Tag: community trust

CFU Board Update

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Chester FC can provide a further update to supporters and City Fans United members in relation to the club’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertain footballing landscape.

 

The human cost of the crisis has been devastating and thoughts of everyone at the club are with those who have suffered loss. The pandemic will have a lasting impact for us all and the challenges facing football clubs may seem inconsequential in comparison, but as a Board we must focus on our responsibilities as your elected representatives.

 

Without question, the coronavirus outbreak poses a significant threat to football clubs at all levels and indeed the game as a whole.

 

The Board is committed to safeguarding the football club and ensuring it remains financially sustainable so we can overcome these challenges together and prepare for the safe return of football. This commitment means the Board must be prepared to make difficult but necessary decisions if required.

 

Complicating the current situation is the continued uncertainty over how the 2019/20 campaign will be concluded and the prospect of a potential play-off campaign. We are sure supporters will appreciate that while this remains a possibility, it has a bearing on the Board’s decisions and actions. To this end, we have decided it is not appropriate to publish a retained list until the 2019/20 season has been decided.

 

We do not know when football will resume, but it is clear that for clubs such as ours playing behind closed doors is neither practical nor financially sustainable. When crowds can return, it is likely social distancing measures will limit attendances and in turn reduce matchday income, the biggest source of revenue for most clubs.

 

The Board’s immediate focus has been on stabilising the club following the suspension of the season and initial loss of income, but we are now developing longer term plans to ensure we are prepared for whatever happens in the next 12 months and beyond. This is a complex process as it includes planning for several different scenarios linked to when football might return with budgets for each of them.

 

We understand some fans may be worried about the future or concerned about the impact of Stuart Murphy’s decision to end his association with the Club, but we want to assure you that we can come through this period together and emerge in a position to continue being a competitive force on the pitch.

 

Football finances at our level will look very different in the future and, while we must navigate the immediate challenges over the next 12 months, we believe this will ultimately be to the advantage of those clubs who operate sustainably.

 

As a club we are in a fortunate position: we have strong relationships with key stakeholders and sponsors; and we have a fan base filled with passion and enthusiasm that provides unwavering support.

 

It is a reality of supporter ownership that financial contributions from fans are vital and every penny the club receives is appreciated and benefits our club.

 

In the next week we will be launching a new crowdfunding scheme to help the first team budget for the 2020/21 season. We have listened to members and observed what other clubs have done, and we know many fans wish to help the managers deliver what everyone wants: an exciting, successful and talented team that makes supporters proud. If you are able to, this is your opportunity to pledge or donate to supplement the playing budget and make a massive difference to our club’s preparations for the new season.

 

Please find below an update on the most recent steps the Board has taken in an effort to navigate through this difficult period:

  • We continue to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the majority of club staff remain on furlough leave with some rotation as operations dictate. Given the play-offs remain a possibility; we have re-engaged most of the first team squad on short-term contracts until 27th June. Furloughed employees will now receive 80% of their salaries up to a maximum of £2500 per month and the Board wishes to thank the players, non-playing and non-football staff for their agreement to ensure we can preserve the club’s resources and protect roles. The CJRS has been extended until the end of October although government support will be tapered and we will continue to review our use of the scheme.
  • We have received a Coronavirus Business Support Grant (£25,000) through Flintshire County Council and continue to take steps to manage ongoing running costs and annual outgoings such as utilities and insurances. We are grateful to those companies who have agreed payment holidays and payment plans.
  • We continue to engage with the National League and fellow member clubs regarding the pandemic’s impact on the game, the options for completing the 2019/20 season and arrangements for the 2020/21 campaign and safe return of football.
  • We are hugely grateful to our season ticket holders who waived the offer of a partial refund following the cancellation of the 2019/20 campaign. The Board is acutely aware of the impact of the crisis on the economy and processed a small number of refund requests; however this represented less than 2.5% of the total potential liabilities. Thank you for your incredible support.
  • The Board has been strengthened with the co-option of Adam Langan until the AGM later this year. Adam is a lifelong supporter of the Blues and serves as a councillor for Newton and Hoole on Cheshire West & Chester Council.
  • We have received more than 1300 responses to the initial consultation on the draft strategic plan for Chester FC produced last month. The depth and volume of feedback received is hugely valuable and this will now be reviewed in detail to further develop the plan in preparation for the next phase of the consultation.
  • The Community Trust has maintained its work in the local area to assist vulnerable supporters and residents during the pandemic, including partnership working with other local charities and agencies to collect prescriptions and delivering hot meals.

