Reflections on 2024 - Achievements, Challenges, and the Path Forward

In 2005, it was famously said that “it’ll all be over by Christmas.” Now, twenty Christmases on, it’s been another year of progress, challenges, and growth for FC United of Manchester. As we reflect on the year at Broadhurst Park, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, mindful of the challenges we still face, and more determined than ever to continue building a stronger, more resilient club that puts our community at the heart of everything we do.

Strengthening Our Club 

When we were elected at the 2023 AGM, we committed to strengthening the club’s finances to ensure its long-term success. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, there’s much to be optimistic about, with tangible progress being made across key areas of the club. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for FC United, with every step reinforcing our collective strength.

The club is steadily moving towards greater financial stability. Last year, we recorded an operating profit for the first time in years, and that positive trend continues this year. This is despite facing significant challenges for two consecutive seasons, with major disruptions to our home fixtures impacting matchday revenue. At the same time, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has affected various aspects of the club, including attendance, sponsorship, hospitality, and merchandise sales, further putting strain on our overall income.

A key factor in this progress has been our successful negotiations with Manchester City Council to refinance our debt. This has provided a firmer foundation for our long-term financial health and has been instrumental in keeping us on track. 

This year has been one of recognition and achievement for FC United of Manchester, reflecting the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our club. We were honoured to be finalists in the 'Club of the Year' category at the Manchester Sports Awards 2024, where our volunteers were particularly commended for their invaluable contributions. Our junior volunteer, Alfie Marran-Jones, received top-three recognition in the Young Volunteer of the Year category at the Manchester FA Grassroots Awards, showcasing the incredible impact of our younger members. Additionally, we were proud to win the North Manchester Business Network's Small Employer Giving Back Award 2024, acknowledging our commitment to community-focused initiatives. On the pitch, we secured the prestigious Fenix Trophy for the second time, following an impressive 4–0 victory over Prague Raptors in the final. These achievements highlight the strength of our community, the dedication of our volunteers, and the passion of everyone who supports FC United.

We are also proud of our role as a local employer, contributing to the community by creating job opportunities and supporting the local economy. Alongside this, volunteering remains at the heart of what we do. With over 150 active volunteers contributing, their dedication is essential to the success of the club.  Volunteering with FC United also provides a platform for individuals to gain new skills, build confidence, and give back to the community. Additionally, our practical work experience programmes offer local people  valuable hands-on opportunities, preparing them for future careers while enriching our community outreach.

Our partnerships continue to be a cornerstone of our success. Long-standing collaborations with Moston Juniors, Barrow AFC, and SCL remain strong, while new relationships with MCRactive, St Matthew’s School, and Manchester Youth Zone are adding fresh momentum. Through these partnerships, we’re tackling critical community issues, making strides in school engagement, and delivering meaningful impact for young people—including through our work with Moston Juniors and initiatives aimed at improving young lives.

We’ve made significant investments in our facilities to ensure they meet the needs of both the club and the community. The upgraded classroom spaces in the SMRE now provide a better environment for initiatives like Course You Can Malcolm, while investments in maintaining both the main pitch and the grass training pitch have enhanced our footballing infrastructure. Operationally, we’ve introduced an annual stadium maintenance programme to keep Broadhurst Park in excellent condition. Over the past year, several committee members have stepped into board roles, strengthening governance and oversight. With key documents and updates being regularly shared with co-owners, we continue to build ever stronger communication and transparency across the organisation.

Our decision to invest in the Community Manager role is already paying dividends. The resulting growth of a more dynamic community programme is helping us deepen our connection with supporters and the wider community. Commercially, the opening of our new matchday club shop under the SMRE has been a resounding success, providing supporters with a better matchday experience. On top of this, a thorough review of our branding and merchandising strategies has enhanced our commercial capabilities and set us up for future growth, particularly with the new collaboration with Clothes2Order. 

While there’s still work to be done, the progress we’ve achieved demonstrates that FC United is heading in the right direction. Every achievement—big or small—brings us closer to a sustainable, thriving future for our club. Together, we’ve shown what can be accomplished through determination and collaboration, and together, we’ll continue to build on this momentum.

Community Impact: FC United in the Heart of Manchester

At FC United, we are more than just a football club—we are a vital part of the community. Our community programmes continue to grow, and we are proud of the positive impact we’ve had in Manchester. This year, we’ve seen significant engagement in several key initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of local people.

One of the highlights has been the expansion of our youth development programmes. Our coaches have worked tirelessly with young players, helping them not only improve their football skills but also grow as individuals. Through the FC United Academy and our pathway teams, we continue to offer young people in Manchester the opportunity to pursue their football dreams, regardless of their background.

