He may be a rock star, but proud York citizen Rick Witter shows home is where the heart is by helping a local community football club to film their new promotional video.
The Shed Seven singer was keen to help when he heard about the Hamilton Panther’s plans to build a new multi-sport clubhouse and community café near the city’s Racecourse. The new building has become necessary after a feasibility report deemed the current clubhouse was no longer fit for purpose.
Witter took a break from touring to play the part of a surprised passer-by as young players rush from Bootham Crescent, the home of York City FC, to Panthers’ current headquarters on Knavesmire Road. On the way through the city centre, they pass several famous landmarks and meet a variety of unusual characters. The video was produced by a city-based media company.
Witter says: “My sons play grassroots football and I know how important it is to have good facilities. I often walk past Panthers’ clubhouse and see the poor state it is in. I think the idea of a community clubhouse and café are brilliant, especially as they want to open it up for other local groups to use.”
It is estimated Panthers’ proposed new clubhouse will cost £500,000 and the majority of that funding has already been provisionally secured, subject to planning and grant applications. However, Panthers need to find more sponsors and supporters for the project. Club founder Phil Sanderson adds: “The new facilities will enable us to sustain the club long into the future, and help increase participation among young people in the local community.”
You can find out more about the Hamilton Panthers on their website.