 

As stated above, the Fundraising Working Group has been developing a new crowdfunder scheme to boost the first team budget for next season. It is important this scheme is properly developed to ensure it achieves its purpose.

 

The group has been strengthened with several new members and has been meeting regularly to explore other ways to raise funds to help the club remain sustainable while there is no football being played.

 

The pandemic is having a very real impact on people’s finances and we know some of our supporters will be struggling. Whatever financial assistance you can give our club really does help and this is not something we take for granted. If you have ideas or suggestions for fundraising, please email david.williams@chesterfc.com.

 

In the past fortnight groundsman Mike Barrow has been able to start the annual pitch renovations using the £4000 raised through the virtual matchdays. Mike has asked us to express his sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed.

 

Last month we launched the first retro Chester City shirt last month and received almost 300 pre-orders, raising a further £4000 for our club. Claim Your Turf has brought in more than £1200 in a few days and the club shop volunteers are running a flash sale and have also launched branded face masks, bringing in further valuable funds. Fundraising is a team effort and you are the key components of that team so thank you again to everyone who has donated.

 

CFU Membership

CFU memberships for 2019/20 expired on 31st May so if you haven’t yet renewed or wish to sign up as a new member, now is the perfect time. The cost to be an owner of our club remains just £12 per year and you can renew online at www.cityfansunited.com/join-city-fans-united. We are delighted the number of members paying via Direct Debit continues to grow as this can significantly increase revenue for our club and makes future renewals much simpler. To set up a Direct Debit, email nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com.

 

Claim Your Turf

From as little as £25 you can sponsor a piece of the hallowed turf at the Deva Stadium for the 2020/21 season and raise funds for the club’s Squadbuilder campaign. Claim Your Turf allows supporters or local businesses to have their name, photograph, message or logo printed in the matchday programme for each home league fixture, on the Chester FC website and on the wall of the Blues Bar at the end of the season. You’ll also be invited to a special end of season function. Email fundraising@chesterfc.com to Claim Your Turf.

 

Season Tickets
We have received a number of requests for season ticket renewals and sales. Your support is greatly appreciated and this is of course a key income stream for the club. However, we believe the sensible approach is to wait until we have some clarity about football’s return including the league structure, season length, number of fixtures and potential crowds, before starting season ticket sales. Rest assured, as soon as we have received the appropriate level of information we will update supporters.

 

Given the pace at which this unprecedented situation continues to develop, the Board remains in constant dialogue and is holding virtual meetings at least once a week, as well as having regular discussions with key partners and stakeholders, including MBNA and the council.

 

We will endeavour to provide further updates to members and supporters as regularly as possible and thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding.

 

Keep safe and we look forward to seeing you back at our home soon.

 

Our City, Our Community, Our Club

The Board of City Fans United

CFU Strategic Plan Consultation

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United has produced a draft strategic plan setting out a five-year vision for Chester FC and is now asking members and supporters for their views to help shape the final plan.

 

An initial consultation launches today giving fans and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and tell us what matters to you.

 

The consultation, which runs until Monday 1st June, includes an online survey and a series of interactive virtual workshops.

 

CFU Strategic Plan Consultation

 

Developed in collaboration with Chester FC Community Trust, the draft plan aims to provide a blueprint for the future and establish the Club as a successful, sustainable force for the long-term.

 

It is based upon six strategic pillars which will enable the Club to achieve its ambitions: Football Excellence; Membership & Fan Engagement; Better Facilities; People & Culture; Finance & Governance; and Community.

 

Andrew Morris, City Fans United Chairman, said: “The final strategic plan will reflect our shared vision and ambitions for the Club so the contribution of members and supporters is of vital importance.

“These are unprecedented times for football and all clubs are having to respond to overcome new challenges, but we believe our ownership model is an asset and means we are better placed than many to do this.

“Given the uncertainty about when football will resume, what it will look like when it does and whether crowds will be permitted, the Board has adopted a flexible business plan model which is an ongoing process.

