New funding gives 'space to focus on football'

The funding would help support coaching and administrative resources at the club

Thousands of pounds to support Guernsey FC will give the club "breathing space to focus on football", its manager has said.

The club said the amount was not being disclosed but was gifted by business people Guy and Julia Hands and Steve Lansdown, owner of Bristol City Football Club, and his wife Maggie Lansdown.

It said the funding would help support coaching and administrative resources for the club as well as dedicated investment for the women's team and development team.

Club manager Tony Vance said: "We are hugely grateful for this generous commitment. To secure our long-term future we still need more partners and donors, and we welcome conversations with anyone who can help."

Guernsey FC said Hand Picked Hotels, chaired by Ms Hands, would continue as its official sponsor and as a platinum founding partner of the new Victoria Park Stadium.

"Football has the power to bring people together and inspire future generations," Ms Hands said.

"This club plays a unique role in our island community and we want to help safeguard that. But we cannot do it alone—we hope our commitment encourages others to step forward."

Mr Lansdown said "sustained support" from across the community would be "key to unlocking the club's ambitions and ensuring football continued to thrive in Guernsey".