GFC Postponements Cost Thousands

Flooded pitches are causing significant issues for Guernsey's Football Club.

Since the beginning of the year, due to the wet weather, GFC has been forced to postpone five matches.

The club says this is concerning, as it is responsible for covering the travel costs of the other teams.

When a Saturday match is called off the club loses match day revenue from ticket sales, but also has to re-book flights for around 30 people.

The game is then usually rescheduled to take place mid-week, when same-day return flights are not available, meaning GFC also have to cover accommodation costs.

GFC's spokesman Nic Legg says this typically adds up to more than £3,000.

He describes a recent scenario where the financial impact was even greater:

"The ultimate kick in the teeth is if we get a team here like we did for Raynes Park Vale.

The game was called off due to the state of the pitch, we had to return them here and then have to put them up, so that then becomes a £10,000-plus game, because you're having to fly them over twice.

In terms of expenditure, it's costing us thousands and thousands and thousands on a weekly basis now."

GFC will have to play 19 games in quick succession to make up for lost time.

Mr Legg says the fixture build-up is putting pressure on the small squad:

"It means we will have to play 13 games in 48 days. 6 games in 21 days in March.

We are still fighting to ensure we remain in the league and the congested fixture list makes this more challenging."

He says there is also an impact on local fans who are missing 'the sense of community and companionship they get from attending games'.

The next scheduled home game is on 13 March, against Chertsey Town.

Mr Legg says the players have their fingers crossed:

"Hopefully the States grounds staff can work proactively and do everything in their power to give the game the best possible chance of going ahead as each cancellation is doing the club and island reputational damage."

Head of Recreation Services Samantha Herridge says there are plans to improve Footes Lane's drainage system:

"The pitch is still draining really well considering the amount of rain we’ve experienced this winter, which has been extreme.

The pitch at Footes Lane remains one of the best and most played on surfaces at this league level – especially considering its use nearly every weekend during the winter season by both the sports of football and rugby, which has continued to have matches go ahead as rugby matches are less affected by the weather.

We’re working on a project to replace the drainage system at Footes Lane, which we hope will happen in 2025 if funding is secured."

She acknowledges GFC's difficult position:

"My understanding is that GFC has taken early decisions to postpone matches to avoid the possibility of the match official doing so shortly before kick-off, which would have resulted in significant financial expense for GFC given it has to cover the travel costs of the other team.

I completely understand the difficult position GFC finds itself in when having to make an early decision, even where there may have been a chance the game could have gone ahead, given the financial implications for the club."