Recent Achievements

In the summer of 2004 the clubs bid for a new stadium at the former landfill site at Shaw was blocked by councillors who voted to retain the original plan for the site to be turned into a community forest. The vote was a huge blow to the club board who have long argued that the extra revenue opportunities of a new stadium are crucial to the long term survival of the club, especially considering that the stadium project had initially been given enthusiastic council backing.

In the aftermath of this setback, TrustSTFC began collecting signatures on a petition to Swindon Borough Council, calling on them to work with the club to identify a possible site for a new stadium that was suitable for the clubs needs and acceptable to the local residents. A motion was put forward by councillor Justin Tomlinson calling on the council to investigate the viability of a County Ground redevelopment, or help the club find an alternative site within the Town if the County Ground was found not to be viable.

After some concerted lobbying, and with the backing of more than 4,000 signatures on the petition. TrustSTFC secured support from all three main political groups for the motion which was passed unanimously at a council meeting in November 2004. Since then the club and the council have been exploring ideas for a development on the existing site and positive news is expected soon.

The positive response from TrustSTFC and the backing of the many fans who signed the stadium petition were crucial in turning what looked like a bleak situation into an opportunity that could yet see the club remain at its historical home, with the new facilities it needs and with a development the whole Town can be proud of.

More details of the stadium proposals and the role played by TrustSTFC in the debate can be found in the stadium news section of this web site

August 2003 saw the launch of the Trust's most ambitious project to date, the Red Army Fund which aims to raise additional funds for strengthening the first team squad. Monies donated by the fund to the club can only be used to bring in additional first team players either on permanent or loan deals. The fund, a joint initiative between the Trust, STFC supporters club, and Swindon Town, aims to attract sponsorship from ordinary fans and local businesses alike.

To date over £8,000 has been donated to the fund by fans and local businesses. In February 2005 the fund secured its first signing when Rotherham striker Michael Proctor joined the club on a months loan with most of the cost of his wages being met by the Red Army Fund. Proctor made his debut at home to Port Vale the following night, and scored the only goal to boost Towns play-off challenge.

To read more about the Red Army Fund and find out how you can play your part, please visit the Red Army section of this web site

During the summer of 2002, the Trust was approached by the club regarding sponsorship of the club's use of the Zurich training facilities at Wanborough. The club's budget meant that they could not afford to continue to use the excellent facilities at Wanborough and would be forced to seek inferior facilities elsewhere in the Town.

The Trust board felt that this was a great opportunity for the Trust to demonstrate the positive role it can play in helping the club. Thanks to the generosity of our members, and all Town fans in contributing donations to the Trust, we were able to cover the £8,000 shortfall in the club's training budget to allow the club to continue to use the Zurich facilities.

On Sunday 21st April 2002, Trust STFC sponsored a 6-a-side tournament in conjunction with the STFC Football in the Community office - the Trust STFC Community Challenge Cup - which was held on the hallowed turf at the County Ground. The day consisted of two separate competitions with Under-10 teams in the morning, and Under-12 teams in the afternoon.

Each team entered was given a country competing in the World Cup and challenged to be the best turned out and supported team. Once they had arrived in their team colours, the teams were lead through the North stand so that, on having their team name announced, they could run out through the tunnel.

The Under-10 competition was won by 'Nigeria' represented by Fairford Town Youth, having won a closely contested final 2-0 against 'Sweden' (Old Town United). The prize for the best turned out/supported team went to 'Italy' (Malmesbury Youth).

The Under-12 competition was equally well contested and eventually won by 'France', as represented by Westbrook, after beating 'Spain' (Stratton Youth) 1-0 in the final. 'Ireland' (Ferndale-Rodbourne), won the best turned out/supported team.

In all, the Community Office raised over £1,400 from the event, which will help to ensure they can continue the work they do in promoting football in the Swindon community.

Special thanks to the club for allowing the use of the County Ground pitch, and for supplying replica shirts for the winners of the best turned out/supported teams.