That was the message to businesses across north Suffolk and beyond this week as Lowestoft Town Football Club seeks financial backing in its quest for future success.

Keen to find a main sponsor for the Blues’ first team, the club has unveiled a “grand” way of attracting potential backers – by inviting firms across the region to take part in a special raffle.

Businesses are being asked to pay £1,000 plus VAT to take part, with the winner having its name emblazoned across the team’s shirts, tracksuits, match programmes and official merchandise, as well as on a large sign and two advertising boards at the Blues’ Crown Meadow ground.

All the other entrants will receive the choice of an advertising board at the ground or sponsorship of a home game during the 2014/15 season, which runs until next May.

The move comes as the Trawlerboys savour a great start to their debut season in the Vanarama Football Conference North Division, with two wins from their first three games.

Club chairman Gary Keyzor said: “This is a great opportunity for any local company or organisation to help make history by supporting us in our first season in the Conference North. We want as many as possible to be involved in our club’s success and this is an innovative way of making that happen.

“Every entry will really help the club in commercial terms. It is an advertising bargain for any local company or organisation – so come on board and put Lowestoft and your company on the map!”

Joint first team boss Ady Gallagher added: “The club is ambitious and wants to move on, and with this innovation companies now have a chance of becoming the main sponsor. We are playing in a very competitive league where someone’s business could be advertised all over the country. It’s a really good opportunity and so we are looking to get the support of the community to celebrate what we have achieved and come on board to help us continue the journey.”

Mr Gallagher said the club already had great support in the town but, if it was to maintain its on-the-field success, extra financial backing was vital. He said: “The first three games have shown that this is an incredibly tough league but we are capable of competing at this level.

“Massive amounts of money are being spent in the league, and if you look at AFC Fylde (Lowestoft’s opponents last Saturday) they have invested lots of money to get where they are.”

As well as having its name on the club’s shirts, merchandise, official paperwork, matchday programmes and pitch-side advertising boards, the winner will be included on all of Lowestoft Town’s media links and will receive six reserved seats in the directors’ box – with half-time hospitality – for all home games.

Companies and organisations interested in taking part should contact the club’s sales and marketing executive Rachel Beamish on 07842 007189 or email sales@lowestofttownfc.co.uk by September 15.

More than one entry is acceptable, if firms wish, and the grand draw will be made in forthcoming weeks. Mr Keyzor added: “There will be no losers in this grand scheme. All entrants will receive the choice of either an advertising board at the ground or sponsorship of a home game during the 2014/15 season.”

Poster with full details is attached below:-

Terry Bullen