Newly-established Galway FC is looking for people interested in joining a co-operative which would give the community a voice on its board.
The co-operative would be made up of individuals interested in becoming stakeholders in the new club, and is expected to have two seats on the club’s board of directors.
As a result Galway United Supporters’ Trust is holding an open meeting on Wednesday, January 29 (8.30pm ), at the Galway Rovers Clubhouse, Claddagh Hall, to update suppporters on the establishment of a co-operative.
It will be followed by a questions and answers session and motion of support for the establishment of the co-operative will be proposed.
Galway FC’s board of directors, which made a commitment to implement a co-operative structure during 2014, recently ratified a report from a special subcommittee charged with producing a model for the co-operative.
According to media officer Vinny O’Connor the report was ratified by the board last week, earlier than had been expected.
“The positive recommendations and outcome of the report will give both the wider community and football fan a true voice and representation at board level in supporting the growth and development of League of Ireland football in Galway,” he said.
Nominees from all four stakeholders, GUST, Galway FA, Mervue United and Salthill Devon, were appointed to the subcommittee under the independent chair of John O’Sullivan (Limerick FC ).
“The subcommittee has put in considerable effort over the last four months, to bring us to the point today, where in the coming months, the co-op will elect two directors of the board of Galway FC.”
The committee, under the chair of Limerick FC’s John O’Sullivan, has developed a model for the co-operative, led by GUST committee member Gavan Duffy.
“The board of Galway FC would like to thank John O'Sullivan for his expert guidance and the subcommittee for their commitment in finalising the report. In particular we acknowledge the effort of facilitator Gavan Duffy for his leadership in bringing us to a positive and successful conclusion of this process and look forward to their continued commitment as we move into the implementation phase of the co-op model,” O’Connor said.
Any individuals representing community, business, educational or cultural groups who wish to become involved in the development of the co-op should contact Gavan Duffy via email at [email protected].
