Who are we?
Torquay United Supporters' Trust (TUST) is a democratic, not for profit organisation that seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of our club for the benefit of current and future supporters and the wider community.
Why are we crowdfunding?
** Original March 2024 Comments **
The withdrawal of financial support for Torquay United announced on the 22nd February by the club's owner has left our beloved football club in a precarious financial position.
You can rest assured that the board of Torquay United Supporters Trust are doing their utmost to find a financial solution so that we can continue to support the club we love. Further information on this will be announced in due course. However, in the interim we are conscious of a desire from certain supporters to donate money to TUST in an attempt to further the ambition to secure the club's future
This page has been set up to provide an independent vehicle for fans to donate should they desire, in the knowledge funds will be used in a responsible manner towards this goal.
WHAT THIS IS NOT
A formal launch of a huge worldwide drive to raise a capital fund to enable ownership of the existing club or formation of a phoenix club. If you have significant funds or are interested in part-ownership, please hold fire and await further announcements.
Funds raised through this channel will not be used to support the operational running costs of the current club.
WHAT THIS IS
A good old-fashioned bucket shake where a contribution is purely a gift to TUST - not purchasing a share in the club. For those who really feel the need to act fast and contribute to TUST now, it it is best for all such donations to be channeled through one fully-accountable scheme rather than spread amongst well-intentioned private initiatives.
** August 2024 Update **
Torquay United were thankfully bought out of administration by the "Bryn Consortium" at the end of May 2024 and the future is now looking much brighter. The relationship between TUST and the Consortium is strong and the Community Share Issue to commence this month is testimony to this.
This page has been left open for anyone who wishes to continue to donate to TUST.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Further information will be provided in due course as to a longer term strategy / ownership structure that TUST will look to support and this will in itself require a fundraising exercise.
The funds raised here will be used in conjunction with the existing TUST "Forever Yellow fighting fund" that has been built over the years to assist with the costs of implementing such a course of action.
Any surplus amounts will then be considered by the TUST board and our members in terms of allocation towards a longer term ownership strategy.
** August 2024 Update **
TUST have agreed to invest £50,000 of funds held in the "Forever Yellow fighting fund" in order to purchase equity in Torquay United Association Football Club Ltd (the club) . This will have included funds raised previously through this crowdfunding exercise. The investment will provide additional cashflow to the club and secures a seat on the club board. The Community Share Issue due to launch this month will endeavour to raise a further £100,000 to increase this equity stake. If successful, it will secure a further seat on the club board, protected heritage rights and further cashflow to the club at this time to help secure its' future.
Community impact
Torquay United is owned by its community. Owners will come and go, but the community retain the beneficial ownership. We need your support now, more than ever to preserve the wonderful history of our club.
There are so many stakeholders in our club across the wider community who depend and benefit from Torquay United existing. Without it the costs will be more than just the loss of football.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!