Former Plymouth Argyle player David Norris to thank fans for crowdfunding campaign

On Saturday 2 March, former Plymouth Argyle player David Norris will hand out 1,330 Cornish Pasties to football fans at Home Park Stadium in a gesture of thanks for their generosity in crowdfunding £6,000 for him.

Norris, who played for Plymouth Argyle between 2002 and 2008, recently fell into unexpected financial difficulties, leaving him on the verge of being forced to auction off the 2003-04 League One winners medal he won whilst playing for the club.

After seeing the former midfielder’s post on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, quickly jumped to the rescue and raised £6,000 for Norris on crowdfunding platform JustGiving.

This weekend, Norris is working with Sky Bet and Plymouth Argyle F.C. to hand out £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks at Plymouth’s next home game vs. Ipswich Town. Sky Bet will help deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which aims to champion the modern football fan and fan culture whilst making their matchday experience better.

David Norris said: “After being faced with what is a really difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider the football community has been incredible. The generosity and kindness they have shown has been overwhelming and I am really pleased to be able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and help give back to them with help from Sky Bet.”

Leigh Peacock-Goodwin, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at Sky Betsaid: “We want to celebrate all the best parts of football fan culture in the UK and the Plymouth fans’ commitment to their former player really stood out. We’re delighted to be able to support David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”

Jamie Yabsley, Head of Marketing & Communications at Plymouth Argyle Football Club said: “Our fans’ loyalty to the club and its players - both past and present - is clear to see. The way they showed up for David whilst he is facing a hard time fully embodies the spirit of the club and we are glad to be giving them the recognition and rewards they deserve for their generosity alongside Sky Bet.”

The free food vouchers will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to the first fans through the turnstiles at each of the four stands at Home Park Stadium on Saturday from 1:30pm GMT, meaning Plymouth fans and the wider football community will be collectively treated to 1,330 free snacks as a thank you from David Norris.