Hi all WFCForum Members Many of you know me and that I do a lot with local football in the Dacorum area especially in Berko. Thanks to Admin for allowing me to make this post. Recently I have been asked to become a Director at Berkhamsted FC, which I have declined for now in order to establish a Supporters Association at the Club. To cut to the chase I am looking to generate membership and you can see a little more information at www.berkocomrades.org or apply at www.berkocomrades.org/apply (forms are downloadable or you can sign-up online and pay by PayPal). There is a bit more info below and I realise that most of you will have little interest but thanks for reading anyway. Any questions please post below or email me at chair@berkocomrades.org. Background Information: As you may know Berkhamsted FC Limited was incorporated in March 2009 and is now playing in its third season having won two successive divisional titles and the promotion to the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division. Berkhamsted FC also recently received the Sir Stanley Rous Trophy from Herts FA as recognition of our two successive promotions, joining the ranks of previous winners that include Watford FC and Stevenage FC. Berkhamsted FC (BFC) is the senior football club in the Town and many Berkhamsted Raiders youth players are now making the transition into the adult ranks as the two clubs are forging a closer and closer relationship. However, like most small clubs, it is obvious that BFC needs more volunteers and will need to continue to invest in the infrastructure of the club and we have every confidence in the current management treading the correct path based upon sound financial management. I am leading a group of supporters (that includes one Berko FC director) in forming a Supporters Group and I will hold office in the Group. BFC is aware of the Supporters Association scheme and are positive towards its development. I would make the point, though, that the Supporters Association is distinct from Berkhamsted FC Limited. The Association will have many aims with the main goals being the development and sustainability of BFC, investment in BFC’s infrastructure as well as wider community objectives being at its core. It will provide volunteers and generate funds through fundraising activities. It will be a not-for-profit organisation, one-member one-vote, owned by the Community for the Community. We are discussing with the BFC board the ownership that the Association will have in BFC and the level of Board representation. For now though we have one shareholder who will pass on his shareholding of 20% to the Association. I am liaising closely with Supporters Direct (formed under a Government initiative in 2000) and we will be working towards becoming a Community Benefit Society which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority. The “Comrades Supporters Association” has just been created and we have a significant number of members already lined up but we want to bring its existence to the attention of as many people as possible. We are planning a flyer distribution next week and we are talking in the region of 30,000 flyers. We have the backing of David Gauke MP, Tommy Smith, Peter Drury, Ashlyns, Thomas Coram and Bridgewater Schools, BerkoTown Council, Supporters Direct and the local MenCap society to name a few and they will become honorary members and figureheads.