In health and wellbeing, our community gym will become a central hub for local people of all ages, providing a space where people can get fit, meet others, and improve their physical and mental health. Whether it’s through regular fitness sessions, mental health workshops, or social events, the gym has played a key role in improving the lives of local people. One example is the partnership we formed with Winning Hearts and Minds, delivering mental and physical health support through football and sport. Our partnerships with organisations like Sands United, a unique network of football teams that provide a supportive environment for bereaved men to come together through a shared love of sport, the British Red Cross, supporting asylum seekers, and MCRactive, offering free Holiday camps to hard pressed families, have given participants a chance to improve their health in a safe and welcoming environment. Our Big Coat Day initiative took place once again this year, in collaboration with Winning Hearts and Minds and Joseph Holt, with over 250 bags of donated items being distributed to more than 25 organisations across North Manchester and the wider city.

We’ve also been actively involved in social inclusion efforts. For instance, we’ve worked alongside local schools and others to deliver football sessions for young people with disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to play sport in a supportive and inclusive setting. It’s initiatives like this that show the real power of football to bring people together and break down barriers.

Donated Season Tickets: A Feel-Good Community Story

Another shining example of how we are supporting the local community is through the generosity of our supporters, who donate season tickets back to the club for distribution to local organisations. Each year, our fans purchase tickets and then donate them, allowing us to offer access to live football for those who may otherwise find it difficult to attend matches.

For the 2024-25 season, the following local organisations are benefiting from the donated season tickets:

• Broadhurst Park Dance Group: A weekly dance class for young girls, where U18s will benefit from the tickets.
• FC United Disability Football Group: Supporting around 25 disabled individuals who participate in weekly football sessions and volunteering.
• Coalition of Kindness: Providing support to families facing food poverty, mental health challenges, and social isolation.
• Collyhurst & Moston Boxing Club: A 100-year-old community club offering young people a space to train and develop new skills.
• Improving Young Lives: Offering arts, crafts, and sports programmes to local students, with some activities held at Broadhurst Park.
• Greater Manchester Mental Health Services: Helping mental health patients attend football games, supporting their well-being.
• MCR Active: In partnership with Manchester City Council, distributing tickets to local community groups promoting health and fitness.
• Local Schools: Enabling young people from St Margaret Mary’s RC Primary, Crosslee Primary, St Matthew’s Primary, St Mary’s Primary, and Co-op Broadhurst Primary Academy & Secondary Schools to attend home league games.
• NHS Occupational Therapy Group: Supporting mental health patients, including a volunteer who helps around the ground and attends matches with a donated ticket.

This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that FC United is a club for everyone in our community, and we’re proud of the difference it’s making.

Volunteers: The Heartbeat of FC United

At FC United, our volunteers are the lifeblood of the club. As a supporter-owned and largely volunteer-run organisation, we rely on the dedication and passion of our volunteers to keep everything moving—whether it's matchdays, behind-the-scenes support, or community outreach. Their energy and commitment are what make FC United not just a football club, but a community-driven organisation.

This year, we’ve seen an incredible increase in the number of volunteers stepping forward to support us. More supporters than ever are offering their time to help with events, run coaching sessions, and contribute to our fundraising efforts. A prime example of this is the huge involvement in our various fundraising campaigns, where volunteers have gone above and beyond to encourage donations and raise awareness.

We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing efforts and recognise that, without them, the club simply wouldn’t operate the way it does. We continue to be amazed by the passion and enthusiasm of our volunteers, who ensure that FC United remains at the heart of the community.

If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering at FC United offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference and be part of something truly special. Whether it’s helping on matchdays, supporting community projects, or assisting with our fundraising initiatives, there’s a place for everyone.

Financial Challenges: Securing our Short Term Future

The biggest blow we’ve faced this year has been the impact of postponed fixtures. These lost matches have severely affected our income, and the financial strain they’ve caused has been the hardest challenge we’ve had to overcome. Without the revenue from these games, we’ve found ourselves in a much more difficult position than anticipated.

We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from our co-owners through the Missing Matches campaign, which is helping to address the cash flow challenges caused by these lost games. Thanks to your generosity, we are close to meeting our original target of £20,000, with £18,500 raised so far. However, with an additional home match having been postponed since the launch of the campaign, we must increase our target to £30,000 to cover the extended shortfall.

If you haven’t donated yet, we encourage you to consider supporting the campaign. For those who have already contributed, we are truly grateful for your generosity. If you’re in a position to donate again, every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference in securing FC United’s future. The incredible support we’ve received so far reflects the strength of our community spirit—together, we can overcome this challenge

To support the Missing Matches campaign, please visit: https://fcumshop.co.uk/collections/missing-matches-fundraiser.

