Board development day

Three members of the BEST Board attended a Supporters’ Direct training day at Cambridge City on Sunday 10 May 2009. The Business plan made by the “Wave” group and agreed by BEST members last year has as one of its aims developing the skills of everyone who actively supports the Trust. This free Board Development Day has got us off to a great start!

Following a tour of the ground and sampling the bacon sandwiches at the car boot sale in the car park, the business of the day proceeded at a rapid pace. Sessions included every aspect of running a modern Trust and was attended by Norwich City, Rushden Diamonds and Cambridge city. The whole day was proof positive that operating in a businesslike manner can also be positive and fun. After a day characterised by team work and good humour we agreed to keep in touch with the successful local trusts attending and make more use of the many free services Supporters Direct provide.

By the time we left there was a warm atmosphere in City’s Legends bar. We all learned a lot and brought back memory sticks with the training programme for other members of the Board. We also made new friends and saw at first hand the potential of Supporters Direct who have already had an impact on many clubs in their first nine years. Last but not least, we spent the day at a club which, despite its problems, has real engagement with the local community and a better atmosphere on a Sunday than some clubs manage on a Saturday!