FORAS invites fans to join the Cork City FC team
FANS of ‘ the beautiful game’ came out in force last Wednesday evening in Fermoy to meet their Rebel soccer heroes and learn about how they can take their claim for part-ownership one of the country’s most vibrant and exciting clubs.
Soccer fans young and old took the chance to meet with Cork City FC players and officials at the first in series of road-shows being held across the county by FORAS, The Friend of the Rebel Army Society supporters trust.
Formed in 2008 the trust, was originally formed as a way for City fans to engage with and offer long-term support to the club at what was a tumultuous period during its history.
One of its first tasks was to help steer the Cork City FC through examinership, taking ownership of the club and taking it from first division to the top of the League of Ireland and FAI Cup glory.
Cork City is 100% owned by its supporters, who sign up for membership of FORAS for just €10 a month. Members can then vote for, and be elected to, the Cork City Board of Management and also have a vote on motions that come before the Trust’s AGM - giving the fans a direct say in the running of their football club.
Membership also brings with it a host of benefits such as first refusal on tickets for high-profile games, discounts on club merchandise, a share certificate and a membership card.
Those who visited the FORAS Roadshow at the Fermoy Community Centre were given the opportunity to discuss different aspects of the trust’s work with members of the board
Many also took the opportunity to have their picture taken with the FAI Cup and other trophies in Cork City’s collection, while club captain John Dunleavy addressed the crowd and spoke of the trust’s importance in providing the foundation for a title-chasing team.
Trust secretary Darren O’Keeffe said they were to see people turn out in such numbers to hear about the work that FORAS does.
“It is not just about supporting Cork City on the pitch, but also about our off the pitch work with young people, schools, and communities across the county,” said Mr O’Keeffe.
“We had some new shareholders sign up on the night, which we are delighted with. Many said they weren’t sure how to join, but it is as simple as logging onto ccfc.ie/foras,” Darren said.
He said the trust also outlined their ambitious plans for the ambitious FAI Centre of Excellence in Glanmire, which will serve as the club’s training base and nurture the skills of future talented young players from Cork.
“We want to give a big thank you to the Community Centre and the people of Fermoy for the warm welcome we received. We know not everyone who wanted to attend could make it on the night, but we are happy to answer questions for those thinking of joining via email on forastrust@corkcityfc.ie,” said Mr O’Keeffe.