Over the first few weeks of Inside: Forever Yellow, we’ve looked at why the scheme exists, heard from some of the supporters who have chosen to get behind it, and taken a closer look at what members get in return.
This week, we’re looking at perhaps the most important part of all.
Where is the money actually going?
Forever Yellow has now reached an annualised £87,000 of supporter contributions to Torquay United, with members choosing whether their money supports First Team Operations, Youth Development or Stadium & Matchday Experience.
And we’re already seeing those contributions put to work around the club.
Backing the team
One of the first major examples came during the summer with the signing of Harry Shield.
Many supporters will remember Harry better from pre-season as Trialist A, when his performances quickly caught the attention of the Yellow Army.
An exciting wide midfielder who can also provide cover at full-back and in central midfield, Harry impressed throughout the summer before earning a deal with the club, with Forever Yellow funding helping to make his signing possible.
Speaking to TUST members recently during the online Platinum members Meet the Manager evening, Jimmy Ball explained just how valuable that additional support had been:
“Being able to help me out with bringing Harry Shield into the squad is just so valuable. The finances needed are never ending, and the support is incredible.”
And Jimmy’s assessment of his new signing perhaps says it best:
“Harry is a wonderful kid, a tremendous, strong character. His drive and determination for a 19-year-old is phenomenal. So you’ve helped me sign an absolute gem, which is just great.”
Unfortunately, Harry’s start to life as a Yellow was interrupted almost immediately when he suffered a broken toe in the opening game of the season against Horsham.
He’s been unavailable since, but it’s hoped he will be able to return to training in the coming weeks.
After the impression he made during pre-season — and with that assessment from the manager — we’re sure plenty of supporters will be looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch.
Investing in the teams at Plainmoor
Forever Yellow funding is also being used to provide equipment that can benefit both the First Team and Youth sides.
Two new portable goals have recently been purchased for use during pre-match warm-ups at Plainmoor, while also being available for use when teams are training at the ground.
It may not be the sort of investment that makes the back page, but these are exactly the kinds of practical purchases that additional funding allows the club to make.
Equipment that the footballing side of the club needs, paid for with money supporters have specifically chosen to direct towards it.
Improving the matchday experience
We’re beginning to see the same thing happening with the money members have chosen to put towards Stadium & Matchday Experience.
Two large speakers have recently been purchased for use at the Fanzone at future matches, helping to improve the set-up and atmosphere in an area that has become a regular part of matchdays at Plainmoor.
It’s a relatively modest addition, but a positive and visible example of supporters’ contributions being used to improve the matchday experience.
And next on the list is something a little bigger.
TUST is currently working with the club to explore an upgrade to the stadium Public Address (PA) system, with quotes now being sought for the work.
Anyone who regularly attends Plainmoor will know that the PA System is an area where improvements would be welcome, so we’re looking forward to seeing what might be possible and will keep members updated as those discussions progress.
Your money in action
A new addition to the squad.
New equipment for the First Team and Youth sides.
Improvements to the Fanzone.
And potentially, an upgraded PA system for Plainmoor.
They’re all quite different, but they demonstrate what we wanted Forever Yellow to achieve: supporters having a meaningful stake in their football club through TUST, while also providing additional funding and choosing the areas of Torquay United they want that money to support.
And we’re only getting started.
Forever Yellow now stands at an annualised £87,000, taking us another step closer to our target of generating £100,000 every year for Torquay United.
Thank you to every member contributing, at whatever level, and helping make these investments possible.
As Forever Yellow continues to grow, we’ll continue to show you where your support is going.
£87,000 and counting.
