Boston United Supporters' Trust
Formation | 2005/6 |
---|---|
Type | Industrial and Provident Society |
Purpose | Football fans' advocacy |
Membership | Over 100 |
Affiliations | Supporters Direct |
Website | bufcst.org.uk |
The Boston United Football Club Supporters' Trust is a supporters' trust of Boston United Football Club, recognised by Supporters Direct. The group, like other supporters' trusts, seeks to strengthen the influence of supporters over the destiny of their clubs through democratic supporter ownership. The trust currently owns £3000 worth of shares in the club (£12,000 shares).[1] An annual membership costs £10 for adults and £1 for under-16s. Boston United legend Chris Cook, who scored for the Pilgrims at Wembley, was notably a board member of the trust before joining the Boston United Board of Directors.
History
The Boston United Football Club Supporters’ Trust was formed halfway through the 2005/2006 season, a time when the club was managed by controversial manager
With the Pilgrims on the edge of extinction in the summer of 2007, and with no supporter or supporters’ groups possessing the capabilities to buy the football club, two local businessmen stepped in at the final hour to save the club. Despite league authorities kicking United down to the
In 2008 the club's chairman set the trust a target at an open meeting. It was to raise the sum of £50,000 for the club. In return, the trust would receive every Supporters’ Trust's dream, shares in the club and a seat on the board. This was an enormous boost to the BUFCST's aspirations of one day owning the club, and thereby granting fans ultimate control - as well as the everlasting assurance of the club's future. Once attendees accepted the proposition, the trust had an objective. It was originally hoped that the trust could fulfil this by giving the club two lump sums of £25,000, with the second due in 2009. This would have relieved the chairman from personally paying off the club's debts. Although it was soon realised by mid-2008 that this target was too difficult to meet.
The trust still, however, have an agreement whereby they can donate money to the club in return for shares. At this moment in time, the BUFCST are attempting to set up a fund into which fans can regularly donate small sums of money to the BUFCST, as well organising fundraising events and building its membership base up to achieve the target set. The trust is also applying for a grant from Supporters' Direct at this moment in time.
List of board members
- Chairman: Melvin Moxon
- Vice-Chairman: Dr Paul Kirk-Smith
- Treasurer: Mark Hildred
- Membership Secretary: Adam Hildred
- Supporters Direct Liaison: David Whittle
- General: Andrew Chapman
- General: Mat Barker
- General: Mick Taylor
References
- ^ "Football scam boss spared jail". BBC Sport. 3 November 2006. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
- ^ . bufc.co.uk. 17 December 2007 http://www.bufc.co.uk/article/1445066/Santa-Fun-Run-proves-a-massive-hit. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
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