A MAJOR fundraising drive is being launched to help turn Darlington FC’s dream of returning to its home town into reality and secure its financial future.

Quakers have been in exile in Bishop Auckland since 2012 and recently unveiled plans to share a ground and facilities with Darlington Rugby Club, at Blackwell Meadows.

It has now launched a fundraising initiative which will allow funds to buy further shares in the club, in an effort to provide financial stability and push forward the plans to return to Darlington.

The club hopes to raise at least £50,000 through a combination of three fundraising initiatives – devised to appeal to all fans depending on their personal circumstances and offering associated rewards for investing – including opportunities and incentives for corporate and community partners.

A 22-page prospectus has been produced, detailing the investment opportunities, which are seen as crucial to the club’s financial well-being.

Chief executive Martin Jesper said the future of the fan-owned club lies in the hands of the community working alongside the rugby club and other local partners.

He said: “This club’s financial challenges have been made extremely clear in recent months and, while I know it is a difficult ask at this time of the year, we are delighted that we are finally able to launch this scheme.

“This is a club owned by the fans and it is thanks to the generosity and support of the fans that this club still exists.”

The club is spending a second season sharing facilities at Bishop Auckland, but fans are anxious for a return to their home town.

After months of negotiation, the club last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the rugby club, and ongoing discussions regarding the move and facility sharing arrangements will continue between the clubs over the next few weeks.

Mr Jesper added: “I am encouraging all of our fans, local business and community partners to come forward and invest in the football club which will help secure its short term future, and most importantly, provide the financial momentum supporting our move back to Darlington and we can welcome a new generation of supporters into the fold. Together we can make this work.”

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman welcomed the initiative, adding: “We encourage fans and the local community to get behind this scheme, as it presents an exciting opportunity to bring the football club back into the town.”

A fans’ forum will take place at Blackwell Meadows, at 7pm, on January 6, with fans having the chance to find out more about the three fundraising initiatives.

For full details of the investment opportunities available, visit squareknot.co.uk/pitches

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