Dear friends
INSSA formed following NSFC’s bombshell meeting which confirmed the club was in deep financial distress, a cold and dark period of the winter. Spirits were smashed. Supporters were left wondering whether this might be ‘it’ for NSFC. Forces from across the fan base assembled to act with urgency. INSSA’s formation sought to unite the broadest possible base of supporters. We were able to assess the situation and had no illusions that the task before us would be simple or without full agreement at all times.
INSSA’s launch was impressive, with nearly two hundred members confirmed by the end of the meeting. The interim committee convened frequently, agreed to appoint an Events Team, actioned live consultations of members, and undertook measures to ensure a reliable income stream was generated.
The Easter bank holiday weekend featured INSSA’s first formal event. Held in conjunction with NSFC, weather hampered what we hoped would be a series of fun outdoor activities for children at the ground. They were no less treated to face painting, and a terrific live music event following the match in the clubhouse. INSSA thanks the amazing young talents who sang their hearts out after an impressive home game. We also thank NSFC co-chairs Sean Redford and Sean Mulligan for partnering with us to enable the event. This was followed by our excellently attended away day journey to Penrith in support of the lads.
Tomorrow evening at Chirton Social Club INSSA holds its second event, a Newcastle United 1970s stars talk-in featuring a pie and peas supper. There are further music events in planning stages. This is all topped off by our highly popular Jack-Pot raffle, fully licenced by North Tyneside Council, which enables a lucky £50 win each week in addition to the full sum of the Jack-Pot if the winner draws the Jack of clubs.
INSSA is fulfilling its mission, raising funds for NSFC to recover and thrive. Important discussions have commenced among the interim committee for INSSA’s first foray into investing in NSFC. A substantial sum of money has been raised through the generosity of INSSA members and supporters. That translates into an immediate and tangible benefit for NSFC. As always we will consult members to seek opinions and views, only making a decision about how funds are dispersed with democratic approval and consent. Details will be made available and, if approved, a formal offer will be submitted to NSFC.
None of this would be possible without extraordinary and tremendous sacrifices from committee members. The amounts of energy and time spent coordinating INSSA’s success have been extremely valuable, and without it there’s no way we’d be in such a positive position. Each committee member has used their unique talents and resources for the benefit of INSSA and ultimately NSFC, and this should be recognized.
We are acutely aware of unfortunate and regrettable sources of external negativity. This does not deter us however. INSSA is focused and determined, a positive and welcoming association of grassroots supporters committed to NSFC’s future, and will serve and be accountable to our members. Our polling confirms that members desire closer contact and communication with NSFC’s committee, including regular consultation. They feel that their views should be heard, valued and welcomed. There’s nothing unreasonable about that.
Although we continue to experience technical challenges with the website it’s still updated regularly. We appeal to members with experience of website maintenance to contact us. We need all the help we can get.
We work hard to produce high-quality events for supporters and members to come together, have a great time, celebrate NSFC, and organize to save our club from any potential misfortunes through measures which comply with our high standards for accountability, openness and transparency. If you haven’t then please join INSSA now at independentnsssa.org for just £5 per year, entitling you to your vote on how we spend funds raised for NSFC. Membership empowers you to contest any position on our committee, where your own experience and talents can improve the position of INSSA and NSFC. We encourage all of our members to take a leading role in INSSA, whether at committee level or as a lay member.
Thank you so much for your continued support. We look forward to a great summer of fun and accessible INSSA events to come.