Stony Stratford Town FC awarded £25,000 after ‘blowing committee away with their entry video’
As grassroots football clubs all over the UK continue their post-pandemic recovery, Stony Stratford Town FC has received a major boost from Papa John’s following a £25,000 donation made to the club as part of the pizza delivery brand’s ‘Get on the Pitch’ campaign.
From goalposts that need replacing to clubhouses that need a lick of paint, local football clubs had the chance to apply for access to a £100,000 fund, distributed by a Papa John’s committee to give grassroots clubs a much needed boost.
The Milton Keynes-based club blew the committee away with their entry video, so Papa John’s ambassador and ex-pro footballer Jimmy Bullard paid them a visit to share the good news in person.
In a lighthearted video, Jimmy left the heavy lifting to the professionals, visiting Stony Stratford Town FC’s committee in the clubhouse to discuss how the money would be used within the club.
Speaking on the big win, Damon Brown, chairperson of Stony Stratford Town FC, said: “We can’t believe it. We were absolutely gobsmacked when we discovered that we’d won - it really was unexpected.
“The money will go a long way to making clubhouse repairs, allowing us to fix the roof, the floors, the ceiling, everything!
“Thank you to Papa John’s for this unbelievable gesture that will help to improve our beloved local football club.”
It wasn’t just Stony Stratford that benefited from Papa John’s Get on the Pitch initiative.
Other clubs also cashed in, including Morecambe Ladies & Girls FC, Peckham Town FC, Rhos United and Rattrays XI.
Giles Codd, marketing director at Papa John’s, says: “We were absolutely blown away by all the entries received for our grassroots community fund.
“It just goes to show the commitment and drive that exists for the game all over the UK.
“After an undoubtedly tough 18 months for grassroots clubs, we hope all clubs receiving a slice of our community fund will find it beneficial, however they choose to use it.”