Empty net for Audlem footballers

It's back to dressing room for Audlem Football Club in their bid for financial help from Audlem Parish Council.

Councillors still want a closer look at the club's finances before they part with any cash aid for the team.

This is the second time this year the club has been refused a council cash handout.

Audlem team chairman, Ralph Warburton, appealed to councillors last March for help to cover the £1,000 plus a year it costs to run the village team.

The idea of supporting the club by paying the possible £500 up-front deposit from council funds to cover the costs of any damage to the field during its weekly matches was put forward by several councillors. After discussion, however, the council refused to hand over any cash until they were given more information about the club's finances.

Details of club income and outgoings were provided in time for this month's meeting of Audlem Parish Council but the figures failed to include a balance sheet for the year.

Now the club is to be told it must hand in a full balance sheet if it is to have any hope of cash help from the Parish Council

The village club faces some hefty expenses for playing in the Cheshire and Border Counties Sunday Football League.

The outlay in referees' fees, changing rooms hire, pitch rent plus the cost of balls, nets and other expenses takes the annual outlay well over £1,000.

The team recently lost 5-2 in its last match, a friendly, to The Rising Sun, Nantwich, and plays league table toppers Scholar Green on Sunday May 26th.

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