TRUST THE FANS

Printed in the National League South game v Havant and Waterlooville Saturday 10^th December 2022  We lost 3-1 in front of 466

When our community pub was looking for finance, we were asked to calculate how many volunteer hours people did a week. When we added it all up from the committee, to people helping out fixing broken light sockets, to keeping the garden looking smart, sorting the hanging baskets, running seniors’ clubs, driving our bus…. Well, it was eye watering and the pub couldn’t exist without them. But it’s also what’s sets us part as different and a makes us a community pub. Like you wouldn’t exactly help change a broken door for nothing at a Wetherspoons.

The same is true of football clubs up and down the country and Slough Town is no different. From the minute you turn up at the entrance, enter the ground, buy a programme or golden goal ticket, get a beer from the bar, listen to the matchday commentary; they are all volunteers and the list goes on. I remember arriving early at a game when we were still playing at Beaconsfield and was blown away by the military operation just to get a game of football on.

The main body that organises the volunteers is a mix of the Football Club and the Supporters Trust. But who are the Trust and what do they do?

The Slough Town Supporters Trust in its current form was set up in 2003 and over £50,000 has been passed to the Club in sponsorship, while over £30,000 has been donated to local charities, schools and youth football through fundraisers such as the end of season walk.

There are nine people on the board and one of them is Richard Kendall who has been on the board for three years. Born in Slough, now living in the suburbs and married to Liz.

“I have three kids who many years ago were our mascots when we played Cardiff in the FA Cup. When the club took the boys into the Cardiff changing room to have his programme signed, my son asked is that how you write in Welsh. Between us Liz and I have six grown up children. I worked at Heathrow for 40 years since leaving school in import and export, logistics, healthcare and finally compliance until retiring early this August.”

“I have supported Slough Town and Tottenham since childhood. Yes, I was at Wembley ‘73 as an 8-year-old, but no real memories from the day. With the ‘Rebels’ I travelled home and away with Slough Town for years during our pre and conference years. However, when we were relegated due to not making ground improvements it came as a real ‘hammer blow’ and I gave up watching Slough for a few years, but I eventually returned”

Why should people join the Trust.

“The membership cost is currently £10 per season and has been for many years. It is worth mentioning that all these membership fees are added to our revenues and ultimately are passed to the football club. A good number also make an additional donation when joining. Membership gives £5 discount on every away game coach travel which saves you over £100 per season. The coaches we arrange provide a great service to our supporters who may not drive, or not able to use public transport for various reasons. Others use the coach simply for its comfort and ease of use. Everyone is welcome and the more who use it the cheaper we can make it.

“We are active on social media, mostly Twitter, and this has seen a growth of more than 15% of ‘followers’ in the last 2 years. We are mindful there are several types of social media available. Taking this into account, at our next meeting we will discuss our communication and how this can be expanded to reach more supporters. Any thoughts or ideas please let us know. It is worth mentioning that maintaining social media takes time, so we try to balance our focus with how many will actively use those available.

“Volunteering is also a big part of Slough Town, whether through the Trust, club or both. The Trust arranges the membership, coach travel, newsletters, raffles, charity selection and liaison, sponsored walks and we work closely with the club on 50/50, Golden Goal and the 500 Club.”

“As mentioned, there are nine of us on the Trust board in total. Some are more active in the background for the Trust, such as social media and finance, but on match day many are volunteering for the Club/Trust. It’s easier to tell you who based on matchday activities and where to find us.

Mark Hunter does various club activities on match day such as the kits and will be seen walking around with his clipboard and stopwatch noting information from the game.

Jean Lightfoot looks after the main entrance reception, welcoming players, staff, sponsors, guests and officials as well as guidance to fans.

Sue Shiel (club shop Sue) will be in the shop selling you all sorts of Slough Town FC clothing and memorabilia.

Barry Hiron: usually managing the main car park, but will keep busy on anything that needs taking care of. Probably a lot more than I know to be fair.

Keith Bryant: will be providing assistance and guidance to anyone who needs it. Also, taking care of trust membership applications at supporters’ corner.

Dean Beckett will be selling 50/50 tickets at supporters’ corner and posting on Twitter and Facebook during the game. 

Geoff Hill will be at supporters’ corner taking coach bookings and helping with match programme sales

Alan Greenaway, Mr finance for the Trust, will be available at supporters’ corner and for 500 club enquiries and assisting as needed.

Me, I will be watching the game, posting on twitter and sometimes carrying the big flag. Happy to discuss anything Trust related.”

How could the Trust collaborate more with the Club.

“At the moment there are changes within the Club so that’s a very good question. Like everyone I am nervous as to the outcome and hope for a positive way forward. The Trust are seeking a closer working relationship with the Club, which has been acknowledged, and for development of any ideas that will benefit all; the Club, community and supporters. We have also confirmed with the Club for a fan’s forum to be held as soon as there is an update on plans. If successful we will ask for this forum to become a more regular feature. We sincerely hope that any changes will provide us with a solid foundation to define and execute collaboration and not just talk about it.”

What would be your ideal scenario for Slough Town?

“This is a very relevant question for us. Ideally a wealthy benefactor with the Club’s stability and future development being their number one priority. Having this in place would be a positive through all levels of football the Club is involved with and promote participation for all. Other than that, securing larger commercial sponsorships as well as increasing local sponsorships.

“Of course, a strong team performance on the pitch helps and generates more revenues. We all love a cup run, the dreams it gives us and the financial rewards it delivers. This has a knock-on effect on attendances and we do need more supporter’s week in week out. I admire the loyalty of our fans who are passionate about the Club and the valued contribution of time given up by so many of our volunteers.”

To find out more about the Trust go to https://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com

500 CLUB

One simple way to support Slough Town is to sign up to the 500 Club. Forget the Lottery you might actually win this with 4 cash prizes every month with income split equally between the football club and the winners.

Alan Harding, who has done every job at the club apart from play for the first team, told me “At present there are 184 shares in the 500 Club but there are a few members that have more than one share. If the Club had 500 members that would generate £15,000 a year rather than £5,000 as we do at the moment. If supporters want to help financially that would be a good place to start.”

You can pick up forms at the bar, chat to anyone at supporters’ corner on matchday or go to here https://www.sloughtownfc.net/500-club