© @DunstableTownFC Twitter
Posted on 20th May 2021
The FSA’s Community-Owned Club network has welcomed two new members to its fold in recent weeks, as the fallout from the COVID-19 crisis further demonstrates the value of supporter ownership and engagement.
In late April we welcomed Montpelier Villa from Brighton who, following the FA’s restructure of non-league, will be playing next season at Step 6 of the non-league pyramid in the Southern Combination Division One. They were joined last week by Dunstable Town (pictured above in the April snow) from the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division at Step 5.
Adam Walter, the Secretary at Montpelier Villa told us: “The community ownership model was all about bringing the club’s various sections together and ensuring that everyone that plays for, and supports, the club felt a part of it.
“In previous years we’ve very much led a hand-to-mouth existence and we’re now keen to bring stability through a consistent approach. We’re all about offering football to as many people of all abilities as possible, and we believe that community ownership is integral to that”.
Andrew Madaras, the Chair at Dunstable Town said: “Two years ago this club was hanging by a thread and we are now confident that with the renewed interest that community ownership has brought this club will be thriving in 15-20 years time and beyond.
“We’re going to be looking at all sorts of schemes away from the field of play, showing that we are doing things in our community, whilst not losing sight of the fact that on-field success will allow us to do so much more in the local area”.
We wish both clubs all the best in their new era of community ownership.
In a worrying development in non-league, two clubs – Abingdon Town of the Hellenic League at Step 6, and Whyteleafe of the Isthmian League at Step 4 – have given up their league status for the 2021-22 season in disputes over stadium rent.
The Football Supporters’ Association has teamed up with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Co-operatives UK to try and give fans an active role in the future ownership of Oldham Athletic.
New rules regarding the attending of mass events – which includes football matches – come into effect today, and fans aged 18 and over need to be aware of the new requirements under the Government’s ‘Plan B’ for dealing with COVID-19 over winter.
The FA has announced that approval has been reached with the government and the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) for non-league clubs to admit spectators on the same principles as elite clubs, in a move which could prove a vital lifeline to struggling sides.