“The strategic plan is a high level summary that will guide the Club for the next five years and enable us to move to the next level and realise the potential of the supporter-owned model.

“The plan must represent the aspirations of the membership so we are asking every supporter to take part in the consultation and tell us what is important to them.”

 

CFU Strategic Plan Consultation

Board Update – 3rd May 2020

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Chester FC would like to update supporters and City Fans United members on the progress that has been made as the club aims to navigate through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

These are extreme and unprecedented times for us all and first and foremost the thoughts of everyone at the club are with those who have lost family and friends. We wish to place on record our appreciation for the incredible NHS staff and frontline key workers who are going above and beyond to help others.

 

The impact of the crisis on the club has been significant with the loss of five scheduled home fixtures and the cancellation of a number of fundraising events resulting in significant reductions in income.

 

The board of City Fans United has been in constant dialogue during this period and engaged with key stakeholders including the Community Trust, the council and MBNA as we attempt to steer the football club through these uncharted waters and ensure the health and wellbeing of our players, staff, supporters and local community.

 

We continue to work tirelessly to safeguard the football club and maintain its financial stability, both in the short term and long term, to enable us to emerge in the strongest possible position for when football resumes.

 

This is a rapidly developing situation and as a board we are committed to presenting supporters with accurate information and thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

Please find below an update on the steps we have taken already and the present situation:

 

What we have done

 

· While it is not possible to put an exact figure on the cost of the pandemic to the club, the cancellation of five home matches and several fundraising events mean a potential £100,000 worth of revenue has been lost. We have lost income from non-matchday related income such as Liverpool Women FC venue hire, as well as end of season pitch hire and our Awards Evening.

 

We have taken steps to collect a number of outstanding invoices and are grateful to those businesses and individuals who have made prompt payments. The club does have some debtors and will continue to pursue these.

 

· We have placed the majority of club staff on furlough leave and accessed the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The board decided to continue to pay all staff, including those furloughed, 100% of their salaries up until 2nd May. The first payment from HMRC was received this week and we wish to thank our players and non-playing staff for their understanding and cooperation. We have held discussions with staff with regards to what happens after the 2nd May and have also considered rotating furloughs for those staff that we still need to remain working.

At present the CJRS is due to run until 30th June. We are in continuing dialogue with HMRC regarding the scheme, however given the uncertainty around when football will resume there may well be more difficult conversations to take place as time goes on.

 

· The club has a number of ongoing running costs and annual outgoings to consider over the coming weeks and months including insurances, utilities and VAT. Where possible, we have taken steps to defer or postpone these payments, including the negotiation of payment holidays which means the club don’t have to pick up the cost later in the year. The club has applied for a Coronavirus Business Support Grant (£25,000) and club has received business rates relief for this tax year (£11,700). We wish to place on record its thanks to both Cheshire West & Chester Council and Flintshire County Council, who have been extremely supportive.

 

· We have been in frequent contact with the National League regarding the impact of the pandemic on the game. In April we supported a resolution asking member clubs to end the season and cancel remaining matches. The league has since asked member clubs whether the play-offs should be cancelled or postponed – the outcome of this vote has not yet been confirmed.

 

· We are due to receive circa £13,000 which is the advanced annual solidarity payment from the Premier League for the 2020/21 season. While this is not new money, we are grateful for the Premier League in bringing this payment forward three months.

 

· The virtual matchday initiatives have raised £4000 which will cover of the costs of improving the pitch over the summer. We wish to place on record our thanks to everyone who supported the virtual matchdays for making this possible.

 

· We have contacted sponsors and supporters who had booked hospitality packages for cancelled matches and we are extremely thankful to those who have generously advised the club to retain these funds. We have also received unsolicited donations from a number of supporters which are over and above forgoing pre-paid sponsorship and hospitality packages. This is an incredible gesture which is greatly appreciated and demonstrates what a true community club this is.

 

· We are currently contacting season ticket holders regarding the cancellation of the 2019/20 season and to discuss the options available. We are hugely grateful to those supporters inclusive of board members who have already informed the club to retain the full cost of their season ticket.