On the Pitch: Ambition for the Future

This year has been a mixed one for us on the pitch. We’re proud of the fight and spirit shown by the players, but we know we can do better. Whilst winning the Fenix Trophy on a special weekend in Desenzano del Garda was a high point, our performance in the league last year ended up below where we had hoped to be. After a difficult run of results this season, we made the decision to part ways with manager Neil Reynolds. It was a tough call, but we felt it was the right one for the future of the club. We place on record our thanks to Neil, along with Mike Faulkner and Rob Henry, for their service at Broadhurst Park.

We’re excited to have appointed Mark Beesley as our new manager. Mark brings a clear vision and ambition for the club, and we’re already seeing signs of improvement on the pitch. With some crucial home games coming up in January, we know that the support of our fans will be key to driving the team forward.

Mark has already commented on the incredible atmosphere our supporters create, and how the noise from the stands gives the team an extra boost. We urge all supporters to attend the upcoming matches and get behind both our men's and women's teams—become our 12th man (or woman) and help us build on the momentum. Your support makes a real difference.

For those who can, we encourage you to buy a Ten Match Ticket Book and save £1 per game: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=6009.

Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Future Together

As a board, we dedicate hundreds of hours each month to volunteer for the club, supporting our staff team. We do this because we love the club and are determined to see it succeed both on and off the pitch. You have our pledge that we will continue to do this, but we are a small group of seven volunteers, all balancing day jobs, families, and other commitments.

We are incredibly grateful to our committees, small staff team and operational volunteers who ably support us in the various areas of the club. We understand that not everyone may feel able to commit to a board role, but we encourage any co-owner interested in getting more involved to consider joining one of the committees or volunteering in other roles. Spreading the workload and leaning on the expertise and experience of our co-owners is key to our success.

There are also small actions we can all take that can make a big difference. One of the easiest ways we can all contribute is by becoming ambassadors for the club. Speaking positively about FC United, encouraging friends and family to attend matches, or even reaching out to local businesses you know about potential sponsorship or advertising opportunities can help raise the club’s profile.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated, volunteer-led marketing and communications team working tirelessly throughout the week. It only takes a second to like, share, or repost content from the club’s website, emails, or social media, and each click helps spread the word about FC United.

Additionally, we have produced high-quality posters to help promote the club and showcase who we are. If you’re able to distribute these in your local area—whether in workplaces, shops, or community venues—please contact the office at office@fc-utd.uk or pick some up at Broadhurst Park. We’ll also make them available online for you to download and print.

We know football is an emotional game, and while criticism can be part of it, we ask that supporters consider how their words impact our staff and volunteers. A few words of praise can go a long way, particularly considering the stress many at the club work under. Positive reinforcement helps foster a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Ultimately, our success depends on all of us. We remain proudly 100% supporter-owned, and that is something we are committed to preserving. In times of financial challenge, it’s important to remember that the responsibility of running a club like ours rests with all of us, not external investors. We don’t have a wealthy owner who can simply pump money in to plug the gaps in times of difficulty; we are the owners and it is down to all of us to make the club a success. We work hard to strengthen our commercial performance and grow attendances, but these are long-term efforts. 

In a world where money, greed, and power increasingly dominate the football landscape, it is more important than ever that the voices of supporters are heard. We are proud to be described as a ‘totemic’ club by Kevin Miles, the chair of the Football Supporters Association (FSA), and we are committed to working alongside the FSA and other like-minded organisations to fight for fairness in football. This means ensuring that the rights of supporters are respected and that the game remains a sport that is for the people. As a 100% supporter-owned club, we believe in the power of collective action and will continue to champion the causes that protect the interests of fans at every level of the game.

We understand times are tough for many people, but when we ask for support through fundraising campaigns, it’s because we’ve considered all alternatives. The privilege of owning your own football club comes with responsibility, and it’s something we all need to take seriously to ensure our continued success.

If you’re able to contribute, please consider supporting our ‘Fund the Foundations’ campaign to help us build for the future: https://fc-utd.co.uk/fund-the-foundations

Thank You for Your Magnificent Support

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every supporter, volunteer, and donor who has contributed to making this year a success. Whether through attending matches, volunteering, or supporting our fundraising campaigns, your involvement has been invaluable. We are proud to be part of a club that is truly community-driven.

As we look ahead to 2025, we ask that you continue supporting FC United in whatever way you can. Your ongoing involvement strengthens us, and together, we will continue to build a club that is for the people, by the people.

Let’s keep moving forward. We are Stronger United.

Nick, Warren, Bhavna, Eamonn, Paul, Simon and Tony
The Board of FC United of Manchester