World Cup-themed auction to be held by the AFC Wimbledon
By Liam Kennedy
AFC Wimbledon will auction a selection of World Cup-themed memorabilia before their home game against Stevenage next week.
The supporter-run Blue-square premier side are running the fundraiser at Easter Monday’s fixture in hope of considerably boosting the club’s coffers.
Dons’ Trust board member, and auction organiser, Ray Armfield has high hopes for the bidding.
“Our aim is to raise well over £1000 from the lots, we really hope this will go a long way to helping the day-to-day running of the club,” he said.
“At this club we rely on the generosity of our fans for survival, and with the World Cup in South Africa coming up this summer we thought, why not have a special themed auction.”
The Dons are run by a supporters trust, and without major financial backing, are required to raise £100,000 per season to ensure the general up keep of the club, meaning they operate on one of the tightest budgets in the Conference.
Lots available in the auction include a squad-signed Euro-2004 England shirt, autographed Pele frame and a signed photo of Englands memorable 5-1 demolition of Germany in 2001.
“We have had a lot of interest in the lots up to now but need to get as many people down to on the day of the auction to raise as much money as we possibly can, ” said Mr Armfield.
“We are expecting a good crowd on Monday, somewhere near 4,000 people, weather permitting, and this will definitely give us the best chance of getting the cash we need.”
The auction will start at 12.30pm on April 5 in the bar at the club’s Kingsmeadow ground, and will comprise of a silent auction style of bidding.
It is also possible to place bids online at the clubs official website, the closing date for this is midnight Saturday, April 3.
If you wish to view the lots or bid in the auction visit www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/fundraising/auction.php, alternatively email Ray Armfield on [email protected]
