Club Update – August 2024

To our Friends, Staff and Fans

I hope this finds you well. This note is a follow-up on our update from July 12th. Going forward we will provide monthly club updates so let’s go straight to business:

Facilities – Short Term

We have a deal with Wakefield Trinity so rumors about us being “kicked out” are not true. The facts are: the current agreement allows us to play out of Trinity for this season and the next. However, the current terms are not ideal for the rugby club and not ideal for Wakefield AFC, as this year we have to deal with additional costs from the GSC (please refer to our previous update). We talk to Trinity ownership and management on a regular basis and both sides are keen to find a solution that is realistic given the uncertainties about land and facilities within the district. 

Ultimately, our goal is to find a suitable long-term solution with Trinity or away. For now, let’s be thankful that we can host a 10th division game in a stadium like Belle Vue and support the team as we need a win. 

Facilities – Medium Term

We need to develop our own facilities as no matter where we rent, we will have limited flexibility to develop the club. I’ll list the main reasons, as outlined in our previous update:

 • Financial sustainability: More than 40% of our expenditure comes from rents;

 • Uncertainty at Belle Vue once our agreement expires; 

 • Little flexibility to grow community initiatives: it is hard to run women’s football, juniors, tournaments or any other function that is not 1st team football because of scheduling, pitch maintenance and costs;

 • Limited revenue potential as we don’t control the bar, can’t host sponsors, etc.;

 • Identity: We want to have a spiritual (and physical) base, with our badge and pieces of our short history spread around the place. That will increase fans’ sense of ownership and connection with the club.

In terms of practical actions, we have:

a) Ongoing conversations with Wakefield Council to develop our own facilities. We have architectural drawings and funding secured for phase I (training facilities). We also plan to host local sporting organizations and schools during the day, reinforcing our commitment to the local community in Wakefield. We are NOT asking for any financial help from Wakefield Council or Wakefield taxpayers.

b) Conversations with other sporting organizations to acquire or develop joint facilities to increase utilization as well as holding first team games. 

We will keep providing updates regularly as things are in flux at the moment. However, if you are a fan and care about Wakefield AFC, your only concern should be having a long-term base. Where we play from this season or the next is irrelevant in the big scheme of things, especially because no matter where, we will continue to provide players and fans with facilities that could host Step 1 and 2 games.

Football

Nothing new to report. Disappointing first game, no doubt about it. However, we like the team we have, both the new players recruited and players retained. We are fully behind Junior and his staff and we will bring new players in to cover injuries or if Junior decides he needs to strengthen the squad. We have the budget and built the structure to provide that support. Now we need to focus on preparation and execution. 

It is also important to highlight that players will leave if they are not getting regular game time. Nothing new here, that’s non-league football. 

Players will also leave or will be released if they can’t:

•  Show commitment: attend training sessions, be polite with staff and fans, behave in a professional manner. Be thankful you play here – no one is more important than the club;

•  Be able to execute the game plan defined by JR and Staff;

•  Be in good shape and game fit to play at the standard required by the club.

As a fan, you invest your time and money to go watch a game. We spend a lot of time and resources to make sure the club exists. We demand the same commitment from players going into this season.

Quick Updates

 • Season Tickets: We are trying to develop an electronic platform for ticket and season ticket sales, but it is still not ready. When it comes out, we will have season tickets for the remainder of the season. Prices will reflect games already played.

 • Season Tickets 2: On our previous update we’ve moved the minimum age for free entry from U12 to U15. We thought about it and would like to make it even better: U16 now can come in free of charge to any Wakefield AFC home game. 

 • Ellgren: We now have windows for orders. We will communicate on our socials when windows open or close. Lead times – 4 weeks for kits. 6 weeks for Leisurewear.

 • Merch/Kit Sale: We will have kits on sale this Saturday in limited quantities. For the first time, we will also offer numbered shirts to test demand.

All the best and see you all soon,

Gui Decca – Wakefield AFC Chairman