Firstly the Iron Trust would like to wish every Scunthorpe United supporter a Happy New Year and we hope it’s a prosperous one. Welcome to the Attis Arena and a big hello to travelling Heed fans: one such fan is Berkeley regular Paddy Stronach from Scotter Road who hasn’t had far to travel at all.
The Iron Trust has grown in membership over the past year and now has in excess of 1200 members. We hold a monthly lottery draw which is registered with North Lincolnshire Council and pays out three prizes totalling £110 per month for 10 months, whilst the December Xmas draw and the May end of season draw pay out £500 each.
We hold a player of the month award which contributes to our annual player of the season award with the trophy being presented at the final home game by Trust members. We organise Flag Day which usually follows on from that final home game: held at the Honest Lawyer it is an opportunity for our members and fans to socialise together and contribute to a raffle draw where any profits generated are presented to a local charity chosen by members. Last season we donated £200 to the Stroke Unit at Scunthorpe General Hospital.
An e- newsletter is sent out prior to each home game and we have a page in the home programme and members are also contacted on an ad-hoc basis for such things as Trust elections, player of the month voting or updates on a specific issue like our ongoing Sharebuilder initiative which has raised a whopping £12000 thus far.
The latter means that currently the fans stake in our football club is £22000 or 1100 shares. We also fundraise via 100 square football cards: the latest card is £10 a go for the opportunity to win Carlton’s number 14 away shirt.
Should any supporter wish to join the Iron Trust then life membership costs £10 with a membership card and exclusive badge being issued? Family memberships cost £20 and overseas £15 (to cover postage costs). Notable members include Sir Nic Dakin MP, and Kieran Maguire the football financial expert.
Once again on behalf of Tony, Dave, Steve, John, Mark, Jake, Susan, Matt, Bryn, Brian and Emily have a great New Year.
Up the mighty Iron.
Tony Gosling