Andy Walsh, the General Manager of FC United of Manchester, speaking at the 2010 Supporters Direct Scotland Conference
The opening plenary of the conference witnessed speeches from Keith Ferguson (Development Officer for Centre for Access to Football Europe) and Andy Walsh (General Manager for FC United of Manchester).
Keith Ferguson represented Centre for Access to Football Europe (CAFE). CAFE want all disabled supporters to enjoy a football match as a problem-free experience and believes it can raise disability awareness throughout Europe.
Keith opened his talk with an league table, compiled by a Heart of Midlothian disabled supporters group, comparing the facilities they have encountered, in the away end, during their trips through the Scottish league grounds. This made particular interesting reading for the Accies contingent.
Keith aims to organise an umbrella organisation for disabled supporters groups to raise awareness of disability issues in Scottish football and to ensure clubs and supporters understand their needs.
The Trust has been in contact with Keith since the conference and further discussion on what assistance we can offer Keith will be brought up at the summer board meeting.
Keith’s talk was followed by a very impassioned and inspiring talk from Andy Walsh, the General Manager of FC United of Manchester. They are a semi-professional club based in Bury, Greater Manchester, and currently playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the 7th tier of league football.
The club was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters following Malcolm Glazer’s controversial takeover which led to hundreds of supporters defecting from the club.
Keith spoke about the current status of English football and the changing club-fan relationship over the last 20 years.
He continued to talk about the well publicised reasons behind the foundation of FC United and followed on with some fascinating insights into how his club have increased membership, maintained that membership and maximised members participation. He also discussed building relationships in your community.
An excellent speaker.
The Trust then attended the Funding Community Projects and Building Membership workshops which were great for learning and sharing best practices.
Again, many ideas to take back to the summer board meeting.
The closing discussion was on the Trusts response to the SFA review. The main issues of concern for supporters’ trusts were shared and the practical steps that supporters and trusts can take in regard to the SFA review and to the wider issues in Scottish football.
Supporters Direct will produce an action plan later in the month. Something the Trust look forward to reading with great interest.
Overall, a very good conference. Some new insights and ideas that can only benefit the Accies Trust into the new season.
Links
Supporters Direct Scotland
CAFE
FC United of Manchester
