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ian mcneil raised £8,821.5 from 157 supporters
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Closed 08/04/2024
Iʼve raised £8,821 to Save London Skolars RLFC. Skolars needs urgent funding to stabilise the club and plan for the future.
- Funded on Monday, 8th April 2024
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Story
London Skolars was formed in 1995 as the Student RL Old Boys by a group of ex-student players based in Hackney. It later moved to its current home New River Stadium in 1997. After having great success in the London & SE leagues, Souther Conference and National Conference the club applied and joined the semi-pro ranks in 2003.
The club has always operated a vibrant local London RL pathway and has run 2 senior teams and multiple age groups youth teams developing players for all levels of the game from Superleague down to the amateur ranks. Even this year the clubs U14s won the London junior league.
Largely due to the reduction in central funding dropping from circa £100k to £15k the club has found the business model of travelling from Cornwall to Cumbria impossible to maintain and the Directors could no longer sustain the losses the club has been making. Other clubs like Newcastle's demise also shows Skolars aren't alone. The money coming into the game from sources such as Sky seems to be getting lower every cycle and whats left being concentrated at the top of the game in the North.
The Directors and major stakeholders decided to take the tough decision to step back from League 1 and regroup in the Souther Conference League. The application for the SCL went in last month. The business model needs to change but the club will need some help financially in order to transition successfully into SCL. Costs will be greatly reduced as will revenues but the club wants to maintain its pathways, facilities and as professional environment as possible for current and future players. To help myself and a few long term supporters felt we would do our bit by trying to raise circa £10k to help the cause. The club wants to make the Skolars the place to be if you want to play RL in London.
1000s of players have come through the clubs ranks and most had a superb experience over the 28 years of the clubs existence. Many would not have had teh chance to play RL without the club existing. Coaches, supporters, sponsors and all stakeholders I would love to believe have been enriched by the clubs impact and would feel moved to get behind this appeal. The Borough of Haringey has also been enriched by the club a professional sporting pathway for them & also teaching many kids in the borough the positive impact of playing rugby league. We really need to keep rugby league in Haringey.
Some great names who have been involved in the club over the years include Joe Mbu, Dennis Tuffour, Jermaine Coleman, Ade Adebesi, Neil & Paul Thorman, Desi Williams, Tuoyo Egodo, Jarred Bassett, Iliess Macani, Joel, Jonathan & Junior Kpoku Dan Hindmarsh, Dylan Skee, Gav Gordon, Ady Spencer, Mo Agoro and many many more. Many lads have played Superleague & the club has had its fair share of internationals as well.
Please remember your fond memories of the Skolars, how it impacted you and in some cases helped you in your lives and careers. What ever you can spare no matter of the amount will help the next generation benefit and help the club not only survive and prosper.
Myself and 2 others will manage the money raised and work with the club to make sure its well used and we will report back on how it is at a later date. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Updates
2
- 8 months ago
ian mcneil
8 months ago£8716 is an incredible amount and thanks to all who have donated and shared the raise. I will be closing end of this month and hopefully we can raise the last £1284! Skolars are playing against the Broncos on the 21st February at the annual Capital Challenge at the HAC. If anyone who has donated wants a free ticket pls email me hectormcneil68@gmail.com. It's the least we can do!
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- 10 months ago
ian mcneil
10 months agoIt's great we are nearing our total. It's been fantastic to see nearly 150 people donate so far. Skolars Fans, fans of the game, sponsors, current and ex-players, many played in the mid 1990s foundation years. Lots of people want to see the club continue and flourish and this money will go along way to help achieve that. If you havent already donated please do and please help us spread the word. If you have donated thanks again it means so much! Again please spread the word!
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ian mcneil started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
157
SPUD
Mar 23, 2024
Keep fighting and good luck
£5.00
Nick and Des
Mar 20, 2024
£20.00
Lisa & Ian
Feb 29, 2024
£30.00
Anonymous
Feb 18, 2024
Here's wishing the Skolars all the best in reaching its target and for the upcoming season.
£50.00
Jovan Vujosevic
Feb 8, 2024
£20.00
ELMBRIDGE EAGLES RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
Feb 1, 2024
Good luck for this season London Skolars raising the funds to keep Rugby League Alive in your area and the wider London & Southern Community of RL
£100.00
Jim Ross
Jan 30, 2024
£25.00
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