TORQUAY UNITED SUPPORTERS’ TRUST
BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Aug 2026

 

ABOUT THE TRUST

The Torquay United Supporters’ Trust is a community-led organisation dedicated to protecting the future, heritage and identity of Torquay United Football Club.

Run by supporters, for supporters, the Trust exists to give fans a collective voice, strengthen the bond between club and community, and promote long-term sustainability both on and off the pitch.

Through engagement, advocacy and practical support, the Trust works to ensure that Torquay United remains at the heart of Torbay for generations to come.

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CONTENTS

• Chairman’s Introduction

• Report from the Trust Board

• Forever Yellow update

• Junior Gulls Membership Launched

• Clive Hayward elected to FSA National Council

• Inclusivity Working Group

• Pounds for Pledges 26/27 Launched

• Working Together

• Corporate Members

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CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

Nick Brodrick – Chairman

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Since our last newsletter in May much has happened on and off the pitch.

At that point new manager Jimmy Ball had made a quick positive impression and we await to really assess his summer signings when the new National South season gets underway on Saturday.

 

Another key ‘signing’ has been the arrival of Sean Windeatt to the Bryn Consortium to form the ‘Magnificent Seven’.

Without going into detail here, financially the club is some way away from being stable and so every penny counts.

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With the Yellow Army coming to matches in numbers swelling the attendances to over 4,000 will be crucial. There are plans for a Fans’ Forum later this month during which the club’s financial situation will be explained; look out for the date being announced.

Football-wise we all suffered bitter disappointment whether at Hornchurch or amongst the 2,500 at Plainmoor.

Football can be cruel. But we go again for what we all hope will be third time lucky.

 

Jimmy Ball was our special guest at our July board meeting as was Paul Bastard as the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer. I feel it’s really important to foster these relationships with key club officials so they know how TUST works on behalf of our members for the benefit of the football club we all love.

 

In this edition of our newsletter, you can read about the fantastic success of our Forever Yellow membership scheme including news of the first use of the funds; the launch of a Junior Gulls section and our very own board member Clive Hayward being elected to the FSA National Council.

 

Over the last month we have paid for or sponsored the printing of 2000 fixture cards for fans to have free of charge and fixture posters to go up in various Torbay locations.

Very soon there will be various advertising boards around Plainmoor highlighting our Forever Yellow benefits plus adverts and a video on the Big Screen.

We would like to encourage more bronze members to upgrade to a higher tier to push us to our £100,000 target.

 

Members will be aware that over the last eighteen months or so TUST has paid for a growing list of projects the club needed help with and as a result of this we have been in discussions with Bryn to officially turn our financial support into equity to boost our share- holding.

These arrangements are we believe drawing to a close and once concluded we will let you know.

 

So, we go into the new season full of optimism for events on and off the pitch; enjoy the ride!

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REPORT FROM THE TRUST BOARD

Rick Williams – Secretary

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Much of the board’s recent focus has been directed towards the launch of the Forever Yellow membership scheme and particularly the new Junior Gulls section. Next up we are working on a re-vamp of the Corporate Membership offer.

 

This report summarises matters considered by the TUST board that are not covered elsewhere in this newsletter.

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TUST’s financial year ended on 30th June and headline figures show income for the year increasing to £55k following the launch of the Forever Yellow scheme in April. Expenditure was £41k including £20k funding various projects for TUFC and £10k sponsorship of the Community Sports Trust. Funds held at the year end totalled £55k (none of the Forever Yellow money had been transferred to the Club at this time). There were 1,186 TUST members at the end of June.

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The TUST board continues its support for the Community Sports Trust, which is facing financial challenges as a result of cuts in funding from schools, and the Women’s Team. Sponsorship of the latter for the 2026/27 season of £3,600 from existing TUST funds has been agreed. The board plan to consult the membership on the level of financial support for the Women’s team in future as part of the strategic review over the next few months.

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The TUST Chairman and Co-Vice Chairmen welcomed representatives from Exeter City Supporters’ Trust at the recent friendly having enjoyed a similar invitation to St James’ Park last season. It was an opportunity to share experiences and learn more about recent issues the Exeter Trust have faced.

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Finally, the board is still looking for a new Secretary. The position requires an organised person who understands the importance of the role and is willing to make the necessary commitment of both time and energy. It is estimated that the average requirement is 5-6 hours per week. It is essential that the post-holder is able to attend meetings in person which normally occur on the third Monday evening of every month. They will play an important part in TUST’s relationship with the football club.

