Fans rally round Doncaster Knights as their Crowdfunder project smashes £10,000 barrier

Knights launched a Crowdfunder campaign on Friday to help bridge the shortfall created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Castle Park remains closed for business and the club’s playing squad and majority of their staff were furloughed last month.

An initial target of £10,000 was reached on Monday afternoon thanks to a number of generous donations, including individual gifts of £1000, £900 and £500.

The target has now been stretched to £50,000.

Supporters have also left a number of heartfelt messages on the Crowdfunder page.

John Young said: “I've been involved with Doncaster since 1968. It has been a source of great joy and introduced me to some wonderful people. Long may it continue, with everyone's support.”

Shiree Kerry said: “Doncaster Knights has changed my life. It’s given me something to focus all my energy on and without the club and coaches I wouldn’t have made so many friends and teammates.”

Martin Winstanley said: “Pleased to assist in a little way after all the effort players and benefactors make towards the club. Special mention to those that organise our brilliant away days on the coach.”

Dickie Emery posted: “Gave me a purpose after some bad times. Please support our local club!”

Sharon Hudson said: “Anything we as supporters can do to keep our team going onwards towards a successful season!! Keep up the wonderful work that you do.”

Stephen Welbourn posted: “We need to make sure that this great Club of ours continues for many more years.”

Knights said in a statement released on Friday: “Rugby for all is the motto and principle that underpins Doncaster Rugby Club.

“Doncaster Knights are now Yorkshire’s sole representation in rugby’s top two divisions but the Club offers opportunity for everybody; from young boys and girls taking their first steps in the game to aged vets barely held together by physio tape.

“Castle Park is a first class facility enjoyed by the whole community, it is a place where international rugby is showcased in the town and it is a place where friends come together to talk, laugh and share a drink.

“To combat the spread of Coronavirus we must no longer go and meet friends, we must not play or spectate sports and we must stay home for all but essential travel.

“As a result, Castle Park and Doncaster Rugby Club cannot house the activity for which it was built and is unable to generate any income through rugby or other functions.

“With no end in sight and no cash generating activity possible, and in addition to ongoing funding by our two main benefactors, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign to allow Friends of Doncaster Rugby to support the Club during these unprecedented times.

“There are a range of rewards and offers available to people who donate, from match day tickets and merchandise all the way up to coaching opportunities with the Knights players and staff.

“And for every £100 raised we will donate a match ticket to the Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS staff who are working above and beyond the call of duty at this time.”

To support Doncaster Knights visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/doncaster-knights.