The LFC Association

A little history

Additionally, whilst at the outset all members at the point of conversion would be shareholders in the new entity, this would inevitably diverge as time passed and new season ticket holders came into the fold, and old ones left.

To that end the Association was formed, given the right to elect a director (John Allen) and supported by the club in terms of meetings and costs. In this regard the Board have proved to be remarkably far sighted, since the provisions here have been largely duplicated in a number of soccer clubs following the report of the football task force. As we expect, where Tigers lead, others follow.

Initially the committee of the Association comprised the old General Committee of the club, but during the eight years of its existence the body has been remarkably open to change, reforming the election process to ensure turnover and greater accountability. Representatives on the Committee now include the away supporters club, other “fan” base groups, and even a woman (!), whilst still retaining an experienced membership to remind us of the club ethos to which we aspire.

The Association was instrumental in a number of initiatives, which have been taken on by the plc and made even more successful. The Members Nights, which have been so profitable and popular, and which the plc plans to run at monthly intervals next season, arose from the Members Nights instituted by the Association. The Local Member Groups pioneered by Tudor Thomas and the Association have now grown into the Road shows that are proving successful in 'spreading the word'.

Defining the 'Membership'

Before the formation of the board, it was easy to define the membership. The organisation was a Members Club, and you were either in or out!

The Association itself was set up with one of the aims of ensuring a continuing involvement of season ticket holders, who may or may not be shareholders in the club, and legally speaking it is likely that only this group will be entitled to a say in the running of the Association. However, it must be right to suggest that the Association should be able to reach out to the supporters of the Tigers in the wider sense and, to a degree, assist in representing their interests.

Where to now?

Any organisation needs to regularly examine its aims and refocus as necessary. The Association has clearly become more of a “supporter’s body” as time has gone by, and sees one of its roles as a conduit between the supporters, members, season ticket holders, (call them what you will) and the Board. Indeed, this role falls well within the currently stated objectives in supporting the plc.

A great deal of the clubs success both on and off the pitch has been due to the continued feeling of 'belonging' to the family, which is engendered within our supporters, players and officials. Even when our club, for a short time, wasn't the most successful on the field of play, we retained and even built our supporter base. It is respectfully submitted that this contact and involvement should not be lost, and to this end a healthy and vibrant supporter's body, with genuine input to the club, is vital.

Given the size and strength of the Club's supporter base it seems likely that in the absence of the Association, an independent supporters body will be formed in any case.

The reason for the existence of the Association appears to be as valid now as at its formation. Minimal changes to the objectives were agreed at the Committee Meeting of 15 May 2002, in order to reflect the changing status and aims of the body as follows:

To support the PLC and its principal objectives.

To support by providing the PLC with information, input from, and facilitating output to, the supporters of the club.

To support the PLC in providing for social activities for its members.

The next Annual General Meeting of the L.F.C. Association will be held in the Tiger Room on Tuesday 17 August at 7.30 p.m.