Supporters Rally

Meeting Report

Thursday 4th Feb

Attendance
The evening was attended by more than 40 people all of whom had a keen interest in Leigh and a real desire to see the football club survive; apologies were received from at least a further ten people.

The board wishes to thank all those who attended and would like to mention the efforts of some who had travelled significant distances to be there.
 

Board members present: Alan Leach (Chairman) Stan Walker, Mary Croasdale, Harold Taylor (apologies from Gary Culshaw and Garry Flitcroft)

Thanks
The meeting began with a welcome from Mary which included thanks to Leigh East Rugby Club and an introduction of the board.
 

Unibond League
A statement from the Unibond League was read by Stan which outlined the league’s position in relation to the football club and it’s continuing membership of the league. This document is available in it’s entirety to any interested parties please email info@leighgenesis.com It was stated that the Unibond League had given every support, consideration and understanding possible to the Club during the last couple of seasons
 

Chairman’s Address
A season’s update was given by Alan who summarised the events of the last season and explained the reasons for the club’s current financial situation
 

Questions were then taken from the floor these included:
• Why did we move from Hilton Park
• Is there any chance of going back?
• Has the Hilton Park land been sold?
• Can we play at another ground
• Can we play at the Leigh Athletic Track pitch
• What are the requirements of Unibond standard ground grading?
• Why could volunteer stewards not be used?
• Why has the council not helped?
• What will the situation at the stadium be next season?

The recurring Question remained;
• If the LSV is a community stadium, why are we not being given more help?
 

Short and Long Term
The board stated that the club had two problems:

• That of a short term ability to complete the season
• That of a long term future to continue in existence

It was highlighted that in order to have a long term future the immediate issues had to be addressed and a plan of action was needed to raise sufficient funds to ensure the club could pay its way; several ideas were offered and volunteers came forward to sell raffle tickets, do collections, hold fund-raising events etc.
 

Steering Group
A proposal to form a ‘steering group’ was given positive reactions with an immediate offer of membership from current Leigh Genesis footballer and local businessman Andy Heald. This will be driven by Mary in the first instance and further offers to join the group were offered after the meeting closed. Any persons not at the meeting who feel they could contribute to driving the campaign to keep this football club are encouraged to contact Mary on info@leighgenesis.com

Local MP
Local MP Andy Burnham contacted the club prior to the meeting to renew offers of help and assistance in the changing light of the club’s situation. He will be keeping in contact with the club and has promised to do everything in his power to help the club overcome it’s current difficulties.
 

Volunteers
A contact list of attendees along with email addresses was gathered however this does not appear to be complete and anyone who did not leave a name and email address but would like to receive email updates from the club is asked to send their name to info@leighgenesis.com

Matchday Help
In order to maximise money-generating opportunities on matchdays it is important that enough programme sellers, raffle and competition sellers etc. are available. Anyone willing to help in this way is asked to contact Mary on 07800 874831 (evenings please) or Harold (daytime) on 07749 643310 or email info@leighgenesis.com
Work will entail a maximum of one hour pre-match.