If you are interested in this voluntary position or would like an informal chat please contact me at tustsecretary@gmail.com.

 

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FOREVER YELLOW UPDATE

Joe Uglow – Board Member

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It’s been three month’s since we launched Forever Yellow, TUST’s revamped membership scheme in partnership with the club, aiming to build a sustainable source of supporter investment capable of contributing £100,00 every year towards the future success of our club.

 

The response from the Yellow Army has been fantastic, & we are now 85% of the way towards our projected annual target, Hundreds of supporters have chosen to upgrade their membership, helping to create the level of recurring income that will make a genuine difference to the football club moving forward.

This is a fantastic achievement, but there’s still work to do. With your continued support we can reach our target and establish Forever Yellow as one of the strongest supporter-backed initiatives in non-league football!

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Here’s how Forever Yellow is shaping up so far:

• 85% of our £100,000 annual target projected.

• Over 550 members have now upgraded to Silver, Gold or Platinum membership.

• Members have so far indicated they would like their money spent as follows: 48% First Team, 29% Youth development & 23% Stadium Experience.

• Silver, Gold & Platinum Discounts in Boots & Laces, Gulls Nest & The Cove Bars are now live.

• Silver, Gold & Platinum Discounts in the Club Shop are available both on-line & in person.

• Digital Membership Cards have been issued to all Silver, Gold & Platinum members via email.

• Silver, Gold & Platinum members were entered into ballot to secure Hornchurch Play-Off final tickets.

• The first of our regular prize draws saw six lucky winners of matchworn 25/26 shirts.

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One of the highlights of July was welcoming First Team Manager Jimmy Ball to our monthly board meeting. Jimmy spoke passionately about the incredible backing the players have received from supporters both home and away and highlighted just how important initiatives like Forever Yellow are to the football club.

He explained that knowing supporters are investing directly into the future of the club provides greater stability and gives the football department the confidence to build the strongest and most competitive squad possible.

 

Hearing first-hand how much your support is valued reinforced for me exactly why Forever Yellow matters.

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This week we announced the first of our Platinum Members “Meet the” events with an online “Meet the Manager” event taking place next Monday 10th August at 7:30pm.

Look out for news soon on our open training event for all Silver, Gold & Platinum Forever Yellow members as well.

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The news of the signing of Harry Shield was also announced, Shield impressed many of the Yellow Army whilst on trial and we are incredibly proud that Forever Yellow was able to contribute to securing his signature.

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If you’re currently a Bronze member, we’d encourage you to consider upgrading to Silver, Gold or Platinum if you’re able to. A small increase in your monthly contribution can make a significant difference when hundreds of supporters come together.

Every upgrade moves us one step closer to delivering £100,000 of annual supporter investment into our club.

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If you have any questions on Forever Yellow then please do email us at tustmembership@gmail.com

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INTRODUCING JUNIOR GULLS

TUST Board

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Torquay United Supporters Trust is delighted to launch Junior Gulls – a brand-new membership designed especially for our youngest supporters.

Junior Gulls is all about giving children aged 5-16 a closer connection to the club they love while helping to inspire the next generation of Torquay United fans.

 

For just £25 per year, Junior Gull members will receive an exclusive welcome pack, opportunities to enter member-only competitions, invitations to special events throughout the season, and much more as the scheme develops.

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Every Junior Gull becomes part of the future of Torquay United. Membership helps TUST continue its work in supporting the football club, strengthening our connection with the local community, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy following the Gulls for years to come.

Whether it's your child's first season at Plainmoor or they're already a regular in the Yellow Army, Junior Gulls is the perfect way to become part of something bigger.

 

Every Junior Gull receives:

• An exclusive Junior Gulls welcome pack

• Access to exclusive competitions and prize draws

• Invitations to Junior Gull events and experiences

• Discounted Community Sports Trust events

• Attendance at open training sessions

• Digital Christmas Card from the First Team

• Opportunity to vote for a Junior Gulls Player of the Season

• The chance to help shape the future of Torquay United

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This is just the beginning. We're already working on exciting new experiences and benefits that will be introduced throughout the season, making Junior Gulls even better as our membership grows.

