Torquay United Supporters' Trust have been unveiled as the new sponsors for Torquay United's reinstated reserve side for the 2010-2011 season...
The sponsorship deal was announced today at Plainmoor, with club chairman Simon Baker unveiling this latest link up with the trust.
The initial deal sees the trust sponsoring the reserve side for the coming year, with a view to extending the deal once the initial arrangement comes to an end.
Club chairman Baker, who is himself a trust member, commented: "The club were delighted when the trust approached us with a view to sponsoring the reserve side, and we really wanted to work with them on this.
"They put together deal which we couldn't really turn down and one which benefts the club in ways that another sponsor couldn't have.
YOU CAN PUT YOUR SHIRT ON IT: TUST vice chairman, John Mowl and Torquay United chairman Simon Baker launch the trust's sponsorship of the club's reserve side, watched by TUST board members, the trust's Honorary Life President Frank O'Farrell and Torquay United commercial manager, Dean Edwards.
"The trust have proved themselves to be a competent, worthy and thoughtful organisation who have represented the supporters extremely well over the years. This is not the first partneship we have established with the trust and we are looking forward to working with them further over the year ahead.
"We will also be continuing to work with the trust on the Junior Gulls scheme which is currently being re-structured. They will continue to manage the scheme and we are looking forward to that initiative really starting to fulfil its potential.
"The trust is a crucial part of the future of this club and we are lucky to have such a forward-thinking and progressive trust here at Torquay. They work very hard and consider their moves very carefully and that certainly pays off for them.
"The work they have done on a number of fronts has been both impressive and professional. The disabled project which the trust completed last year ago has vastly improved the match day experience for our disabled supporters and it is now a valuable asset to the club. Actions often speak louder than words."
Back on the pitch, United's reserve team will be competing in the Totesport Football Combination Wales & West Division during the coming season and many supporters are delighted that reserve team football is finally returning to Plainmoor after an absence of many years.
The new 'B' side will be competing against the likes of Devon neighbours Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, as well as AFC Bournemouth, Bristol City and Cheltenham Town amongst others.
Trust vice chairman, John Mowl, who was instrumental in setting up this latest link with the club, was clearly delighted with the arrangement which had been agreed between the trust and the club.
He said: "This is a significant and extremely positive step forward for the trust. The club were very keen for the trust to become the reserve team sponsors, which is a real vote of confidence for us.
"In fairness though, we put together a very attractive deal, which benefits our members and the club as well as boosting the profile of the trust.
PEN TO PAPER: TUST vice chairman John Mowl signs the agreement to sponsor Torquay United's reserve team with Torquay United commercial manager Dean Edwards.
The good news for TUST members is that they will gain free entry to all reserve team fixtures at Plainmoor for the season ahead. This is a great incentive for our members and it adds significant value to the membership.
"Trust volunteers will be manning the turnstiles at reserve team matches and we will be providing a level of stewarding which is adequate for reserve games.
The trust will also be responsible for organising a half-time draw at reserve games and supplying teams sheets.
As a postscript to this news, entry to reserve team fixtures at Plainmoor this coming season will cost £3 for adults and £1 for Under 16s. A trust membership for an adult costs £12.50 and a trust membership for someone under the age of 16 will cost you just £5 - just do the maths.
