Dale have joined a growing number of Clubs that have signed up to the FairGame initiative that looks to protect the future interests of the game.
The Club were invited to join in a Zoom meeting to be presented the intentions of the organisation in attempting to change the way football was conducted in light of the pandemic which has finally devastated too many Football Clubs. In addition, there has been a long history of “penalising” Clubs which are run in a financially stable fashion in favour of those whose methods of management lead to financial ruin only to be survive at the expense of creditors, and return with a clean bill of health to be able to perform at an advantage to stable Clubs like our own.
Dale Trust Director Murray Knight attended the online meeting on behalf of both the Trust and the Club and was delighted with what was discussed.
“This is a real positive for a Club like ours to be involved with. Dale fans have a long history in an interest in the governance of the game, and take great pride in the sustainable way that the Club has run itself over the years.
“Never has this been more important than over the Summer with all the issues that we have faced and hopefully overcome.
“The game is in need of a major reboot that pushes clubs towards long term sustainability rather than throwing money at a short term gain. Clubs need to be protected to ensure that they are here not just for this generation, but also the next.”
As the name suggests, the intent is to reward those Clubs who exercise policies of sustainability, prudent financial controls, fan engagement, respect of the Club’s heritage and involvement with the community among other factors, and are recognised accordingly, rather than a one-fits-all system, applied across the various leagues at present.
Little wonder then that Rochdale AFC were invited to lend its support in striving to achieve the desired objectives, as we already exercise the methods of management that would benefit us should the policies proposed be adopted. Many Clubs across the EFL and non-League currently support the work of Fair Game UK, (see website) and many more are being approached to ensure that a strong swell of opinion supports the changes in the administration of football in the UK, to avoid the continuation of the disastrous consequences which have been experienced.
Rochdale AFC had no hesitation in expressing its support, as it can do nothing else but benefit us should the proposed change to distribution of financial support from the centre be adopted, as the criteria required are fully reflected in our management of the Club.
For fuller details on Fair Game UK, visit its web site.