The Chichester club back with pride after fire and Covid

These young Whyke players are delighted to be back in action

The sports pavillion was gutted last May and with the Covid-19 lockdown hitting football this year, Whyke have certainly had their struggles.

But thanks to the persistence of the many volunteers involved in the club they have fought back and are now facing a promising, albeit a little different, season ahead.

The club managed to get back to training in line with all the FA guidelines and since the start of August it’s been a great pleasure for coaches and supporters to be able to see the children and men’s team get back to playing games.

The club have appointed a Covid officer, Helen Wheeler, who has attended all training sessions to ensure everyone is safe and has the right equipment to enable teams to get back to playing.

The first games were played on the second weekend of September.

The club have suffered financially not just because of the fire, where equipment and kit was destroyed and needed to be replaced. But they have been supported greatly by generous donations and fundraising events.

Covid-19 has been a huge blow to the club, like many in sport, as they have been unable to hold the biggest fundraiser of the their season which generally raises around £4,000.

The club knows this year is going to be tight financially and some plans have had to be postponed.

But they are hoping again the community will come together and help – and fundraising events will be planned as soon as it is safe to do so.

If there are any companies or individuals that would like to help with donations please contact Martin Tucker at [email protected]

The club had planned to seek funding from the Football Foundation which would help towards the cost of purchasing new goals but this has been delayed for now.

The club are continuing the grow in numbers but always welcome new players.from the under-sevens through to the men’s section, so if you are interested please again contact the club.

Whyke United have an ethos of playing fun, fair and affordable football for all and say that, with your support, they are sure to continue to be ‘Proud to be United’.