|
 
HawkSupport
To view HawkSupport's accounts for the 2006/07 season click here.
HawkSupport formed in May 2005 to build on several previous attempts to get a proper supporters’ club underway. Many fans felt the relationship between them and the club, and indeed other fans, could be better than it was, and that pleas for general help from the Board often went unheard despite an obvious enthusiasm.
HawkSupport therefore started with several goals during the 2005/06 pre-season: To support the team, to help enhance the profile of the club, to be a central point of contact for all supporters, to improve the bond between supporters and the club, and to coordinate and participate in fundraising and social events for all at the club.
During its first year, HawkSupport’s role at the club grew and grew. By the end of the season, revenues from fundraising events totalled almost £4000, which meant fans for the first time could have a significant voice at club. During the 2006/07 season this almost doubled with the total money in standing at just under £8000 for the season, over half of which came from the newly improved club shop.
Over its two year existence the supporters’ club has been able to donate a significant sum of money to the club. Initially, £500 was given to help pay for loan players during a financially insecure time in January 2006, and following that HawkSupport bought a full size training goal that meant players could practice set pieces away from the pitch’s real goalmouths during poor winter weather. The first season was then capped by providing new training tops for the team, which sport HawkSupport’s name across the shoulders. HawkSupport also worked with the board to return the end of season awards evening to being a truly fan orientated night.
Last season HawkSupport helped out with the FA Cup match against Millwall by funding the special footballs needed for the match, as well as contributing to the hotel bill for players to enjoy a relaxing night before the game. £1100 was also donated to help fix the ongoing electricity problems at the ground, and £300 to complete a floodlight test needed to ensure Conference National grading during the promotion run in.
HawkSupport’s ownership of the club shop is also now into its second season, which has lead to much successful experimentation with new stock ideas. New revenue has allowed for an almost total restock with many new items made available based on real requests from fans.
This has only been possible because of HawkSupport’s members. While the committee has steered the organisation’s direction, the enthusiasm of the 80+ members has been the driving force behind what HawkSupport has been able to achieve.
After a dip in attendances last season, the coming year will see more regular event nights for fans. The popular quiz and race nights will occupy slots in a new monthly HawkSupport night, and well received ideas such as the Christmas Draw, the 1-10 Club, and the Player of the Month presentations will all continue.
Having had its second full Annual General Meeting in June, the committee has again reshuffled slightly for the coming year. Barry Gamlin was elected chairman for a second year, and Rich Self was voted in as the new Vice-Chairman, replacing Club Director Mark Pope who has now become the official liaison between the Club’s Board of Directors and HawkSupport. Simon Lynch remains as Treasurer (and manager of the HawkSupport Shop), and Sharon Tween as Secretary. The expanded committee now includes (alphabetically) Tracey Emery, Steph Hedges, Les Hyson, Aly Jamieson, Malc Jamieson, Angie Mottershead and Dave Wells.
|
|