Harrow Borough FC could face closure at the end of this season without urgent financial support, according to Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas.
In a statement, the MP said the club, founded in 1933 and approaching its centenary, is facing a “critical point” due to rising costs and ongoing uncertainty.
He said: “Harrow Borough FC faces the very real prospect of closure at the end of this season.”
The MP warned that losing the club would be “a major blow to the community” and could also result in the site being lost to redevelopment.
He added: “Despite the long-standing dedication and substantial financial support provided by directors, volunteers, and supporters over many decades, rising costs and continued uncertainty have pushed the club to a critical point.”
Gareth Thomas is calling for individuals, businesses and community groups to come forward to support the club, and said it “urgently needs financial backing and partners who can help secure its short-term survival and contribute to a sustainable long-term plan”.
He also urged Harrow Council to support any potential rescue effort.
A supporter of Harrow Borough FC told Harrow Online, “In its 93rd year, Harrow Borough Football Club faces its biggest-ever challenge, with the serious likelihood of closure at the end of the season. The club faces the same issues as any small-to-medium size business, with ever-increasing energy costs, business rates and minimum wages to list but a few.
“At the same time, a massive change in the demographics of their home (South Harrow) area has seen a decline in those with a serious interest in football. Although not at the level they reached in the 1970s and 1980s, the football side still competes at the 8th tier of English football, in a purpose-built, floodlit stadium.
“Efforts to sell the ground to a property developer and thereby gain the funds to continue to play there for a couple more seasons, while exploring a ground-share elsewhere, have fallen through, with the public-facing wish by the local authority to build more affordable housing not matched, it seems, by any enthusiasm for this particular project.
“This appeal is to the wider community in Harrow and beyond: is there a person, or persons, out there, who’ve always wanted to have a major stake in a football club, and have the financial means to back that wish up? If so, the club would be delighted to talk to you.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
