EFA CENTENARY APPEAL
What is the Centenary Appeal?
The EFA is marking its 100th anniversary across the 2024/25 season with a series of events and initiatives celebrating its longstanding support for Eton Fives. A Centenary Appeal is being launched to address ongoing challenges and opportunities for the sport, raising funds to support Eton Fives for future generations of players.
Why is the Appeal necessary?
The environment for Eton Fives is challenging, with issues including competing priorities in schools, fewer volunteers, and a lack of coaches threatening the sport’s sustainability. Whilst membership fees cover the EFA’s basic operations, additional funding is required to fuel long-term growth. Through the FiveStar Project (2017-2024), donors helped build new courts and recruit new schools, coaches and volunteers. To continue and expand upon these successes, further financial support is essential.
What is the fundraising goal?
The Centenary Appeal aims to raise £400,000—more than double the EFA’s annual revenue. Though ambitious, this target is considered achievable.
How will the money be spent?
The money raised will be sustainably invested to ensure the EFA can make long-term commitments. This includes funding for event organisers, securing capital for new and existing courts, and advocating for the sport at local, regional, and national levels. Ongoing projects that require funding include:
- Court building – a study researching low-cost construction options
- Research – exploring links between Eton Fives, neurodiversity and the PHSE curriculum
- Coaching – training and helping to recruit Fives coaches and Masters in Charge across the UK
- Modernising – promoting female participation, growing inner city Fives and widening access to the sport for local communities.
KINNAIRD 100 CLUB
What is the Kinnaird 100 Club?
The Kinnaird 100 Club is linked to the EFA Centenary Appeal and is a way for the community to support Eton Fives. Membership is open to anyone, but the club will have only 100 members at any one time, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why is it called the Kinnaird 100 Club? And why does it have only 100 members?
Alongside the EFA’s own anniversary, the 2024-5 season marks the centenary of the Kinnaird Cup, donated by Lord Kinnaird in 1924 “for the Amateur Championship” and first awarded in 1925. In celebration of this elite competition, the EFA is establishing a donor recognition programme named after it, with 100 members to reflect the 100 years the tournament has been running.
What are the benefits of membership?
As well as being able to claim membership of a unique and exclusive group, there will be a members-only event at the end of the season as well as limited-edition merchandise.
The Club is a charitable initiative, with donations going to the EFA’s Centenary Appeal. Whilst there are benefits (in addition to potential tax deductions), the value of these needs to be allowable within charity law.
How do I become a member?
You can become a member of the Kinnaird 100 Club either by paying a small amount regularly to the EFA or with a larger gift. Entry starts at a minimum of £10 per month, and you can achieve ‘Kinnaird Finalist’ level membership once you have donated £1,000 or ‘Kinnaird Champion’ status at £5,000.
The EFA recognises that not everyone can afford to give a lot, but it hopes that as many as possible will give something. All contributions will go towards helping the EFA to preserve and grow Eton Fives.
How do I donate?
Click here to download a donation form.
If you would like to discuss your gift then please contact EFA Director of Development,
