The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

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GTST - Where We Are Now

By: GTST
Date: 04/01/2003

ON 18th November 2002, approximately 200 GTFC supporters attended a public meeting at the Memorial Hall, Cleethorpes and unanimously backed the formation of a Supporters Trust for Grimsby Town.

Since that meeting, you may have wondered what work has been done towards the launch, and towards fulfilling the objectives that were put forward to the attendees of that meeting. At the meeting, we asked for volunteers to join the GTST working party - this is the group that will move forward with the tasks that are required to formally launch the Trust. Many people offered their services, and the first working party meeting took place on 30th November. The working party consists of a core group of approx. 10 people, plus around 15 additional individuals who may not turn up to each and every working party meeting, but nevertheless are committed to the Trust formation, and have valuable input to provide.

Although not much may have occurred publicly, a number of areas of action have been identified, and the working party are concentrating on tasks relating to these areas:

  • GTST Launch The public meeting was not the beginning of GTST - it officially becomes an entity when it is launched. Plans are currently underway for the launch of GTST, which we anticipate will be an occasion for all the family with activities and events to suit people of all age groups. The GTST official launch day will be announced once a date has been finalised.

  • GTFC Liaison The working party have nominated a member to liaise with GTFC, and we are currently working with GTFC to agree a date for representatives of the working party to meet with representatives of the GTFC board to discuss how we can work together for mutual advantage. An agenda has been suggested, and a number of ideas will be discussed at the meeting.

    In the interim, to demonstrate our commitment and to promote the work of the trust, GTST have sponsored David Soames kit for the remainder of the season, using the small amount of funds that are available. We will be monitoring David's progress closely throughout the season, and hope to obtain an interview with him shortly.

  • Membership Membership prices and packages are currently being formulated. Although the prices have not been finalised, we can say that they will be affordable, and there will be reduced membership for U16s and OAPs. Family and lifetime memberships will also be available. A package of benefits for members is also being finalised.

  • Fundraising The public meeting raised the sum of approx. £350, via the raffle and donations. Whilst this is a good sum of money which is greatly appreciated, we need to generate a more steady income stream that can build up over time. A number of initiatives are currently being investigated by the working party and again will be announced if they come to fruition. We are fortunate to have on board a number of commercially aware individuals who will look to exploit all the fundraising opportunities that come out way to maximum benefit.

    Whilst some clubs have managed to launch their Trusts very quickly, these have usually been in circumstances where they have been forced to act with haste. We at GTFC are in the fortunate position of being able to plan the trust launch more carefully, as our club is not in serious threat of demise.

    The plans that are being put in place now are intended to ensure a successful trust launch, and an income stream that will enable us to begin investing in our objectives sooner rather than later. The less pressured timescale also allows greater opportunity for debate and thereby ensure that all interested supporters have an opportunity to influence he way the trust develops.

    To keep up to date with Trust related matters, please visit www.gtst.net




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