Trust Newsletter (01/09/03)

[acombred]

Dear Supporter,

Six months is a long time in football. Cast your mind back six months, then cast your eyes over the current league table yet again. It is scarcely possible to believe what we, York City supporters and YCST members have achieved. But there it is in black and white. Not only do we still have a team, but we own our team, and our team is riding high in the league.

But as Chris Brass will be telling his players, there is no room for complacency if they wish to remain the best. The same applies to us as fans. We must be constantly working to improve the stature of our club in all aspects, and your Supporters’ Trust will be at the forefront of this. YCST are always on the look-out for new fundraising initiatives & volunteers. If you feel you have any ideas or time to spare, do not hesitate to get in contact by emailing

BOOTHAM CRESCENT PRINTS

Local artist Barry Ward has produced a superb print of our home, Bootham Crescent. These are priced at £20 (including postage and packing), and all monies raised will go to your Supporters’ Trust. If you would like one of these excellent souvenirs, please send a cheque (payable to York City London and South Supporters’ Club) to Marcus Cerny, 143 Russell Avenue, Wood Green, London N22 6PY. For further information, you can email Marcus at

VOLUNTEER NEEDED

The Supporters' Trust is seeking a volunteer to help ensure the forthcoming Trust Elections are run in accordance with the Election Rules Policy. The election will take place by postal ballot during the few weeks preceding the AGM. Results will be announced at the Trust's Annual General Meeting, which will take place in December.

Under the Trust's Election Rules Policy, an Elections Working Group (EWG) is to be formed comprising three people. Trust Secretary Stan Collins will be one of the EWG members. The role of the EWG will be to oversee the operation of the election, deal with the candidates and their statements, work with Electoral Reform Society (the body who will conduct the voting process) and ensure that the Election Rules are adhered to.

This voluntary role is not expected to take up an enormous amount of time, but is absolutely vital to ensure the smooth running of the elections. The work is expected to be carried out largely in October and early November. Anyone interested in helping is asked to contact Trust Secretary Stan Collins at

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND

City’s current amazing league form is bound to attract new followers to Bootham Crescent, including many youngsters who it is hoped will be encouraged to become regular supporters. This is where the Youth Development fund, and its supporters group the City Reds come in. The City Reds organise a range of activities to help make the York City experience an even more exciting one for their members. Activities centred around our Bootham Crescent home include regular club nights, Saturday football training sessions, and the annual fireworks display on bonfire night. City Reds also occasionally organise family coaches to away matches.

Formed over ten years ago by YCST board member Graham Kilby, the Youth Development Fund has been vital in helping York City look after future supporters through the City Reds, and players through the Centre Of Excellence. In its time, the YDF has raised more than £100,000, and was of great help during the financial troubles of last year.

For more information on the Youth Development Fund, and how to join the City Reds, please contact your Supporters’ Trust, or the football club directly.

FROM THE DIRECTORS BOX

At the time of YCST’s amazing take-over of York City, the chance was offered for City fans to watch a home match from the Directors’ box in the Main Stand at Bootham Crescent. Priority for this fantastic match day package will go to ‘Friends Of York City’ members (those individuals who personally contributed more than £1,000 to YCST during the greatest time of crisis earlier this year). If for any game the ‘Friends Of York City’ members are unable to take these places, they will be filled by members selected via a ballot of all YCST members.

While the financial contributions were absolutely vital to the continuation of professional football in this great city, the passion, time, energy, and services people volunteered to the Supporters’ Trust were invaluable. Hopefully YCST can repay some of this generosity with this offer of experiencing football at our home Bootham Crescent in a unique way.

PLANNING A PARTY?

Make that special event even more memorable by holding it at your football club’s home, Bootham Crescent. The Social Club is available for hire on non-match nights at very reasonable rates. Please contact the club for more details and prices.