TON PENTRE AFC – AGM – TUESDAY, 23 JUNE 2015 – 7.30PM

The Ton Pentre AFC Annual General Meeting (AGM) takes place on Tuesday, 23 June 2015 at the Ton Pentre AFC Social Club. The AGM will begin at 7.30pm. 

This will be an important AGM as the Bulldogs look to build for the future, however, in order for this to happen, it is critical that Ton Pentre achieve the points that were detailed in the open letter that was published earlier this month.

The future of Ton Pentre AFC remains largely dependent on the local community’s desire for football and the financial support from sponsorship and fundraising.

The full open letter is available to read below.

By working together, great moments like this below can return to Ynys Park.

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June 2015

Dear All,

The Committee of Ton Pentre AFC feel that it is appropriate to write this open letter to you ahead of the Club’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 23 June 2015 in the Ton Pentre AFC Social Club at 7.30pm.

In a short space of time, the Rhondda Bulldogs have undergone many changes off the pitch with the Chairman and Secretary retiring through ill health and one of our highly proactive committee members sadly passing away towards the end of the 2014/15 season. There has also been a change of First Team Manager during the course of the season and Ton Pentre AFC will also require a new Treasurer for the forthcoming 2015/16 Welsh League Division One season.

Evidently, this has been a huge challenge for the Bulldogs, however, the few existing committee members, along with the assistance of the 1896BULLDOGS supporters club, have not only prevailed but have also delivered a fantastic platform for the future of the Club.

However, this future remains largely dependant on the local community’s desire for football in Ton Pentre and the financial support from sponsorship and fundraising.

In Ton Pentre AFC’s current situation, it is time for the Rhondda community to step forward and safeguard the future of the Bulldogs and its rich and proud history, which resonates not only in the locality but country-wide.

The Rhondda community must decide whether it wants a successful Ton Pentre AFC to exist or be lost to the annuls of time.

Over the past 12 months the Bulldogs have been working with Supporters Direct, who help fans to set up democratic cooperatives (known as supporters’ trusts) to gain influence in the running and ownership of their clubs.

As a result of this continuing work, Ton Pentre AFC have gone through an extensive review of the Club’s structure to make it open and transparent.

As a result of this club development plan, the Bulldogs are preparing for a transition towards a community ownership model – therefore, a club that is owned by its members. A well documented example of this is Merthyr Town FC, who have worked with Supporters Direct for many seasons and demonstrate what can possibly be achieved in Ton Pentre.

Ton Pentre AFC, therefore, has a strong foundation and vision upon which to build for the future, however, this cannot be done without the support of the community, supporters, fans and sponsors.

We believe that Ton Pentre AFC is a Rhondda institution, football has been played here since at least 1896, and our plea is not to take the Club for granted – it needs your resolve to help it succeed for next 100 years and more.

In this time of significant change for the Bulldogs, there does remain opportunity.

The Club seeks to recruit the best local talent for both the First and Youth Teams, grow our links with the local community and businesses, consolidate its relationship with the Ton Pentre AFC Social Club and develop a strong partnership with the Ton Pentre & District Recreation Association to further develop our Ynys Park home.

If we can all progress the objectives outlined above, we will have a fantastic future to match our fantastic past.

Yours faithfully,

The Committee of Ton Pentre AFC

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For further information please contact Interim Chairman Ceri Jones, on 07792 190761 or email tonpentreafc@aol.com.