A fundraising virtual comedy night to support non league football club The Rams sold out raising £500. 

The Thornton Heath club has had to look at alternative ways of generating revenue with all football having been suspended during this latest lockdown.

Grassroots sport has been badly affected with finances tight for many clubs like AFC Croydon Athletic, which hasn’t had any income since their last home game at the Mayfield Stadium on October 31.

With no revenue coming in, the club has turned to fundraising events to ensure it can continue to host football in a safe environment, when circumstances allow, for the next generation of young people, their families and spectators.

The first fundraiser was a virtual comedy night featuring South London’s finest comedians. The hour and a half comedy spectacular screened via Zoom was hosted by MC Siôn James with proceeds from the 90 sold £8 ticket sales going to support the club.

The stellar line up included: Lloyd Griffith: star of Soccer AM on Sky Sports; comedian, impressionist and beatboxer Stefano Paolini; Winner of the 2019 Funny Women Award Laura Smyth who featured on ITV’s Jonathan Ross Comedy Club and Thanyia Moore star of BBC3s show Bamous, BBC 2’s Mock The Week and Channel 4’s TV documentary Black British and Funny.

Seán Ryan, Commercial and Fundraising Manager, said: “We need to be innovative in generating funds over the coming months. Our virtual comedy night raised some critical funds for the club

“Like many clubs at our level, we hope to be successful in securing financial support through the Football Winter Survival Package. .”

In November the government announced a £300 million injection of funding to support spectator sports impacted by coronavirus restrictions.

The club is also hoping to attract new sponsors and is eager to work with local businesses whose products and services can be promoted at the ground, on the club website or via social media.

Players training has also had to be be suspended for a couple of months, in accordance with regulations.