Walsall Supporters' Trust launch 50-50 draw to raise funds for club

With the league currently suspended indefinitely, clubs across the EFL and beyond have been fighting to stay afloat in uncertain and turbulent financial difficulties.

In an effort to support the Saddlers and following in the footsteps of Scottish Championship club Queen of the South, Walsall Supporters' Trust have organised a fundraiser draw – encouraging fans to buy as many £1 tickets as they can to be put into the pot to win a cash prize.

Of the prize pot collected from fan ticket sales, half of it will go to the winner and half of it will be given to the club.

A statement from the Trust read: "Last weekend a couple of Queen of the South fans held a 50-50 draw to help raise funds for their club.

"They raised £3300 of which the club and the winner both received £1650. Their fan base is below 2000 this season.

"We have all been busy supporting very deserving charities who have been in real need of help of late but we must also recognise that our football club Walsall FC, despite running a tight ship, is also facing testing times financially.

"We at the Trust sent a proposal to the Walsall Football Club Chairman Leigh Pomlett for discussion with other staff members and they have given us their approval to proceed with a similar draw.

"The first draw will take place on Saturday May 9 at 3pm. Tickets will be priced at £1 each and there will be no limit to the number of tickets you can buy.

"The cut off time to buy tickets will be midday on Saturday May 9. A list of names and numbers will be published prior to the draw.

"This initial draw is very much a trial and should it be successful we will look to run another draw a month later and beyond until normal football has resumed.

"This draw is not intended to replace any fundraising activities by the club and will cease as soon as normal football is resumed. It is just a small way that we can all help while the club has restricted income due to the Coronavirus."

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Ray Dale on Raydale1@virginmedia.com or by text or phone call at 07806 778018.