BUFCST
is in the process of being formed after receiving an overwhelming mandate
at an open meeting on 28 November 2005. The working party are now preparing
the legal framework and recruiting a team of volunteers with the skills,
time and dedication to make the Trust a reality.
This Trust is not for or against relocation. It will exist to
fund-raise with the ultimate goal being ownership of the club and ground.
FAQ
What exactly is "the Working Group for the Inception of
a BUFC Supporters’ Trust"?
We
are a group of Boston United fans. We joined forces last summer because
we had a number of serious and valid concerns for the future of our
football club, including its long term financial viability and indeed
its continued existence. We meet in Boston before every home game. We
have a website providing more information and an email contact address
(details of which can be found at the foot of the page).
What
do you hope to achieve?
Our
aim is to establish a Supporters’ Trust, so that eventually the
club can be owned by the fans, for the fans. A Supporters’ Trust
is a not-for-profit organisation and strict rules are already in place
regarding the way Trusts can be run. Democracy, transparency, and openness
in the way their business affairs are carried out are of particular
importance, and it should be emphasized that any fan can stand for election
to the Trust Board. We already have links with other fans at Football
League clubs where Supporters’ Trusts have now become established,
and some of these Trusts have now reached the stage where the fans actually
own and run the football clubs themselves.
The
club may relocate. What are your views on this?
Any
proposed changes with regard to where the club plays must be formulated
on the basis that the move must leave the club debt-free, playing in
the Football League, and controlling its own destiny through the ownership
of its own football ground. We have been extremely fortunate in that
the club has benefited from Mr. Pat Malkinson’s goodwill and generosity
over many years, but circumstances can sometimes change, and we need
to ensure that all necessary safeguards to maintain the club’s
existence are in place.
How do we form a Supporters’ Trust at Boston United?
There
are several essential steps that need to take place if we are to succeed
in establishing a Trust which is eligible for funding from Supporters’
Direct (our parent body). The first is to hold an Open Meeting, which
all supporters, club staff and officials, and local councillors are
invited to attend. Details of the Open Meeting have been published in
the local press recently, and there is more information both on our
website and at the end of this bulletin.
I
love my club but I do not have time to be involved with the running
of a Supporters’ Trust. So what else can I do to help?
You can do a lot! By attending the forthcoming Open Meeting,
and giving us your support and your vote, you will be providing us with
a mandate to move forward and establish the Trust. And if you spare
some of your time, we are looking to swell our ranks of volunteers,
and we shall be actively recruiting new members at the Open Meeting!
All
this sounds fine – but how do I keep in touch?
You
can contact the Working Group for the Inception of a Boston United Supporters’
Trust