On a day when crowds traditionally gather in the streets of Scarborough for Shrove Tuesday celebrations, the future financial stability of the town’s community football club will be under the spotlight in a key council meeting.
This Tuesday, 17th February, North Yorkshire Council’s executive committee is set to consider a proposal to grant Scarborough Athletic Football Club (SAFC) a loan facility of up to £150,000.
The request comes as the club continues its "exile" at Bridlington Town, where they have been forced to play home fixtures following the discovery of serious structural flaws at the Scarborough Sports Village. A site survey conducted last year revealed unexpected issues with the 3G pitch dating back to its original construction in 2017, leaving the surface unavailable for competitive matches this season.
The displacement has taken a heavy toll on the club’s finances. According to the council, SAFC has experienced a significant drop in income due to reduced attendance and fewer hospitality opportunities while playing away from their home ground.
A Prudent Safeguard
In an update to supporters, the board of Scarborough Athletic described the potential loan as a "prudent safeguard" for the fan-owned club. They emphasised that the club remains committed to a sustainable operating model and would only draw upon the funds if it became "deemed essential".
"Everyone has been working hard on both the practical and financial challenges associated with our circumstances," the board stated, adding that the loan facility would help "mitigate against the potential impact of any financial uncertainty during the next twelve months".
Council Support and Pitch Progress
Cllr Simon Myers, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for leisure, acknowledged that a loan of this nature is only considered in the "most exceptional of situations". He noted that as the landlord of the sports village, the council recognises the club’s vital role in the community.
"The club have put measures in place to mitigate the impact of their loss of income... with campaigns and fundraising as well as support from their sponsors," Cllr Myers said. He expressed confidence that the club’s financial position would improve once they return home, which is currently scheduled for August this year.
The council is also expected to consider a small grant to help the club service the interest on any borrowing, which would be provided at standard commercial rates. Work to rectify the pitch is already underway; contractors successfully removed the playing surface in January, paving the way for stabilisation and drainage repairs to begin in the coming weeks.
Regional Context
The decision comes at a busy time for the Yorkshire Coast. While Scarborough prepares for its annual Pancake Day extravaganza, nearby Whitby is seeing its own local changes, with the town council recently approving an 8.5% precept increase and the local football club, Whitby Town, welcoming new management. Meanwhile, in Filey, structural concerns similar to those at the Sports Village have led to the closure of a public toilet block and café.
As the region faces these various challenges, the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting will be a defining moment for Scarborough Athletic as they look to secure their long-term future on the coast.
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