Kingstonian FC

Following the successful Fans' Forum, the Official Website caught up with Hayden about the plans for the new 12th Man Scheme.

For the supporters who were unable to attend the meeting, the manager started by emphasising how much he and the directors appreciated the support of the fans, and the importance of last season's contributions.

"Firstly, I'd like to stress how everyone appreciated the tremendous support the 12th Man Scheme received last season. It's equally as important to stress that, although we only played twelve competitive fixtures, the money certainly did not go to waste."

"The way Kingstonian FC supported our players during the pandemic speaks volumes for our club directors," insists the manager, "although the government furlough scheme covers some of the players' wages, there were still financial commitments to be fulfilled by the club. Supporting our players during these difficult times has created an even stronger loyalty and bond between the players and the football club. This has made it far easier to keep our players, despite interest from other clubs."

"The scheme has allowed us to sign players that would probably have been out of our reach," explained the gaffer, "I'm delighted our supporters are excited about the players we have signed. They have certainly played their part in helping Kingstonian secure their signatures."

In looking at the prizes, Hayden was keen to express the club's gratitude. "As a club, we would like to show our appreciation to everyone in the 12th Man Scheme, and repay their support in (a) going the extra mile with the prizes and (b) creating a set of prizes next season that they will really enjoy and feel part of the team. We would also like to extend the offer to our patrons and season ticket holders to the training ground for the same reason."

Hayden also confirmed that the winners of a seat on the team coach will be invited to take their seats on the first team coach of the new season.

Naturally, all of these activities are reliant upon lockdown measures being fully eased, as anticipated, on 21st June. The government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact from this date. However, should there be any remaining restrictions, we will of course let you know how this impacts our event, and if any changes are required.

In looking towards the forthcoming season, Hayden explained how the 12th Man Scheme is more important than ever.

"The club directors have clearly shown their ambition by maintaining our current budget in the new campaign. As the manager, I'm now working harder than ever to repay them. To provide an indication of the difficulties we face, as Kingstonian groundshare, we were only able to claim and be awarded a small amount of the grants available to clubs at our level. Equally, the club did not want to set up a Just Giving page as many clubs have."

"Many clubs will be taking advantage of opening their clubhouses for the upcoming Euros. Kingstonian, however, cannot effectively start trading until the new season commences."

"This obviously puts us on the back foot and, therefore, I'm asking for your help. In order to achieve our ambitions and be promoted into the National League, the 12th Man Scheme is absolutely essential. It's more important than ever."

"Therefore, I'm delighted the Supporters Club have agreed to help run the scheme and, together with their committee, we would like to offer some fantastic prizes."

"Although we have tried to ensure that the prizes are 'COVID-friendly' this season, I'd like to think that everyone will be pleased. I hope the prizes provide an indication of my gratitude, the players' gratitude and the directors' gratitude towards your support, generosity and invaluable assistance in helping Kingstonian challenge for promotion."

BE THE GAFFER'S 12TH MAN! - SEASON 2021-22

Every 12th Man member will enjoy:

• Monthly Q&A Sessions with the manager and a player on Zoom.
• The first Q&A taking place on the night before the season starts!
• The Prize Draw will take place live at the monthly meetings.

The monthly prizes for Season 2021-22 are as follows:

• The chance for you and a guest to visit the Training Ground.
  Watch the team train and meet the players and staff.
  Drinks with the management after training to discuss the team.
• A meal with the manager after a home game. (In groups of 3 guests at a time)
• Be the manager's Match Day Guest.
  Meet Hayden in the boardroom to discuss team selection.
  Boardroom hospitality.
  A seat in the director's box.
  Photo of the pitch with the player of your choice.
  Present the Man of the Match bottle of champagne to the player of your choice in the clubhouse after the game.
  The photo on the pitch and the Man of the Match photo will appear on Twitter and on the front page of the official club website.
• Two tickets for the home game of your choice. with a photograph on the pitch with a player of your choice.
  The photo on the pitch will appear on the official club Twitter and on the front page of the official club website.
• Be presented with a signed match ball on the pitch before a home game.
  The photo of the presentation on the pitch will appear on the official club Twitter and on the front page of the official club website.
• Be presented with vouchers for the club shop on the pitch before a home game.
  The photo of the presentation on the pitch will appear on the official club Twitter and on the front page of the official club website.

Be the Gaffer's 12th Man! Be a part of Hayden's Kingstonian Team!

In order to qualify for the monthly prize draw, you will need to commit to contributing £160 to the scheme. This can be paid as a lump sum, or over several months. We know that this continues to be a difficult time for many supporters, so if you would like to spread your payments over a longer period, that can also be accommodated.

To contribute to the 12th Man Scheme, and for details of the payment options, please contact the Supporters Club on e-mail at supporters@kingstonian.com or call us on 07308 302923.

photos by Simon Roe.