For the last 30 years and more, Haverfordwest County AFC have greatly benefited from the proceeds of the weekly Bluebirds Tote.

Initially, thanks to the tireless work of Kenny Ellis, the Tote was a major source of the club’s income, with well over £1 million having been collected and near enough £700,000 paid out to winning players.

Over the last decade, however, the number of individuals who have been playing the Bluebirds Tote has dwindled to such an extent that the weekly increments had to be dropped from £500 per week to – during and since the Covid-19 pandemic – £100 per week.

As hard as we have tried to increase the number of weekly players since Covid, this has proved not to be possible and, for the past two years, the income from weekly takings has not been able to cover the jackpot and other associated expenses.

Sadly, it has therefore been decided by the club’s board of directors that the Bluebirds Tote will cease to function beyond Wednesday 27 November, 2024.

Those who have been paying in advance by standing orders will be reimbursed accordingly, and other monies owed to community groups who have benefited over the years will also be settled.

Unfortunately, this was an inevitable business decision which has not been taken lightly.

Everyone associated with the club will be disappointed with this outcome but, in time, we hope that another venture can be promoted which will benefit individual players, community groups and our football club.

To all those who have contributed to the overall success of the Bluebirds Tote since its inception, we pass on the club’s grateful thanks.