By James Mathie
LAST month I wrote to tell NLP readers that we were looking ahead to our first UK-wide supporter ownership week.
Well, given today rounds off the week, and Non-League football has been at the heart of the action, please forgive me in indulging in some of the highlights.
We've seen some fascinating online Q&A's including an honest and open commentary on what it's like being a supporter director at Wrexham AFC.
We've seen players of FC United of Manchester, Fisher FC and AFC Liverpool running out in supporter ownership t-shirts. We've seen a well deserved promotion for AFC Rushden and Diamonds and generosity from Northwich 1874.
We've seen sheer brilliance from Lewes FC in making an April Fools come true and finding a new way to test parliamentary candidates.
We've seen a chance for a number of clubs including Saffron Walden Town, Scarborough Athletic and AFC Telford United to recognise unsung heroes; those who have been nominated for their hard work and dedication behind the scenes – take a bow Tony Turner, Peter Tomkys and Anna Parrish.
We've heard from wise folk at Enfield Town who hosted, and helped inspire the next wave of supporterowned clubs at their magnificent QE2 facility.
It's been a lot of fun and has stirred some interest from clubs looking at following a similar path. At SDCD we remain committed to help as many clubs into supporter ownership as we can; and try and look after you when you get here.
Whilst we accept it's not right for all clubs, for many we think it gives a club an advantage in how they are viewed by their community, which can lead to opportunities in building partnerships, attracting volunteers, raising money and improving facilities.
If you'd like to find out more about Supporter Ownership Week please head to http://www.supportersdirect.org/supporter-owners hip-week or if your club is considering a change of club structure come and visit us at www.clubdevelopment.coop