 

We can't wait to welcome hundreds of young supporters into the Junior Gulls family.

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Join today and help inspire the next generation of the Yellow Army.

 

Become a Junior Gull today!

www.tust.co.uk/juniorgulls​

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CLIVE HAYWARD ELECTED TO FSA NATIONAL COUNCIL

Clive Hayward - Board Member

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TUST Board Member Michel Thomas worked closely with the Football Supporters Association (“FSA”) for many years, and when I joined the TUST Board he encouraged me to get involved. His are big shoes to fill, and it is a rewarding part of my role.

I am now delighted to have been elected to the FSA’s National Council, as a representative of fans in non-league football.

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What is the FSA?

The FSA is a brilliant organisation, representing fans from all levels of the game. It’s free to join, and TUST is an affiliate member. In Torquay’s darkest times, they were there with practical advice and support.

Without the FSA, there would probably be no Independent Football Regulator, there would definitely be no Fans Embassies during international tournaments, and it was the FSA that helped make Premier League games more affordable for travelling fans with their successful “Twenty’s Plenty” campaign.

I am on the Council as a “National Game” representative- this means the Non League game: all of it!

As you can imagine, this covers many levels: from Southend to the South Devon League, from Eastbourne to East Allington! My National Game colleagues on the Council are Richard Tomkins from Hereford and Matthew Kempson of North Ferriby- both teams we have played in the past, but perhaps not again for a while!

I’m starting a 2-year term. With a bit of luck, the end of my stint will coincide with Torquay getting back in the League, making me ineligible for a second term!

 

What is the National Council?

It is democratically-elected, and has fan representatives from the Premier League, EFL, National Game (non-league), the Women’s Game, Community-Owned Clubs and Fans for Diversity Networks. There are at least three meetings per year. It implements the decisions of the AGM and decides policy and strategy on matters which arise and require decisions during the year. We are responsible for making appointments to external bodies and overseeing the work of the FSA Board, which we also elect.

The FSA campaigns on issues put forward by supporters. Here are some examples, based on motions presented at the AGM this summer:

• Campaigning for proper consultation with fans before competition structures are changed- following the imposition without notice of the controversial 6 team playoff system in the Championship next season.

• Pressing the Independent Football Regulator and relevant Leagues to produce more effective financial controls in the non-league game: a subject close to Torquay fans’ hearts after we nearly lost our own club and saw the likes of Wrexham and Notts County effectively buy promotion. The FSA now meets regularly with the Chief Executive of the National League, as well as what are known as the Trident Leagues: Southern League. Isthmian and Northern Premier.

• Advocating for the strengthening of appropriate supporter representation within the SAG structure. SAG stands for Safety Advisory Group. Each club is covered by a local SAG (ours is run by Torbay Council), and they make important rulings on what clubs must do, or are allowed to do, in and around their grounds. SAGs were brought in by The Taylor Report, in the wake of the Hillsborough tragedy, and the Report recommended that every SAG should include a fan representative. In the majority of cases, however, this does not happen and in my view that definitely needs to change, because the whole point is to keep supporters safe, and it is wrong for supporters’ voices not to be heard in that process.

 

You can join the FSA here: https://thefsa.org.uk/join/

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INCLUSIVITY WORKING GROUP

Robin Causley - Board Member & Co-Vice Chair​

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The Inclusivity Group is a joint initiative between the club and TUST to try and ensure that Torquay United becomes a more welcoming and representative club for all.

By binging together a diverse range of voices and expertise-including from key local groups-the club can ensure that it continues to lead by example in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout every aspect of the supporter experience.

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The group has met once so far, where members discussed their backgrounds and areas of expertise/interest relevant to the group’s remit.

The group agreed that a diverse range of skills would contribute positively to future discussions and outcomes.

Key communities of interest represented on the group include: women and girls, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, youth and physical disability.

Other communities of interest not yet represented on the group, but felt desirable, include sensory disability, learning disability, minority ethnic/faith communities, mental health (including dementia) and older people.

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A range of issues were identified as areas for development or improvement at the club ,including:

• Reviewing and improving stadium access and safety for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility

• Providing sensory-friendly spaces or quiet areas for neurodiverse supporters (building on work previously undertaken on this)

• Up-dated and prominently displaying anti-discrimination statements across club communications and venues

• Establishing regular forums or surveys to gather feedback from underrepresented groups

• Marking events such as Rainbow Laces week with visible support and educational activity

• Working with schools and Youth clubs to foster a diverse next generation of supporters

• Implementing clear, confidential channels for reporting incidents of all forms of discrimination or harassment.

