Foodbanks benefit from Exeter FA Cup replay

Cash being shared with Bradford

Foodbanks in Exeter and Bradford will share a donation of almost £15,000 this Christmas, following last month’s FA Cup replay at St James Park.

Under cup competition rules, the home team has to share the profit (after costs) of the match with with the visitors. Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, alongside Exeter City Football Club, took the decision to donate Exeter’s share of the profits – which equate to £14,786 - from the re-scheduled replay match on November 30 to foodbanks in the two cities.

Each foodbank will receive £7,393, which will help hundreds of vulnerable people and families in Exeter and Bradford.

Nick Hawker, chair of Exeter City Supporters’ Trust, said: “As a supporter-owned club we felt it was important to share the profits from the replayed game to organisations in both cities. This continues to be a challenging time for us all, so we hope this donation will help to support many families in need.”

Mark Richardson, manager of Exeter Foodbank, said they were delighted to receive the donation. He added: “This is an amazingly generous gesture from Exeter City Football Club to Exeter Foodbank. This donation will enable us to keep one of our main venues running for a whole year! We are seeing increased numbers every month at the moment and the support of the club and the city are a lifeline for so many people."

From Yorkshire Manny Dominguez, chair of Bantams Supporters' Trust, said: "We would like to thank Exeter Supporters’ Trust for this marvellous initiative. Supporters' Trusts are in a unique position that we can work together to support and improve our communities and indeed supporters' interests.

"Christmas can be a stressful time for families living on the breadline, made more difficult with the rise in energy bills this winter and Covid. We know the money will go directly to the people that need it through the foodbank."

Josie Barlow, manager of Bradford Central Foodbank said: “We’re so blown away by the generosity of Exeter City Football Club to forgo their profits from the match against Bradford and to donate half of the profits to us! This is amazing and such a great big generous donation which will help us feed 12,000 people next year! We are so grateful and thank you on behalf of the families who have nowhere else to turn to feed their families.”