A Kenilworth-based
football team is hoping to net hundreds of pounds for Walsgrave
Hospital after striking a unique sponsorship deal.
The Ikon and Diva
nightclubs at SkyDome Coventry will donate £10 to the
hospital's Oncology Ward every time DJC Sporting score in the
Prestige Citroen League this season.
The deal came after
SkyDome bosses learned that Sporting was investigating ways to
help out the cancer patients.
DJC Sporting takes its
name from local businessman Dennis Clifford and was founded by
his three sons after he died from cancer.
Mr Clifford, who owned a
computer company and two hotels in Leamington Spa, was treated
at Walsgrave Hospital and his family decided they wanted to give
something back to the Oncology Ward.
SkyDome general manager
Ian Knight came up with novel bonus scheme after meeting with
team boss Tim Clifford and is now gearing up for the start of
the season.
He said:
"We are always
looking to support local causes, as we have with Snowball, and
when we heard the history behind the team and that they were
looking to back Walsgrave Hospital, SkyDome wanted to help.
"Last season they
scored around 50 goals which would amount to £500 for the
Oncology Ward.
"The season kicks
off in early September and every time they score a league goal
£10 will be put aside - hopefully at the end of the season
there will be a substantial cheque winging its way to
Walsgrave.
"Most of the lads
from the side are regulars in the clubs so I am sure I will
have weekly updates on how many times they have hit the
net!"
Tim Clifford said he was
delighted at the gesture by SkyDome and believes it will be
great motivation for the team.
He said:
"We wanted to
find a way to connect fund-raising to our football and this is
a wonderful gesture by SkyDome.
"The whole team
is made up of friends and family so everyone will get a great
deal of satisfaction from knowing that their goals are being
converted into pounds for Walsgrave.
"We are hoping to
break the 50 goal barrier and secure over £500 for them,
although I think we may have to stay out of Ikon for a while
if we hammer anybody 10-nil!"
The team got off to a flying start
yesterday, beating Tachbrook Social 2-1, getting £20 in the
bank for the hospital in the first week of the season.
DJC Sporting play in
division one of the Leamington-based Prestige Citroen Leamington
and District Sunday League and is based at Kenilworth's Castle
Farm sports ground.
