Airdrie United Supporters Trust AGM – 05/10/09

The agenda for the evening was: -

Chairpersons Report

Treasurer Report

Election of Committee

AoB

There were 30 members present and Bob Reid welcomed everyone to the meeting before commencing with the Chairpersons report.

Membership

Last seasons membership stood at 108 – 56 full, 35 concessions & 18 Junior. This season’s membership currently stands at 44. It is hoped that more people will consider supporting the Trust by joining in the near future.

Events

A number of events were organised by the Trust last season, namely: -

Ceilidh, Casino Night, Christmas Party, Schools Cup, & Player of the Year.

Airdrie Aces

A report on the new young supporters club revealed that there are currently 51 members. The first event was held on Sunday 4th October which proved very successful. The next event is a Halloween Party which will take place in the Rowan Suite at the Stadium before the Ayr United game on 31st October. An Aces newsletter is published for every home game. A Match Passport has been issued to the Aces which they get stamped at every home game. All those who collect 12 or more stamps will be eligible to take part in a training session with the team during the Easter holidays next year.

Meetings

A meeting had taken place between earlier on this year the between the Trust committee & Jim Ballantine regarding the future role of the Trust.

It was decided that, for the forthcoming season, the Trust would take a step back from a fundraising role and focus, primarily on community based projects such as the Christmas Party, Schools Cup & initiating a Young Supporters Club. It will also still organise the Player of the Year awards evening and one or two other events as appropriate.

A meeting also took place, a few months ago between representatives of the Trust committee and representatives of the Stadium company. The purpose of the meeting was to open a dialogue between the Trust and the Stadium and it proved a very constructive meeting. Amongst the items discussed were the Trusts plans for the Airdrie Aces, the possibility of utilising Stadium facilities for events, both of which were met positively by the Stadium representatives who were very supportive of the idea of getting people involved in Stadium based activities.

The future plans for the Stadium were also shared during these discussions as were their aspirations of bringing the community back into the club. We heard of significant investments in the Stadium; 5-side pitches, artificial turf, as well as considerable maintenance costs, which are incorporated within a five year plan.

In conjunction with the club, the Trust has also been given access to the official website and have recently been utilising this facility. Liam Brindle has been appointed as liaison between the Trust and Stadium owners and has been helpful in assisting with various aspects of this task.

Sponsored Walk

Four Trust committee members, Heather Anderson, Mairi Campbell, Craig Hamilton & Willie Marshall, completed a sponsored walk between Airdrie and Dundee raising a total of £2350, which was split equally between the Airdrie United Youth Development and St Andrews Hospice, both receiving £1175.

Finance Report

The finance report was presented and discussed.

Any member wishing a copy can receive one from the Trust hatch or by request at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Election of Committee

Three committee posts were open for nomination, Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. Two of the post holders were available for re-election and as there were no other nominees, Bob Reid remains as Treasurer and Jim McGregor as Secretary.

Veronica McGregor reported that she wished to stand down as Chairperson and nominations were invited for this post. Willie Marshall was proposed by Clark Steele and seconded by Allan Cowan. There were no other nominations and Willie was elected.

AOB

A vote of thanks for Veronicas’ work on behalf of the Trust was proposed and heartily endorsed by all present. Veronica thanked all members for the support she had received over the past six years.

A suggestion was made to elect a Vice Chairman but it was felt that there was enough flexibility within the committee to cover such a role.

The question of a raised platform for disabled supporters was proposed. This is an issue which has been raised in the past and found to be prohibitive for various reasons, however, it was one felt to be worth revisiting.

There was discussion about the venue of the next POTY, given that the numbers have decreased in recent years. This has been discussed within the Trust and with Jim Ballantine and the Stadium representatives and it is hoped to hold the next event at the Stadium. Further discussions will take place soon.

A question was raised about what the situation is regarding the club and the Stadium on match days. The Trust reported that they have no confirmed knowledge or details of the working agreement which the two companies have. The Trust was asked if they would endeavour to clarify the situation with both parties.

There was no other business and the meeting closed at 8.20pm