The Runcorn Linnets Tote has now been running for around a decade. However changes to the National Lottery, specifically an increase in the number of balls from 49 to 59, have led to a reduction in the frequency of the jackpot payout.

The current jackpot is around £1,800 but hasn't been won for almost a year.

The club have taken the decision to replace the Tote with a similar fundraising initiative, which will be a "200 Club" monthly draw, with a projected monthly payout to the winner of £200 plus £100, £50 and £20 runner-up prizes, and these winnings will be doubled for two months of the year, June and December.

The total prize money is dependent on a full quota of 200 entries and can be amended at the discretion of the Football Club board.

The cost to enter the "200 Club" is £5 per month per number, which annually works out at £1.15 per week, and it is hoped that the majority of players will take part in a scheme to pay monthly via standing order although if you prefer, "200 Club" lead organiser, Paul Tandy will be happy to collect entry money in cash.

It would be great if we could as many players as possible signed up to the "200 Club" by the end of this season.

The "200 Club" will commence in August 2017, and will be drawn monthly on the last Saturday of the month. The Runcorn Linnets Tote will cease to operate on 22nd July 2017. If there is an outstanding Jackpot that is not won on 22nd July 2017, then the Jackpot Prize Fund will be shared equally by players who have their two numbers for that week appearing anywhere in the seven balls (six main numbers plus bonus ball) drawn in the main National Lottery Lotto draw on that date.

If this also fails to provide a winner or winners, the prize pot in the final Tote draw would then be shared equally by each entrant holding one number among the aforementioned seven Lotto balls drawn on 22 July 2017.

Please remember that Tote entries are only valid for each week's draw on receipt of advance payment, prizes cannot and will not be paid out to anyone in arrears.

Full details, terms and conditions, and entry forms for the "200 Club" will appear on www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk in due course.