TUST Newsletter 28/06/2025

JUNE NEWSLETTER

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Chairman’s welcome

 Here we are at the end of June with footballers emerging from their summer break and us fans licking our lips in anticipation of a successful, entertaining season ahead.

So, whilst it might have been time off for our contracted players it has been pretty busy for those of us on the TUST board. We might be unpaid volunteers but we all take our roles seriously and it’s always great when we receive messages of thanks.

Since the last newsletter which followed our Consultation Evening, I can confirm that after members voted in favour of supporting youth development we have awarded the Community Sports Trust a grant of £10,000, being paid in three stages, to be put solely towards this purpose in 2025-26.

And the chair of the Community Sports Trust, Tony Jordan, has sent the letter of thanks below.

Two of our board attended the recent FSA AGM in Manchester representing TUST.

And finally, just as a way of explanation, my Fans’ Zone column in the Herald Express has been on a summer break but I’m waiting to hear if it’s coming back as apparently there are changes at the newspaper. In the meantime, members have still been receiving the column but not this week as this newsletter is its replacement.

Pre-season is just around the corner and a chance to see the new signings in action. United are at Buckland July 12th, home to Newport County 19th, Plymouth Argyle 23rd, Exeter City 25th and away to Weymouth August 2nd.

COYY

Meeting club’s new CEO

We decided to forgo our usual board meeting for June in order to have an evening in the Warnock hospitality suite at Plainmoor for an  informal meeting with Mark Thomas, the club’s recently appointed CEO.

Aside from a ‘get-to-know’ each other, we used the three hours to discuss all things Torquay United.  Past relationships between the club and TUST were mentioned but importantly we focussed on the future and how we can work with each other.

Yes, we did have a conversation about his recent interview which after the event is a question of learning and moving on.

We have agreed that he will be a regular attendee at our monthly board meetings starting in July, not to participate in the main agenda but to be with us for pre-talks.  A big issue that was mentioned at the Consultation Evening was the lack of proper communication with the club, so we feel having Mark meet with us will go a long way to resolving this issue.

Other TUST funding

Again, following members’ approval we gave the club the green light to buy two sets of grow lights for Julian, the groundsman to use. Needless-to-say, he was delighted.

Bristows additional hand rails which were agreed a while back are in the process of being manufactured with a view to fitting soon.

Finally, we have agreed to be sleeve sponsors for the women’s shirts for the coming season.

 South-West Supporters’ Trusts Group

Many members will be aware that TUST, along with the trusts from Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, are the original three who began the group. We had a meeting this week at Plainmoor at which we discussed mutual issues which included the Football Governance Bill currently going through the House of Commons which is leading to the introduction of an Independent Football Regulator.

We currently have the chairman of the Hereford trust as a member but we are looking to invite trusts from other south-west clubs to join us.

Golf Day/Meet the Manager

Share issue investors have received information, including reminders, about these two events. The Golf Day is open to Platinum Investors on Wednesday July 9th at Torquay Golf Club with non-playing Platinum Investors invited to join in for a social afterwards.  The Meet the Manager evening for all investors is the next night, Thursday July 10th.

Both promise to be exciting occasions. To date 131 will be in Boots & Laces to hear Paul Wotton and Neil Warnock as well as participating in a Q&A session.  Talks are on-going as to whether it is possible to live stream the evening for those unable to attend.

It’s still possible to register for both events but the closing date is Sunday June 29th at 7pm.

TUST digital survey

There has been a great response to our request for members to take part in this online survey, over 278 replies so far.

There is still time to contribute by going to: TUST Survey

The closing date is: Monday June 30th.

In the pipeline…..

Other projects that the TUST board are currently working on include a review of the website and our digital offering (hence the survey mentioned above), engagement with younger supporters, improving communication generally and finalising our new strategy for the next 3 years.

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Mr Rick Williams

Secretary

Torquay United Supporters Trust

Dear Rick

TUST Sponsorship 2025-26

At its meeting held on 25 June 2025, the Community Trust Board passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Torquay United Supporters Trust for its offer of sponsorship for the Youth Sector in 2025-26.

The Trust Board appreciate that this offer is a fantastic personal gesture from the members of your Trust. I would be grateful if you could pass on our thanks to your members. The Community Trust is looking forward to repaying your members’ faith during 2025-26.

Yours sincerely

Tony Jordan

Chair of Trust Board

Torquay United Community Sports Trust

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