Essendon Football Club has put in place long term debt for the first time in the Club’s history.

Funding of the Club’s new training and administration facility at Melbourne Airport has required the Club borrowing $5million to complete building works.  

Essendon chairman Paul Little said the Board had forecast this level of debt.

“The decision for Essendon Football Club to go into debt was made a couple of years ago when the club decided to develop its new world-class training facility at Melbourne Airport,” Little said

“It’s important for our members and supporters to know the Club planned for this level of debt in its projected financial forecasting.”

“We have achieved over 70% of our total fundraising target for the new facility thanks in part to many generous contributions to the Flight Plan campaign.”

“However, the reality is we now need more help from our members and supporters to reduce this debt as quickly as possible,” Little said.

This world class facility will allow members and supporters to create their own personal connection to the players, with fittings, equipment and spaces available for specific sponsorship opportunities.

“We are in the process of implementing a range of fundraising strategies including selling individual player lockers, auditorium seat sponsorship, meeting rooms naming rights and gym equipment fundraising.”

Excitingly, the Bombers new home is nearing completion with the Club’s administration expected to move in to the High Performance Centre in October.

For more information about the Bombers Flight Plan fundraising campaign click here.