One of the most significant meetings in the history of football in Galway will take place next Monday night when a proposal for a significant investment in the League of Ireland club will be outlined to the owners.
Galway United FC is 100 per cent owned by the Galway United Friends Co-operative, and at the Special General Meeting (SGM ) that has been called to discuss this offer, each co-op member who can attend, will vote and ultimately make the decision in relation to the proposed investment.
Galway United Friends Co-operative is owned and democratically controlled by its members and is operated on the principle of one member – one vote.
The board of Galway United FC confirmed last evening (Wednesday ) that an offer has been received to take a majority shareholding in the club and the matter will be voted upon at Monday’s meeting.
The investors are believed to have experience at running football clubs in Europe and the Middle East and have long term ambitions to return Galway United to regular European competition.
The co-op said last evening they would encourage all paid up members to attend the SGM and have their voice heard by voting on the proposal on the night.
The board have confirmed that the offer is a serious one and takes a long-term view. It wil involve immediate investment in the first team to ensure promotion to the Premier Division. Currently, United are on the fringes of the play-off spots, having had a series of poor results lately.
“This is a proposed long term investment in Galway United and initial commitments outlined include investment in the first team to target promotion to the Premier Division,” said a spokesman for the club.
“It will also involve investment in the development of the club’s underage infrastructure and youth academy, as well as funding the provision of a dedicated Galway United training facility.
The new owners are also keen to oversee the recruitment of key personnel to ensure the right structures are in place both on and off the pitch to support the long-term development of the club. These individuals will be at board level, general management, and will see the appointment of a director of football.
The investors are adamant that the club gets to play a bigger role in the community, with a view to growing attendances at their home games.
Admission to the SGM will be only available to members who have paid their full yearly membership (€180 for adults or €90 for concession class ) or be part of the monthly payment scheme for at least two months. Members must be at least 16 years of age, to be admitted to Society meetings. Lapsed members who pay their full yearly membership (€180 or €90 ) up to 48 hours before the meeting will also be entitled to attend. Lapsed members can make payment via the co-op website at www.gufc-coop.com/gufc-sgm-2018/ The spokesman said that the board recognise that members would need sufficient time to consider this proposal and to this end a meeting information pack will be forwarded to members in advance of the SGM.
