So, how will the Sonstrust help the ordinary punter who follows DFC? This question has many answers and we cannot possibly publish them all here.
Instead we’ll have a go at summarising how the Trust this far has helped Joe Public who pays his money at the gates of Strathclyde Homes Stadium.
One of our core aims is to have an elected director to the board of Dumbarton Football Club and at the end of 2004 this ambition was realised with the election of Stephen Lynch and now Alan Findlay onto the board at Strathclyde Homes Stadium.
This is a major achievement, costing the Trust £25,000 – a real investment into the football club. The Trust now holds a significant shareholding in Dumbarton FC and the supporters have a real voice when decisions are made.
The Trust has a shareholding of 50,000 ordinary ‘B’ shares in Dumbarton FC. By proxy, this figure is almost doubled.
-
By joining the Trust and holding a share in the organisation, you become part of the Trust shareholding collective. This is a way for people to become shareholders, along with other fans. We bring together the fans with shares and the fans without shares, and pool the power of both groups to everyone’s benefit.
-
The Trust, thanks to our continuing positive contribution at DFC Board level, are now responsible for the Club’s Commercial activity, with the clear exception of merchandising which is still controlled by DFC directors - this is a real significant step forward, and one which both members and the Club benefit. Details of packages can be found on www.dumbartonfootballclub.com
-
We are now actively seeking a second director to be elected from the Trust membership to the football club Board and this will mean even more influence for supporters and the West Dunbartonshire community.
-
The Trust have established a comprehensive youth development initiative at Dumbarton FC which will benefit the Club in years to follow. Youth teams have been set-up at Under-13, under-14, under-15 and under-17 levels, and Trust members contributed a four-figure sum to kick-start this core aim of the Sonstrust.
-
The Trust has re-established a Social policy at DFC with the introduction of the supporters bar at Strathclyde Homes Stadium. Our members have contributed financially – approx £4000 – to the development of the fabric of the facility and will continue to assist as when required. The Community Suite has available a state-of-the art PA system together with new audio visual aids (at a significant investment of £2,500), all provided for by members of the Trust – items which are essential for revenue generation for DFC.
-
In 2007, the Trust donated 25 new banqueting tables allowing functions and hospitality on match days to be professionally presented.
-
Sonstrust design, produce and print DFC’s matchday programme – Sons View – which helps the public image of the Club. Supporters benefit in many ways not least the chance to advertise their company or business at a very modest rate to an increasing readership.
-
Sonstrust members edit and maintain the official club website where up-to-date information is published on DFC activities. www.dumbartonfootballclub.com
-
The Trust sponsored the tracksuits which are worn by the matchday ballboys at Strathclyde Homes Stadium where we provided the Club equipment at a cost of £600.
The above list is not exhaustive by any means, merely a snapshot in time.
Sounds good eh?
So why not join up? Below is the link to our membership application form for season 2009/2010.
Just complete the relevant sections and send back with your membership fee to :
Sons Supporters Trust
Strathclyde Homes Stadium
Castle Road
Dumbarton
G82 1JJ
Link to Form :
