The postponement of fixtures until at least early-April has seen clubs social media pages take part in noughts and crosses and connect four, but it was Leyton Orient who captured the imagination of over 128 clubs worldwide with their FIFA Ultimate Quaran-Team idea.
Named, ‘Ultimate Quaran-Team’, 128+ clubs have signed up to take part in the tournament – from Premier League champions Man City, through to League 2 – and clubs from around Europe, America, Australia and Africa.
The initiative is one borne out of the desire to bring clubs together during a time of unprecedented measures surrounding COVID-19, and so far has been a great success.
A Force For Good, writes Leyton Orient FC
We’re now looking to step this up a level, as we ask you to join us in a fundraising campaign that could have some real-world consequences.
Through a JustGiving page, which you can find here, we are looking to raise money for the following reasons:
Firstly, for vital funding for EFL clubs who are going to have massive financial struggles (as of course will many industries across the world) during this time of fixture postponement.
With no matchday income for the foreseeable future football clubs are struggling and things will only get worse.
If this cause can play a small way for clubs going during an unprecedented time, then it would be an amazing force for good. 75% of money raised will be given to the EFL within 28 days.
Secondly, the remaining 25% will be split between for two very worthy causes. One is the EFL’s chosen charity ‘MIND’ (219830), and secondly in funding the all-important COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser by WHO.
How Do I Get Involved?
There’ll be plenty of ways for you to get engaged with the tournament throughout, as teams will the have the option to stream their games as we look to crown an Ultimate Quaran-Team champion.
More information will follow ahead of the first-round draw, which will take place on Wednesday March, 18th.
How To Donate?
If this idea has put a smile on your face, or kept you entertained in a tough time – please consider donating whatever you can – as it could make a massive difference for the football clubs you love.
You can do this by visiting the JustGiving page – which is https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ultimate-quaranteam.