FLAGGING UP THE SUPPORTERS TRUST

 

Printed in the National League South game v Hemel Hempstead Town Tuesday 19th December 2023. We won 2-0 in front 607.

The announcement of a new chair of the Slough Town Supporters Trust probably went under most peoples radar. But with the new banners behind the goals, extra coach travel for FA Cup replays and Dean doing little dances to entice people to buy Christmas raffle tickets, its been a busy time for the Trust.

But who are they? What do they do – and whose the new man at the top?

Richard Kendall was born in Taplow, grew up on the Britwell Estate and has spent his whole life in and around Slough and its suburbs. He worked at Heathrow from leaving school back in 1980 until 2022 where he’s now enjoying retirement and quite a few holidays!

“The family tradition was to support Tottenham and Slough, which I did.

It’s all Slough Town for me now. Non-league football has so many more attractions to it. Just one more visit to Wembley for Slough and I’d be happy. I was there in 73’ at Wembley, albeit we somehow undeservedly lost 1-0. Amongst my memorabilia I do have a player’s shirt, full tracksuit and runners up medal from the day."

It’s safe to say that Richard does like his memorabilia – and big flags.

“My most active period of watching Slough was The Conference years, following us both home and away, with regular trips up north to the likes of Halifax and Gateshead. So close to making the Wembley dream a reality again but missed out to Southport in the semi-final.”

Like many supporters, being kicked out of the Conference and spending years being homeless, meant Richard didn’t get to see the Rebels.

“Two major events for me started me watching Slough again. The return to a new stadium after being nomads for many years and then the Kings Lynn playoff final. Such a fantastic day out, and afterwards back at the club. Brilliant atmosphere, belting out ‘Sweet Caroline’ when it was not even the football anthem it is today. I decided then I’d like to be more involved with the club, one way or another. The first conversation I had led to me joining the Trust.”

What does the Trust do?

“The Trust was formed back in 2003 to provide support to the club during very challenging times. Efforts made were outstanding and I’m very happy that the club are still here so personally can play a part in the future.

“We have a set of rules to follow and from these we have several key objectives:

• Supporting the Slough Town Football Club to promote further development of football at all levels within the community, to encourage participation and inclusion for all.

• Strengthen the bond between the football club and the community with our efforts.

• To represent our supporters and encourage the club to take proper account of the interests of the supporters and the community it serves in its decisions.

• Provide services to our supporters to allow them to travel to games which may otherwise be difficult.

• Give support to youth development and local charities.

“To translate this into what this really means breaks down into two key areas of volunteering and financial support.

“Almost all the Trust board work on matchdays, for the Trust and / or the club. A lot also happens behind the scenes as well. Things like coach planning, social media, meeting charities, fundraising events, stationery, 500 Club and financial as examples.

“Our Key fundraising events such as Trust membership, Christmas raffle, sponsored walk and donations are very important to us and allow us to work closely with the club. Every penny we raise benefits the club and the local community.

“As for coach travel, we do our utmost to run a coach to away games. This element is not to make profit and provides a service that allows fans to watch the ‘Rebels on Tour’. We would like more supporters to use the coaches as this helps to ensure we can run a coach, and secondly to reduce costs to all supporters. We may well consider family rates as a way forward to help spread the costs.

“As a Trust board we are all equal members and therefore all have a say in our decisions, to help achieve the best outcome for our members and the club.”

Why did you decided to become Chair and what do you think the Trust can do better. It seems to have a great relationship with the new owners – tell us about some of the initiatives and others in the pipeline

“From the concerns off the pitch last season, there is new Club management in place with a dynamic approach towards future growth and success on the pitch. We are 100% not forgetting the great efforts of those before them who were and still are actively involved. The Trust wanted to be a part of these plans and to represent the supporters whilst developing our future relationship with the club.

“It has been important to add new Trust board members, who are readily accessible to fans, able to join in with Trust efforts, and to present ourselves to the Club as an asset. We have this in place, and have developed several key focus points: Communication, understanding, collaboration and making plans happen. We will have a future legacy plan for the club from the supporters, when the time is right. Becoming a Trust member will play your part in this as well as several other benefits such as a draw for boardroom access, limited edition badge, extra raffle tickets, tea/coffee for a night game, coach discount.

“Our supporters are fabulous, and I include the many who volunteer in this. Everyone is different, (bin basher just came to mind) but it does not matter who you are. Everyone is welcome, everyone is friendly and so many get to know each other very quickly as friends. We all share the passion that is Slough Town FC.”

Cheer Richard. Final word goes to our joint owner Ashley Smith “The Club's relationship with the Trust has excellent foundations. I've been in frequent dialogue with Richard about our plans and how we can collaborate. In 2024 we hope to deliver a legacy project to aid both the Football Club and Trust."  

Don't delay, join today. Either online at https://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com or chat to Trust members under one of the Gazebos as you enter the ground.