Dewsbury Rams is pleased to reveal that it has received some much needed support from Barclays Bank through the Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
The news comes less than a week after the Government pledged funds to safeguard the future of rugby league.
The loan will help to secure the future of the club, providing flexible funding to meet fixed costs, so that the stadium and its facilities will still be there for players and fans once normality returns.
The funds will be used to help temporarily replace the cash flow lost from non-rugby-related facilities at the club such as the 3G pitches, function rooms, non-rugby-stadium facility hire and other ancillary facilities.
Dewsbury Rams chairman Mark Sawyer said: “We were devastated to learn about the lockdown and the impact it would have on our historical club.
“We knew that we would still need to pay for utilities, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and contractual costs associated with running our own stadium and the many facilities we have available for use and with no ticket income realised this would be a herculean challenge.
“Barclays stepped in to the breach and we’re hugely grateful that they have been able to provide a CBIL facility which will support the club over the coming months.”
He added the club cannot wait to get the players back into training and the gates to open for the fans.
Molly Nicholson, Barclays relationship manager, put together the funding package for the deal.
She said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been so tough on businesses and sports clubs alike and it was brilliant that we were able to support the Rams – the love for sport is so vital during these difficult times.
“I know Mark, Andrew and the team are excited to get their gates back open to the public, so securing this funding will provide some breathing space over the next few months.”
Dewsbury MP Mark Eastwood said: “I know how busy banks have been dealing with unprecedented high volumes of loan applications.
“So it’s great to see funding coming through for our local businesses and sports clubs such as Dewsbury Rams, to help them get through this extremely challenging period.”
‘Photo taken prior to current social-distancing guidelines’
