End of season review
As the season draws to a close, it is worth reflecting on the changes and subsequent progress the Trust has made in recent months, with key highlights being as follows:
Joining forces with the Volunteer and Supporters Club – Following joint discussions between the two organisations, it was agreed that the Brakes Trust and the Leamington Volunteer and Supporters Club should combine resources and expertise to allow us to build a stronger, more unified support base as we work together to ensure an even better future for our club.
Changes to the Trust Board – Subsequent to joining forces with the Volunteer and Supporters Club, Andrew Calcutt (known to us all as Boris) has been appointed Trust chair taking over from Peter Davis, who remains a Board member and Benn Lane and Nigel Murray have both been co-opted to the Trust Board. They have all already demonstrated that they will provide a new wave of enthusiasm to Trust activities using their valuable experience and contacts resulting in new initiatives aimed at expanding the Trust’s activities in supporting the Fans, the Club and Community.
Future campaigns – Going forward the Trust’s activities will be centred around three campaigns: Brakes in our town: Backing the Brakes; and Supporters first and already new initiatives have emerged from these themes.
New Initiatives – Such new initiatives include: the implementation of Fan Zone prior to home matches with German (associated with our inks to SV Eichede) and Spanish themed events already being held; the circulation in the town centre of posters advertising our final four home games of the season aimed at improving the awareness of the club and hence increasing attendances; and the arrangement of supporters coaches to two matches.
Voice of the supporters – The Trust held meetings and made representations to the Club following the announcement of the sudden introduction of car parking charges and bus services to all matches with particular concerns voiced concerning the implications for the Trust’s minibus service to games. The Trust subsequently undertook a survey of supporters’ views and presented these to the club and it is hoped that these will help inform decisions being made about arrangements for next season.
Player of the Month – The Trust has regularly run a player of the month poll ensuring that the views of supporters are at the forefront when such awards are made.
Brakes Belgrade Crew – The Trust recently welcomed supporters from Belgrade in Serbia to the fold who have established themselves as the “Brakes Belgrade Crew” and are very proud that the club has attracted support from so far away and intend to develop the relationship with them.
Planning for next season – In just a few months the combined team has already acted with new energy and vigour with the aim of providing the kind of supporters cub wanted by fans. We are already building on these foundations for next season with new initiatives being planned including: a community project promoting diversity with support from the “Fans for Diversity” organisation; more social events; and improving links and engagement with our ladies team.
Trust chairman, Boris, concludes: ”I’m excited to have taken on the role of Chairperson and to lead the Trust with new energy. We have already seen this coming to fruition with various new initiatives and I am optimistic we can build on this in coming seasons. The Trust is open to all and all views and ideas are welcome. COYB!”
