Supporters’ Direct Media Briefing (Dec 9th)
Supporters Direct (of which the Trust is a member) issues media briefings on a fortnightly basis, gathering news of Trusts throughout the country, and wider football issues. You can read any of these articles by clicking on the links.
Supporters Direct Funding Agreement
We are pleased to announce that we have reached agreement over our funding for the next two years, with the Fans Fund of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund for our football related work in England.
The funding is to be divided up into projects, including developing Community Shares and diversifying revenue sources for the organisation, plus a contribution towards our core costs.
The total grant for 2011/12 is £512,054, reducing to £388,566 for 2012/13. Our previous funding agreement had been circa £600,000 per annum.
The agreement is a challenging one for us, particularly as the funding reduces year on year. To that end, funding to help us diversify revenue will see the appointment of a Commercial Manager in the New Year.
We believe this ambitious plan can be successful, and look forward to hitting the ground running in the New Year.
Our core work in Scotland, Rugby League and Europe will continue to be met by separate agreements with existing and potential future funders.
To view a detailed breakdown of the funding, click here.
SD supports FC United’s re-launched Community Shares Scheme
Many of you will already be aware that Manchester City Council recently approved FC United of Manchester’s plan to develop a stadium and community facility in Moston. Now, the club have re-launched their groundbreaking Community Shares scheme, a project which SD are more than happy to lend our full support to. To find out more, click here.
Supporters Direct Councils: Notice of Elections
Nominations are now being sought in the election to the Supporters Direct England & Wales Football Council, Scotland Council and Rugby League Advisory Group. The closing date for nominations is 12 noon, Monday December 12th. For more information, visit the Supporters Direct website.
Board Member Development training/Regional Meetings
A reminder that Board Member Development training days have been confirmed for Manchester, Nottingham and Bristol; whilst dates have also been set for the Yorkshire & North East and London & South East regional meetings. For dates and more information, email Vicki Goodfellow, and visit the events page on the SD website.
A new home for Enfield Town F.C
Wednesday November 16th saw Enfield Town celebrate their move to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium with a friendly against a Spurs XI – the E’s won 2-1, in case you were wondering. It’s been a long time coming, and club Chairman Paul Millington told the story over at Twohundredpercent.
Birmingham City fans vote to establish Supporters’ Trust
A group of Birmingham City supporters have voted to establish a Supporters’ Trust at their club, to be known as the Blues Trust. With the support and advice of Supporters Direct, the Trust aims to provide a bridge between the Club and the fans, and improve transparency at the club. Well done and good luck!
Society Profits campaign
In the run-up to Social Enterprise Day (which took place on Thursday November 17th), Social Enterprise UK organised the Society Profits campaign, with the aiming of raising awareness about Social Enterprise. To read more about the campaign and the work that Social Enterprise UK does, visit their website.
Responsiball website launched
November saw the launch of the Responsiball website, a new initiative aiming to promote and support the progress of social responsibility at football clubs. A community-driven website, their motto is ‘football clubs are more than just businesses, they are cultural institutions’. To find out more, visit responsiball.org.
AFC Rushden and Diamonds on the march
AFC Rushden and Diamonds are now officially incorporated as a community owned football club. A youth team currently plays in the Northants Senior Youth League, and next season a senior squad are aiming to play in the United Counties League. Membership recently passed the 270 mark, and the squad are sharpening their skills with a series of friendlies. To find out more, visit their website.
Fraud in Football report published
A joint publication from PKF LLP and the Centre for Fraud Studies at Portsmouth University, the 2011 Fraud in Football report examines how well football clubs from all divisions are protected against fraud, and highlights the type of problems that they require protection against. To download the report, click here.
Thank you FCUM
Many thanks to FC United of Manchester, who recently donated £100 to our ongoing website appeal, as detailed in the September News Mail. Donations can be made via the Donate button on the Supporters Direct website (which takes you to a PayPal donation page); or by cheque (send to SD postal address). If you would like further information, or have donated via PayPal, please inform Ben Shave either via e-mail or on 020 7273 1937. Thank you.
News from Europe
UEFA SLO project Handbook published
Following last month’s opening workshop in Berlin, the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) project has entered its second phase, and the Handbook has been published. SD is set to play a key role in this, for example by providing national associations with guidance and expertise as they introduce the new requirement in their respective countries. To find out more about the project, and to read the Handbook, click here.
Cork City win promotion!
Since reforming under supporter ownership in 2010, Cork City have gone from strength to strength, recently clinching promotion to the top tier of Irish football. To read an article about the growth of supporter ownership in Ireland by SD’s own Kevin Rye, click here.
Congratulations to Cork City from all at SD.
Det Nye Brøndby campaign: En Stemme til Alle
Det Nye Brøndby (The New Brøndby) have recently launched a campaign, En Stemme Til Alle (A Voice For All), in coordination with other supporters’ groups at the club. To find out more, click here.
A new club for Cava de’ Tirreni
At the end of October, a new football club was launched in the Italian town of Cava de’ Tirreni. Named A.S.D Aquilotto Cavese, the club is a new entity but has roots going back deep into the last century, and is a community-based institution. To read more about the work undertaken by SD Afilliate member Sogno Cavese, click here.
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Trust News
Supporter Directors, part one: Cambridge United
Cambridge Fans United committee member Dave Doggett has recently taken up a position on the board of Cambridge United. To read a Q & A with Dave, click here.
Supporter Directors, part two: Kidderminster Harriers
In other supporter director news, the Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust have confirmed that John Davies is to join the board of the club as a Fans’ Representative director, following a democratic vote. To read more, click here.
Worksop Town open their doors for charity
On November 30th, Worksop Town offered free entry to their Evostik Northern Premier League home fixture against Mickleover Sports, and for every person through the gates, the club donated £1 to Macmillan Cancer Support. This initiative has been developed in cooperation with the Worksop Town Supporters’ Society, who have also undertaken sponsorship drives for local charities. The full total raised will be announced shortly.
Safe Standing makes its debut at Bristol Fans Derby
The recent Bristol Fans Derby was the first ever football match in the UK to be watched from a purpose built safe standing area, set up at pitch side. The match took place at Yate Town FC, and raised over £2000 for the Bristol City and Bristol Rovers Community Trusts, and the Nicola Organ Foundation. Final score: 8-5 Bristol Rovers. Pictured: Bristol City full back Cole Skuse enjoying the view.
Foxes Trust in ‘historic’ charity drive
Following consultation with Leicester City, the Foxes Trust have begun a unique auction which will raise money for ten local charities. Intrigued? Click here…
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