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The group intends to meet monthly in the forthcoming season; with as many meetings as possible being held in person.

The current members of the group are : Robin Causley, TUST,(Interim Chair of group), Tim Herbert (TUFC), Harry Lovering, Danni Wyatt, Matthew Jackson, Judd Barker (TUFC), Thomas Kelly and Michel Thomas.

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If any TUST members are interested in joining the group, or know of others who might be, particularly in the communities of interest identified, please get in touch with me at info@tust.co.uk

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Pounds for Pledges

Clive Hayward - Board Member

 

I'm really excited about getting our Pledges scheme off the ground. I put it forward, but it is by no means an original idea. I remember that in match programmes 40 years ago, individual supporters could promise modest amounts for club funds every season by pledging money for “things that could happen.”

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My mate’s fondly remembered Mum, Margaret Faulkner, would regularly sponsor strikers for goals scored. Most of them were playing in the Fourth Division for a reason, and she rarely finished up with a massive bill- but every little helps!

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In March, we had another go. It was quite a small-scale operation. I actually only originally intended it as an idea for TUST Board Members to contribute. Everyone joined in, and we soon decided to open it up to any fans to get involved.

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How did it Work?

For the month of March, we asked fans to pledge cash for goals, points, wins and clean sheets.

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How did it go?

It wasn’t a vintage time. The team was still reeling from February’s traumas. There were massive injuries, and Neil Warnock and Ronnie Jepson were struggling to fill our bench. The team’s results were mediocre. Despite that, our 38 pledgers raised a fantastic total in excess of £1700. The final match against Horsham was a bit of a bumper haul: the 2-0 win gathering cash from all four categories.

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Where will March’s money go?

The Board has decided to put the money towards another ground improvement: the staircase up through the Family Stand to The Gulls Nest needs some railings, and we are obtaining quotes.

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Next Season:

If we can raise £1700 in one month, imagine what we can do in nine!

We are planning to run Pledges throughout 2026/27 for the following categories:

• Goals,

• Wins, Losses or Draws,

• Points won,

• Clean sheets,

• Red Cards,

• Individual goalscorers

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All pledges will be settled twice per season, in January & then again at the end of season in May.

All money raised will be transferred to the football club.

 

To get involved simply email tustpledges@gmail.com stating your name & the pledge of your choice including the amount.

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COYY, Clive

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WORKING TOGETHER

Want to work with the Club or Trust? See the below details for how you can!

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Want to become a Matchday Ambassador & help to make Plainmoor a welcoming place to attend? Please send your details to Paul Bastard at: SLO@torquayunited.com & tell him a little about yourself to apply.

 

Help represent TUST at the Fanzones?

There are currently three scheduled pre-match Fanzone’s at Plainmoor on the green outside Boots & Laces throughout August. TUST will be present at all three to give supporters the chance to find out more about TUST, chat with fellow fans and hand out information on how to join TUST’s various membership schemes. we’ll also have some activities for the younger fans to take part in!

If you’re passionate about TUST and would like to volunteer some time to help man the Fanzone stand, alongside TUST board members please get in touch with us as info@tust.co.uk.

 

The 1899 Club Lottery continues to go from strength to strength with over 600 players currently playing each month. With the first four prizes being cash amounts there are opportunities for companies to provide a 5th prize in return for sponsorship space on the lottery. If any Trust members work for, or own a company that would like to partner with the 1899 Club Lottery then please get in touch with us at info@tust.co.uk

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CORPORATE MEMBERS

 

Please support the businesses that support your Supporters’ Trust:

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• RGS Architectural Design Consultants

• Torquay Carpets and Furniture

• O’Neill & Holman Painting and Decorating

• Riviera Events

• The Blue Anchor, Teignmouth

• Regola Digital Consulting

• Weltch Media

• Torbay Footcare

• Southall Electrical

• The Torquay Podcast

• Torbay Oven Cleaning

• Twigger Business Solutions

• Prestige Tactical

• Charlie Baker (Comedian and Supporter)

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COME ON YOU YELLOWS

For enquiries, please email:
info@tust.co.uk