Members of the Trust interim board were present at a meeting yesterday (15th July) at Meadow Lane to discuss greater community involvement in football clubs. Representatives from Football in the Community (FITC), Supporters Direct, and Social Enterprise East Midlands (SEEM) were also in attendance to explore ways of working in partnership and developing the idea of using football as a vehicle for promoting a social agenda.

The meeting highlighted how FITC has evolved from essentially being involved in coaching to encompass a wider remit, including social inclusion and education. Despite the considerable success of FITC, it remains under-funded and often vulnerable to the whim of football club chairmen.

Simon Binns - case worker for Supporters Direct - made a strong argument for supporters organisations to work closely with FITC, local businesses and resident groups to foster links between football clubs and their local community. Here it was interesting to learn about projects at Sheffield United and Lincoln City, whose grounds are being used to house community programmes and local businesses. Inspirational stuff.

One of the outcomes of the meeting was the need for a steering group comprising of representatives from FITC, Supporters Trusts, Supporters Direct, community groups and SEEM to exchange ideas and best practice, and look at ways of securing funding.

Regards,

Dr. David Hindley
Interim Chair, Notts County Supporters Trust

I would like to know if the meeting was a 'closed shop' or were members of the public invited. It would have been interesting if members had some prior notice, even if attendance was not possible, so that we could have asked the Trust to ask questions / express ideas on our behalf.

Masson's still a jewel

The meeting was a preliminary one, essentially to explore ideas around how FITC and supporter trusts can work together. To this end, it was instigated by Roger Reed - head of FITC - who invited other FITC representatives (from Notts County and Lincoln City) as well as individuals from Supporters Direct and Social Enterprise East Midlands to the meeting at Meadow Lane. A couple of members from the Interim Board were also invited to attend.

Once some of the ideas discussed come to fruition, I am sure there will be opportunity for Trust members, supporters and local residents to have an input into how football clubs can develop community links.

Regards,

David Hindley.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Phil Marshall,

Further to this, Graham Moran of Football in the Community has offered to talk to a fans forum about the work of his organisation, which is far wider than many fans will realise. We are currently looking at when this can be done.

We are also investigating if further speakers can be sourced from clubs that are further along this route than ourselves - there are some very exciting developments at clubs like Macclesfield and Sheffield United. This could make a truly inspiring fansd forum subject.

Mark Durkin
Treasurer
Interim Board