FAQs
What are the Well Society’s objectives?
Our priorities, in order, are to:
- Encourage greater ownership of the club by supporters and ensure effective supporter representation on all relevant boards and committees.
- Represent the rights and interests of the community in the running of the club.
- Plan and undertake fundraising activities to raise additional income for the club.
- Promote the game of football as a sport for everyone.
- Promote the club nationally and internationally.
Where does my money go?
Members’ contributions do two things. Firstly, the majority of contributions ensure we can continue to build a reserve fund, for the club to use at any point if required.
Secondly, a small amount (around 10% of annual contributions) funds our Club Improvement Programme. This allows any department of Motherwell Football Club to ask for practical or financial input from the Well Society. Projects must either make savings, generate income or further one or more of the Well Society’s objectives.
What does owning a share mean?
As an adult member you are entitled to one Well Society share and one vote. This is to protect the club from any one person or company gaining control. This share has no monetary value and cannot be sold or withdrawn. Shares do not carry any right to interest, dividend or bonus. If a member ceases to be a member, the share registered in their name is cancelled and that share becomes the property of the Society.
When you join the Society £1 of your fee goes towards buying your share. Buying this share does not leave you open to any responsibility or liability.
What does being an owner mean?
If you are aged 16 or over, and are an adult member, you have one Well Society share and a vote on Well Society business, plus an input into some club matters. If you are aged 18 or over you can consider putting yourself forward to serve on the Well Society board.
Depending on your level of membership you are entitled to particular benefits. Please note that your contribution is not an investment and therefore there is no return on that contribution or return of the money you contribute. Owner benefits, beyond voting, may vary from year to year.
You can put forward comments and ideas to the club via the Well Society board and have an active part in Well Society board elections. From time to time the Society may ask for your input on issues relating to the Society, the club or Scottish football in general.
The day-to-day ‘business’ – football and otherwise – of Motherwell FC is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, the team managers and their staff and the heads of department, with support from the club board.
Data privacy, personal privacy and commercial confidentiality means some aspects of club affairs cannot be shared with members.
The Well Society are represented on the club board, and are consulted on major spend, capital projects and strategic direction. We are the conduit for members’ ideas, thoughts and criticisms.
What’s the criteria for a Well Society member?
A person is deemed to be a member of the Well Society, if they are the holder of one share and entitled to a vote, if they are aged 16 years or over, agree to abide by the Society’s rules and have paid their subscription payment (min. £5**) to the Well Society.
We encourage members to set up a monthly payment. Alternatively annual membership is:
- £25 Junior Steel (year 1), £20 per year thereafter
- £36 for 16-26 year olds on low income or in full time education
- £60 per year per adult
**or £3 for those aged between 16-26 in education or low-income employment.
How old do I need to be to be a Well Society member?
Junior Steel membership is for children and young people aged between 0-16. Junior Steel members receive a membership pack and are eligible to enter the draw to be a matchday mascots. They do not have a share or voting rights. Junior Steel members are entitled to step up to adult membership on or after their 16th birthday by committing to at least £3 per month or paying an annual membership fee of £36.
Can I become a member even if I live overseas?
Yes! As long as you meet the criteria above, we’re delighted to have you with us.
What is the Well Society and how is it governed?
The Well Society is a mutual benefit society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. This means we are a legal entity in our own right.
Members are subject to The Rules of the Well Society, which can be downloaded here.
Buying a share doesn’t leave you open to any responsibility or liability.
Our Board meet once a month and set the direction of the Society. We also consider comments, compliments and complaints from members and liaise with the club on fans’ behalf. From time to time we will ask members for input on particular issues to help us inform club direction, or Well Society-specific matters.
When does membership end?
You cease to be a member of the Well Society if:
- Your Junior Steel membership expires on your 16th birthday and you do not step up to adult membership
- You tell us in writing that you no longer wish to be a member of the Well Society
- You die
- You are expelled under the Rules of the Well Society
Can I take a break from membership fees?
We know that sometimes you need a break from regular payments and that’s fine, as long as you think of us when you’re back on your feet.
