SPOTLIGHT ON SUPPORTERS TRUST BOARD MEMBER NICOLA BRYANT

 

To be printed in the National League South game v Bath City Tuesday 5th November 2024

With the increasing number of women at Slough Town games and across football I chatted to Nicola Bryant, long term supporter, volunteer and Supporters Trust board member.

Tell us a bit about yourself

"I’m a Nursery Lead in a local school and am passionate about my job. And I'm a lifelong football fan and season ticket holder at Slough Town FC along with Dad and brothers. Single parent to two amazing daughters aged 16 and 11 who also share the love of Slough Town FC .”

Tell us about your different roles at the club

“I began volunteering 2 seasons ago supporting with tombola stall and other events during match days. I then joined the Slough Town Supporters Trust Board last season which involves supporting further at home games i.e. regularly selling 50:50 tickets to help raise funds for the Trust. I attend board meetings and help to make important decisions on how the Trust and its members can further support the growth of the club.”

Why did you get involved? What do you like about being a Slough supporter?

“I wanted to become more involved as the club was a life line for me during a difficult period. I first began attending games with my kids more regularly and the club and the people here are a community and it's a special place to be a part of! My Dad has volunteered for many years and so I made the decision to apply to join the Supporters Trust Board and volunteer more in order to play a small part in supporting the club in a variety of ways. It has been a pleasure to get to know some of the Slough Town family more through volunteering and am proud to be a fan of Slough Town FC! The atmosphere at home games especially towards the end of last season with increased numbers and the home unbeaten run has been amazing to see!”

It's really noticeable over past few seasons the growth in women's support at the mens games – why do you think this is?

“I find this a difficult question to answer as I've always been a football fan. I even had an article published in a men's football magazine when I was about 11 or 12 asking why there is such a stigma about women and girls not knowing anything about men's football 😂 I think the success of the England Lionesses winning the Euros and the men's increasing success in the past few Euros and World Cups has possibly also helped to peak girls and women's interest in football further. I also think Slough is a family orientated club which encourages people of all ages to want to attend.”

We've had some terrible away day experiences – what do you think could be done to improve facilities for women and girls

“The first thing that springs to mind is improving the condition of the toilet facilities! Some of the away grounds we have attended have a lot to learn about cleanliness! Bromley away last season being a prime example of that!”

Looking forward to the season? How do you think we will do?

“The progress made last season and the fact we were so close to a play-off spot shows the huge impact Scott and the team have made to the club and long may that continue! All of the work being put into the club both on and off the pitch means we are no doubt in for another exciting season! I think the team Scott has put together will result in us pushing for a play-off spot again.”

Anything to say about the Slough Ladies team now they've been promoted

“I think its great to see the Slough Ladies team gain promotion and wish them all the best for the season. The Ladies team is another fantastic part of what makes this club truly special.”

f you want to join the Trust or find out more about what they do, chat to Nicola and others on matchdays or go to https://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com

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So what does the Trust do?

The Slough Town Supporters Trust work closely with Slough Town Football Club to represent supporters best interests. Additionally, supporting and promoting development of the club at all levels within the wider community and making football accessible to all. Volunteering, fundraising as well as supporting local charities and youth development are also key objectives for us. We provide a number of social media platforms for supporter interaction as well as planning coaches to away games. The 50/50, Golden goal, Xmas raffle, sponsored walks as well as extensive Trust membership benefits are some of our activities.