Supporter ownership in action as fans donate money and equipment

Win, lose or draw, FC United of Manchester is proud to be different to most football clubs because we’re owned by our supporters – and you’ve surpassed yourselves again this month by donating more than £15,000 of cash and equipment to the club.

Despite the cost of living/greed crisis, the FC United faithful have dug deep to donate £13,000 via the fundraising friendly that never was. This has since been followed up by more than £1,000 being raised by supporters for a new washing machine and tumble dryer, and money generously donated towards £2,500-worth of state-of-the-art technology for the classroom at Broadhurst Park.

Action
After learning that the club’s washing machine had given up the ghost and washed its last load, long-standing volunteer Jane Wood spun into action to start a fundraiser that raised more than £1,000 in less than 48 hours. 

Meanwhile, our devoted London and Southern Branch put down their shandies long enough to club together for an Owl webcam (photo above), which made its debut at Monday night’s Board meeting. 

The £1,000 piece of kit was secured by former Board member, Tim Worrall, for less than £500 and was put through its paces for four hours at Monday’s meeting by member Graham Voaden from 300 miles away in Cornwall. 

The Owl means that members can now observe Board meetings with a 360° view, automatic focus on whoever is talking, and with superb sound quality. 

Donation
If that wasn’t enough, a member, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated £500 towards a widescreen TV for the classroom, and one of our much-loved volunteer stewards, Angela El Kholy, topped that up with a further £100 donation. 

As well as giving members the opportunity to observe Board meetings from anywhere in the world, the state-of-the-art technology also means that our classroom is now even more desirable for local businesses looking to hire meeting spaces.  

Board member Matthew Haley said: “We can’t thank everyone enough. Times are hard for lots of people right now, but we’ve built something really special at Broadhurst Park, and that’s all down to our members, supporters, staff and volunteers. Thank you everyone for everything you do for our club.”

Rumours that the washing machine, owl, and widescreen TV will be in the squad for Saturday’s home match against Gainsborough Trinity are so far unconfirmed.