YMCA in administration
But club says ‘it’s business as usual’
A FURIOUS row over money has led to Huddersfield YMCA at Salendine Nook being placed into administration.
On Wednesday Chris Wood and Steve Hodgson, of BHP Corporate Solutions, Cleckheaton, were appointed joint administrators.
The popular club on New Hey Road operates a sports facility for more than 500 members at the Lawrence Batley Centre.
Club officials insist it will continue to run as normal until the problems can be sorted out.
The Examiner understands that bailiffs turned up at the club five or six weeks ago following a longrunning row.
In July, a county court judgment was made against the club over £166,000 in historical contributions claimed by the Trustees of YMCA HQ in London – a huge sum for a club which says it only makes a small trading surplus.
Club chairman Steve Graley said: “It has not been an easy few months.
“We have now sent a notice to our members explaining the legacy issues which we inherited as a board.
“Those legacy issues specifically include substantial sums claimed by the YMCA Pension Trustees Limited.
“As a board we will provide full co-operation and assistance to the joint administrators.
“Whilst we appreciate that there will be several questions, we would ask for some patience as the administrators perform their statutory duties. They are allowing the club to continue to offer full services to members in the usual way.
“We intend to continue offering quality sporting facilities to the local community.”
Joint administrator Mr Wood said: “We will continue to assess and develop our strategy for the club.
“I think there are some exciting opportunities and innovative strategies proposed by various interested parties.
“I recognise that everyone wants to see matters concluded as quickly as is possible.
“I believe we are already making solid progress, but this is not an overnight procedure and nothing can be guaranteed.
“In our continuing discussions with stakeholders, we have been very clear that we want to find the right solution, which aims to prevent any recurrence of the current unfortunate position.
“I trust that the administration process can be concluded as swiftly and as efficiently as is possible. We recognise that the cultural capital of the club is vital.
“We also recognise that it remains a priority to safeguard the club’s heritage and legacy.”
A source told the Examiner: “Jobs are at threat in the function suite. There is also a site manager and presumably ground staff.
“They’ve been unable to find this money.
“They’ve sold off a Milnsbridge site and a town centre one and pockets of land at Salendine Nook to fire-fight the financial commitments.
“The football and rugby fields were put in trust because I think they knew one day somebody would come knocking wanting money.
“Sure enough, that day has come. The facility is crying out to be used more. There’s a perception it’s just a rugby club.
“This club dates back to the early 1900s. In its day it was one of the most successful rugby clubs and a prestigious venue.
“It still has about 200 children attending every weekend. It’s going to be 14 acres of overgrown grass soon if they’re not careful.”
A spokesman for YMCA said: “It is, of course, a matter of regret to see Huddersfield YMCA go into administration and the impact that this will have upon many users of the club.
“It was, however, perhaps inevitable considering the consistent failure of trustees at Huddersfield YMCA to meet their obligations.
“This matter has been going on for more than a decade and despite the courts and Ombudsman consistently ruling that Huddersfield YMCA were liable to pay for their own pension contribution, they have failed to honour these rulings.
“Over that time period, YMCA has consistently sought to work with Huddersfield YMCA to seek to resolve the matter but Huddersfield YMCA have sought to avoid meeting their obligations.”
“YMCA is also extremely concerned around recent alleged activities and decisions that have been taken at the club by trustees around the management of the club’s assets and potential conflicts of interest.
“It does raise questions around the probity of the management of the club and such is our concern that we are preparing to refer the matter to the Charity Commission for further investigation.”