 

· The board has been holding at least two virtual meetings a week during the Covid-19 pandemic. These meetings have involved a number of key stakeholders and will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

· The Community Trust has been supporting the most vulnerable in our community with telephone befriending, practical assistance with shopping and prescriptions, delivering treat boxes to care home staff and producing Chester FC themed education resources for children who are home learning.

 

Next steps

 

Football

 

Like you, we are keen to see football return to the 1885 Arena as soon as possible. However, the board is united in its view that football can only return at a time when it is safe to do so for players, officials and supporters. We will continue to engage with the National League, footballing authorities and fellow member clubs on this matter and share any further updates with you at the earliest possible opportunity.

 

Season Tickets

 

This is normally the time of the year when supporters are able to renew their season tickets for the new campaign, however given the uncertainty around when football will return, which league we will be in and how many teams will be in the division, we do not believe we are in a position to start season ticket sales. This is one of the club’s main income sources and enables the club to work with the management to agree a playing budget for the new season. As the situation becomes clearer over the coming weeks and months, this position may change and we will communicate this to supporters at the earliest opportunity. The Fan Engagement Working Group (FEWG) has produced a season ticket pricing plan for the board to approve, however this will need to be revisited once more details are available regarding the future playing season.

 

Fundraising

 

As a supporter-owned club, fundraising is hugely important and as a board we genuinely appreciate every single penny and thank everyone who has donated past and present. These donations make a significant contribution to the sustainability and development of our club. We recognise the impact this crisis is having on people’s lives and know some of our supporters will be struggling. As a community club, we want you to know that we will do what we can to help you. The next few months will be extremely challenging and we have to continue to fundraise to ensure the future of Chester FC. We would welcome fundraising suggestions and ideas. We know we ask again and again, however this is your club and the more we can raise, the stronger we are.

 

Membership Renewals

 

CFU memberships expire on 31st May so now is the ideal opportunity to renew your membership for the next 12 months or sign up as new member. You can renew online at www.cityfansunited.com/join-city-fans-united and the cost remains just £12 per year to be an owner of our club. In these challenging times, your commitment and contribution is needed more than ever and of course the more members we have, the stronger we are collectively. Please consider setting up a Direct Debit for CFU membership via email to nick.phillipson@chesterfc.com as this makes future renewals much simpler and provides further revenue for your club as well giving you access to great benefits as a CFU member.

 

Enquiries

 

The 1885 Arena remains closed at this time and with most club staff on furlough leave, the board is continuing to respond to enquiries. Please email info@chesterfc.com if you have an enquiry and this will be forwarded to the relevant board member. We would be grateful for your patience given the current circumstances.

 

The Board is committed to maintaining the community ethos and values of Chester FC and taking the appropriate steps to safeguard the football club. The longer the current situation continues, the more challenging this will become, however we are confident that together we can emerge from these unprecedented times and look forward to a positive future.

 

We believe that as a fan-owned community club, we have a unique strength which is being demonstrated in the way everyone from the players and management, club staff, volunteers, academy, Community Trust, sponsors and most of all you as supporters has pulled together.

 

We commit to keeping you updated as we move forward and in the first instance ask you to consider renewing your CFU membership or signing up as a new member to support your club.

 

Until we can return to the pitch, please stay safe, do what you can to care for the most vulnerable and look after your family and friends.

 

Our City, Our Community, Our Club

 

The Board of City Fans United

City Fans United Informal Meeting – October 3rd

Posted by Jeff Banks on

The latest informal City Fans United meeting will take place on Thursday 3rd October in the Blues Bar at the Deva Stadium, starting at 7.30pm.

 

The meeting, which is open to anyone to attend, will also feature an update from the Community Trust, with regards to the King George V Community Sports Hub. This will be an opportunity for any questions to be put forward with regards to the ongoing progress towards the Hub.

 

There will also be a Q&A with the board at the meeting too.

 

We look forward to seeing you there, and if you’re not able to attend then the meeting will be streamed live on the City Fans United You Tube channel.

 

See you there!

Last call for the 2018/19 End of Season Party

Posted by David Williams on

Hurray! Ticket sales for the End of Season Party at the Mollington Banastre on the evening of 18th May end this Friday (at the request of the venue).

 

Mingle with the stars from the playing squad while listening to live performances from Chasing Shadows – a superb local band – and enjoy a 3 course meal. All this for just £30!

