The Trust started the meeting by discussing its intentions for the remainder of the funds from what is commonly known as the “Bowlee fund”. Pitch covers were purchased using this money earlier in the year, and the Trust were keen to put the remaining funds to good use. The club stated that they are happy with the pitch covers that have been purchased and there are no current plans for the club to secure a permanent training facility of our own. The club have a range of training facilities that they are using and the manager is happy with what he has at his disposal.
The intentions are for the Trust to host a short informal meeting before the Fans Forum where supporters could offer up suggestions. The Trust have investigated the possibility of securing a video screen for the ground which it is felt that would update the ground, improve the matchday experience and provide a revenue stream for the club as well. The club offered the suggestion the funds could go towards the upgrading of the Spotland floodlights. New Football League rules have insisted that the club must upgrade the floodlights within the next twelve months and initial quotes have put the cost at between £50,000 and £75,000.
The Trust said that the intentions were to offer its members a number of options (which would include an option to retain the funds for a rainy day), and no spending would take place without the backing of the Trust members.
The relaunch of “Junior Dale” was discussed with the board and how it would be introduced. The Trust would take responsibility for the admin side of Junior Dale, whilst the Football in the Community would rebrand its Saturday Club as Junior Dale. All present felt that the Saturday Club was an excellent but underused resource and that the rebranding would help boost its popularity amongst the younger supporters. The Trust will work with the club about publicity and raising its profile, amongst other things.
The topic of the new kit was discussed, and how the selection chosen would ensure that a third choice kit would be required on more than one occasion throughout the season. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the range of other clothing that was available in the club shop and how it seems largely aimed 13-20 year old lads. The board accepted the comments and said that in the long term this was something that would be looked at.
Last season saw the Trust host a Xmas Party in the Ratcliffe Suite on the night of the Cheltenham home game. This had proved to be successful with the bar at its busiest on a home game on the smallest home attendance of the season to that point, and understandably the Trust were keen to repeat this. The club were happy for something similar to take place and the home game with Fleetwood was discussed as a possible fixture for this.
Other topics included a potential sponsored walk to Accrington that could tie in with the spending of the Bowlee funds should further fund raising be required. Last time, a five figure sum was raised from the walk with over a hundred supporters raising money. The timing of the game might make it difficult for a particular project to be agreed upon, but it should allow for better weather than last time.
It was discussed setting up “Kids Free” games on a reciprocal basis with a couple of other clubs in the division. The club agreed with this in principle and would approach clubs to see if they would agree. Further ticket promotions were discussed with regards to the Trust’s 10th anniversary, with further talks set to take place.
Members Questions:
Q) I enquired at the Ticket Office about a Free season ticket for my 5 year old. Was told as I didn’t ask for a kids ticket when I purchased my own Main Stand Season Ticket back in April. I couldn’t have one. If the tickets are free and the club wants to increase the future fanbase can this please be discussed at the meeting with the club on Thursday.
A) The club have reviewed this policy in recent weeks and are pleased to announce that the youngster can have a free season ticket. Given that the admission fee for juniors is £5, the club would encourage any supporter bringing a supporter who is seven or under to take advantage with the free season ticket for that age group.
Q) Will there be a follow up statement from the club about the £4 charge for debit cards? Voucher for free programme maybe?
A) The club are keen to review the £4 charge for debit cards and will look to do so when the season tickets go on sale for next season.
Q) Will the club take more advice from supporters around the choice of kit options?
A) The whole kit selection process will be looked at for next time around and steps will be taken to ensure that the choice of home and away kits cannot clash as is the case this season.