Calum and his team have been hard at work all year long and it is testament to the team that they have seen an increase in shop takings, and commercial revenues in 2022. They opened the ‘shack’, a second shop for matchdays which has gone from strength to strength.
Over the summer period the team worked hard on getting new local companies into the club via pitchside boards and over the last two years we have had 58 new companies come ‘on board’ with us. This is vital for the club for the income and the exposure. It’s great to see some very big companies now looking towards our club as a viable advertising point and well worth backing. And there’s more of this to come!
In August Calum accepted the role of stadium manager on top of his football company secretary role. His remit was to make sure the stadium company reached financial stability as soon as possible. Over five months he, with his team, have managed to edge the stadium company closer to reaching this first target through additional pitch and facilities usage and some reduced outgoings.
They have managed to secure an additional long-term deal with neighbours, Bradford City, for their U 19s to use the stadium, as well as their Ladies team. Bradford Boys Vets have started to play their friendly games here and we also have had local football teams train here during the recent bad weather. We have plans to start a new 6-a-side league in January with a 5-a-side league later in the year and are in negotiations to attract more stadium and pitch usage with a well-known local team.
On facilities bookings we have started to see more family bookings, baby showers, birthday parties and others. We have even approached funeral businesses as a venue for wakes given we are opposite the cemetery. We are about to announce a ‘resident’ booking for the new function room.
We have helped to organise the installation of the new floodlights, which has been a significant improvement to the stadium and which helps keep the electricity bill down (a little!)
Further to Gareth’s and Tom’s new year messages, the football club and the stadium company under Calum’s management have made positive improvements and his team wish all our fans a great New Year’s Eve and look forward to seeing you soon, starting with a visit to Farsley Celtic on New Year’s Day.