The Junior Grecians are bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.
Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores - being awarded to local community projects.
Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.
The Junior Grecians are one of the three groups on the shortlist.
The Junior Grecians are the Official Junior Supporters Club of Exeter City FC. They are seeking to enhance Family and Junior Supporters matchday experience through the development of The Family Zone at St James Park. The project is being led by Scott Walker, Assistant Manager of the City Community Trust (formally ECFC FITC) and Clive Harrison, Supporters Trust Board Member. They have been supported by a fantastic group of committed volunteers. The project has been backed by the Supporters Trust, the City Community Trust and Exeter City Football Club.
Martin Weiler, chairman of Exeter City Supporters' Trust and club board member, said: "Creating a Family Zone is a critical part of what we are developing at Exeter City. We want to be an outstanding family friendly club and encourage as many youngsters as possible. So please vote for The Junior Grecians when you shop at Tesco - you will be investing in the future lifeblood of our club."
Elaine Davis, Exeter City Club and Supporters' Trust board member, said: "Exeter City is a supporter-owned club. We care about football & our supporters. The Family Zone will provide activities for our youngest fans & will be a welcoming space for families & those who need to catch their breath before the game... We're proud to be a family-centred club, thank you for your support.”
Voting is open in local Tesco stores throughout September and October. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.
Please see below a list of stores taking part in the voting for this project.
- EXMINSTER EXPRESS. EX6 8DB
- EXETER METRO. EX4 3RH
- EXETER VALE EXTRA. EX2 7EZ
- HEAVITREE EXPRESS. EX1 2RN
- EXETER COWICK ST EXPRESS. EX4 1HS
- EXETER SIDWELL EXPRESS. EX4 6PJ
- EXWICK EXPRESS. EX4 2DQ
To vote, you will need to make a purchase within store of any value. You will receive one token per transaction and it's not necessary to purchase a carrier bag in order to receive a token.
Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £33 million to more than 6,400 projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.
Alec Brown, head of community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for September and October. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”
Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms to sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.
“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”