get involved, visit donateaticket.com/donate/newburgh-juniors/

On the park, both sides are now looking ahead to the 2020-21 season starting.

The decision was taken to bring the season to an early end following the Scottish FA’s call to extend its banning of any football at any level from April into June.Further details on the leagues themselves will be issued soon.

Tayport end their season seventh in the McBookie.com East Region Super League North, with ‘Burgh second in the McBookie.com East Region Premier League South.