Football legend Eduardo backs Sittingbourne businessman's £10,000 sports appeal

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John Nurden

jnurden@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 16:30, 17 February 2021 | Updated: 16:58, 17 February 2021

The pandemic has hit the pockets of virtually every sports club in Britain.

But help is at hand, thanks to Sittingbourne businessman David Jueno and his team of celebrity supporters.

Scroll down for KMTV video

David set up The Sports Business Club with his business partner and says it can save hundreds of struggling grass roots clubs from extinction.

The club, which has the backing of former Arsenal forward Eduardo da Silva and Sheppey's professional woman rugby player Taz Bricknell, offers to cover the cost of everything a team may need from help with human resources and legal matters to pitch maintenance.

So far the business network has handed out £28,000 and has now launched an online fundraising appeal to find another £10,000.

David said: "Our funds are there to support any sport, any gender, in the UK. We are looking to get donations from the public and companies so we can help reduce the cost of running sports clubs by up to 20%.

"If everyone gave a fiver, we would have millions in the bank and that would help grass roots sports across the UK."

KMTV report by Phil Wellbrook

Paul Pickford of Gillingham Town FC says the club has relied on cash from The Sports Business Club set up by Sittingbourne businessman David Jueno to help struggling grass roots clubs. Picture: KMTV

Among the first to get help was Gillingham Town Football Club. Director Paul Pickford admitted: "There's no money at all. Fans can't go into the grounds and we can't get match day sponsors. There are a lot of clubs in financial difficulty because of the pandemic.

"Last season was hard. If the ball went over the fence I'd have to go and get it as we had no money to replace it."

Arsenal's Brazilian-born Eduardo da Silva, 37, said: "Everyone must come together to help. I can't put into words how important it is for everyone to support grass roots sports."

Professional female rugby player Taz Bricknell who plays for the Worcester Warriors Women, added: "It is such an amazing organisation to be part off."

The scheme has been approved by the Football Association and the Rugby Football Union and is partnered with the Kent FA. More than 50 current and former footballers, rugby players and cricketers are on board thanks to social media.