The Silkmen recently introduced a new lottery to its fund-raising activities - Gold Bond. The Gold Bond scheme is the brain child of fund-raisers at Blackpool FC but the Tangerines' initiative is proving popular with both clubs and supporters all over the country.

As it's a national scheme Gold Bond offers fans a chance to win serious cash prizes whilst at the same time being certain that 40 pence of every pound they spend will go directly to the club they support. Another 40 pence goes to the prize pot, with a further 15 pence paid to the seller of the ticket. They leaves just 5% for administration costs, this lower figure reflecting the economies of scale of being part of larger lottery.

"All football clubs, both big and small, have used a variety of lottery schemes to raise funds" said Silkmen Chief Executive Patrick Nelson. "At the Moss Rose we have in the past run our own scheme and more recently collaborated with neighbours Stockport County. But the costs of running independent smaller schemes are high. Gold Bond actually gives the club a better overall return whilst giving supporters a chance to win substantial cash prizes. That's why it's being so successful."

Some Gold Bond participants have adopted the scheme with gusto. Rochdale, for example, are currently generating in excess of £100,000 a year as a result of the successful adoption of Gold Bond, the sort of sum that can make a real difference to a Coca Cola League Two club.

"You can buy a Dream Number ticket in the National Lottery and support the 2012 Olympics in London or you could participate in Gold Bond" added Chairman Mike Rance. "If you like a flutter and support the Silkmen, we'd like to think Gold Bond would prove attractive."