 

 

2019 Chester FC Awards Evening

Posted by David Williams on

Tickets are available from the Club’s office for the End of Season Party at the Mollington Banastre on the evening of 18th May.

 

Mingle with the stars from the playing squad while listening to live performances from Chasing Shadows – a superb local band – and enjoy a 3 course meal. All this for just £30!

 

 

CFU and Community Sports Facility Meeting – Tonight

Posted by Jeff Banks on

We would like to remind members that tonight’s informal meeting will include the presentation on the Community Sports Facility, by the Chester FC Community Trust.

 

The meeting will get underway at 7.30pm and we urge as many fans to come down to the Blues Bar at the Swansway Chester Stadium, to find out more about this exciting development.

 

Tonight’s meeting will be streamed live on the Chester FC Twitter account @chesterfc from 7.30pm this evening. Please note this is a change from the original plan of streaming via the City Fans United you tube channel.

 

We look forward to seeing you all there tonight.

 

Community Sports Facility & Informal CFU Meeting – Wednesday 20th March

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United and Chester FC Community Trust are holding an open meeting on Wednesday 20th March to provide an update on proposals for a community sports facility in Chester.

 

The meeting will take place in the Blues Bar at the Swansway Chester Stadium starting at 7.30pm with supporters and the wider public encouraged to attend.

 

The development of a community sports facility has been an aspiration of the supporter-owned club for a number of years with its charitable Community Trust leading the project.

 

Following positive discussions with key stakeholders over recent months, the boards of both the CFU and the Community Trust are pleased to be in a position to announce full details of the scheme.

 

The proposals have been carefully developed to ensure it provides the best possible facility for the communities of Chester and Cheshire West. A public consultation will begin in the coming weeks, giving people the opportunity to comment on the plans and inform the final design.

 

Jim Green, chief executive of the Community Trust, said: “It has been a long time coming but we are genuinely excited about these plans and look forward to sharing them with supporters and the wider community.

“Grassroots sport desperately needs more investment and better facilities, and this project will deliver on both counts. It will be a facility the community can be proud of.”

 

CFU director Jeff Banks said: “When we reformed the club back in 2010, one of the key aims for the future was to have a sports facility that would be of benefit to the whole community. A great deal of hard work and planning has gone into getting to this point, and next Wednesday’s meeting will provide a great chance for everyone to see how they can help in bringing this to fruition.”

 

Please note, the planned informal CFU meeting, set for Thursday 21st March, has now been brought forward to the Wednesday night in order for us to have the open meeting relating to the community sports facility.

 

If you would like to know more about the project or have any questions, please contact Community Trust chief executive Jim Green by emailing  jim.green@chesterfc.com or ringing 01244 371376.

Membership Target for 2018 hit!

Posted by Jeff Banks on

City Fans United are delighted to announce that the membership target of 2018 members by the end of the year 2018 has been hit and surpassed with 2 weeks to spare!

 

The Fan Engagement Working Group (FEWG) have confirmed that together with the CFU Junior Blues, we now have over 2018 members!

 

In celebration of this, one City Fans United member will be drawn at random to win a voucher to the value of £20.18 to spend in the club shop, with the draw taking place later this week.

 

The FEWG have also announced that 10 life members have been signed up to the new Life Membership package which was announced earlier this season, and we would like to thank each and every one of the new Life Members who have joined up and confirm that membership packs are being sent out this week.

 

Jeff Banks, director of Fan Engagement was delighted the target number had been hit, “Following the January fans meeting at Chester FC, the FEWG was set up and we set out to achieve a goal of 2018 members by the end of 2018, and that is exactly what has been achieved. Just under 12 months ago we had barely 1000 members so to double that number is brilliant. Naturally we want to increase that number further and would encourage anyone who hasn’t joined yet to do so. We’ll shortly be looking to make being a CFU member even more attractive and are working together with local businesses to provide our members with discounts.”

 

Banks also confirmed that the FEWG were working on a number of themed match days for the New Year following on from the Remembrance and Retro Day themes that took place in November and December respectively, “Our aim is to improve the matchday experience for supporters and we have a Christmas theme for this coming Saturday and have already got a number of planned themes for 2019 that we are also working together with the Community Trust on too, and we hope everyone will take part and enjoy those theme days.”