Trust History

In order to understand the history of the Trust it is first necessary to know the history of the governance of Forest Green Rovers Football Club.

Forest Green Rovers FC was overseen by Trustees on behalf of supporters from its formation in 1889 until 1982 when its constitution changed to that of a company limited by members. The members (who are all supporters of the Club) have therefore had a strong voice in the governance of the Club on all matters. The club has remained as such until 2008.

In March 2008 an EGM was called by the Directors of the Club and a vote was taken by members of the Club to work towards a change in constitution to that of a Company limited by shareholding.

The reasoning behind the change is to attract investment from new parties to see the Club move on to a higher level.

It is expected that a minimum level of investment to become a shareholder is likely to be of the order of £1000, well beyond the means of many supporters.

In taking the vote to change the constitution, the members have effectively written themselves out of a governing role in the Club’s affairs and the Club will fall into wholly private ownership for the first time.

In response to the vote to change the constitution, a group of supporters called an open meeting in April 2008 to establish if there was support for the formation of a Supporters Trust, to allow supporters to invest in the Club when its constitution changes.

The vote confirmed almost unanimous support for the formation of a Trust.

A steering group was formed and has met over the past months to bring the Trust into existence.

The Trust has now been formed and will aim to ensure that supporters of Forest Green Rovers continue to have a voice at the heart of the football club by obtaining a shareholding in the club when its constitution changes.

This is not its only aim. The Trust will also work to ensure that links between the community and the club are strengthened to secure the long term future of the club at the highest level possible.