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The Well Society this week invited its members to play their part in shaping the direction of the organisation, as it seeks to strengthen its Board.

As the majority shareholder of Motherwell FC, the Society has provision for nine elected members and three co-opted members. With three members currently in post and four members up for re-election or election, they’re hoping to attract a number of strong candidates for the elected spots.

A spokesperson for the Society said: “Our Rules of Association state that part of our role is to encourage and promote the principle of supporter representation on the board. This is an opportunity for all adult members to take an active role in the Society, either by putting themselves forward to serve on the Well Society Board, or casting their vote when the time comes.

“We have recently looked at what our priorities should be, considering what skills and perspectives are currently missing around the table, and placing a particular focus on the need to increase diversity of representation on the Board. We would therefore particularly encourage nominations from women, young people, disabled people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.”

Paid up members of the Society aged 18 or over, are eligible to put themselves forward. For more information, or to note interest in serving on the board, please email: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk by noon on Monday 18 September.

GOT A QUESTION?

For more information, or to discuss the role informally, please get in touch with us this week by email or by calling 01698 338009.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You can download the Well Society’s Rules of Association or check out the current Society Board set up.

Your opinion matters – join our focus group.

Well Society members often ask if they can have input into kit designs. Now they can!

Shirts are one of the elements of football you can touch. Just seeing that claret band, or petrol blue can stimulate your brain and trigger memories. The design and style of the shirt is important – from the colour scheme, the placement of logos and sponsorships, to the overall aesthetic appeal of the shirt. This is no different at Motherwell, and who better to influence our future uniform than the Fir Park Faithful?

Interested?

In order to fully represent the views of our club’s diverse fan base, and to stimulate engagement with the club, The Well Society will oversee a consultation with members regarding their thoughts, ideas and opinions on what makes the perfect Motherwell kit. The feedback will be collated, and any prevalent themes, ideas or opinions will be passed to the designers at Macron to influence our Home and Away kits for the 2024/25 season. Whilst we’re at it, why not send us your thoughts on a third kit?

The Well Society will be holding two focus groups at Fir Park on Wednesday 6 September​ from 6pm-7pm and from 7.15pm-8.15pm.

If you would like to apply to be on the focus group panel, please send an email to well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk with your full contact details and your preferred time slot by 5pm on Thursday 31 August. Please note this event is open to adult members of the Society only, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those unable to attend in person, you can download Macron’s kit design app – My Macron Kit – to build your dream kit.

Junior Steel Members can also let their imagination run wild by sending us drawings of what they would like to see their heroes in. Email finished drawings to us or hand in their design to the Society at the Chapman Building.

Your design can be anything you like. However, please bear in mind the constraints the kit supplier may have in creating the kit, therefore anything too detailed or unrealistic may not be put forward for selection. Save and share your designs with us by emailing them to: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk

Whilst this input will be considered, it is not in the form of a competition, and not binding in terms of the final design.

We look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Want to join the Well Society? Sign up here.

Motherwell FC interim CEO Derek Weir will be the speaker at August’s Business Breakfast.

Tickets for the event, which takes place on Wednesday 16th August, are now on sale.

As well as being a Motherwell fan and former Vice Chairman of the football club, Derek has held leadership positions with some of the UK’s best-known banking institutions (Barclays Bank, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Cooperative Bank) and has a keen interest in urban regeneration. He has chaired a number of private companies and personally invested in seven start-ups. He has a wealth of business experience to share.

Derek will also give attendees a “behind the scenes” look at the challenges and joys of being in the hot-seat at Fir Park.

Doug Inglis of the Well Society said: “The Business Breakfast offers the opportunity for people to get together over a coffee and take away some knowledge or top tips to put into practice in their own line of work. We’re looking forward to learning from Derek’s rich business experience, and to seeing friends old and new on the 16^th August.”

Join us from 8.30am. Tickets are £10, are available on the website (please remember to sign in to your account if you have one).

Alternatively, please contact Sally Hall on 01698 338009 or email sally.hall@motherwellfc.co.uk to secure your place.

Membership of the Well Society has now passed the 3600-mark, with newcomers signing up from afar afield as Nashville, Tennessee.

American radio host Chris Chilvers has been watching the Well and couldn’t wait to become part of the club’s story. He said: “I’ve been taking in the games via the Paramount Streaming services that made the games available over the pond. I just fell in love with Motherwell.”

Chris is one of 20 members living in the US. He’s looking forward to receiving his welcome pack and hanging his Well Society certificate up in the radio booth. He’ll help get the message across the airwaves to his listeners too, boosting the overseas contingent of members.

Sisters Anna and Thea were our newest Junior Steel members to join up. They love MFC, enjoy the games and want a shot at being match day mascots, a chance all Junior Steel members have through our regular draw.

As well as receiving a welcome pack and other benefits, Society members have the opportunity to help shape the club and get involved.

Tom Feely, co-chair of the Society, said: “I’m delighted to reach this number, now we set the next target of another 100 members by the end of the year. Collectively we can do so much more. Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute and welcome to all the new members on board.”

Find out more about membership by contacting the Well Society.

Join here.

More information of Junior Steel membership is here.

On the day when Motherwell Football Club honoured legendary manager Tommy McLean, with the official celebration of the stand named in his honour, another story was being written which will live in the annals of history for years to come.

Kevin van Veen’s five-minute-strike made it 14 goals in 11 consecutive games for the Dutchman, a post war record, and one which broke the club milestone held by the prolific Hughie Ferguson. Ferguson scored 16 goals in season 1919-20, scoring in every one of the first 10 games. In modern times the Dutchman has overtaken Mark Viduka who scored 10 games on the trot.

Watching in the stands on Sunday, as the 103-club record was surpassed, was Hughie’s grandson, his namesake, Hugh.

A season ticket holder, the 66-year-old fan has cheered on the boys in claret and amber all his life and this season has watched as the Dutchman edged closer and closer to the family record.

“My feelings on breaking the record set by my grandfather were, to be honest, quite mixed,” said Hugh.

“As a family we are all extremely proud of Hughie’s achievements both at Motherwell and at Cardiff City FC, and it would be nice in an ideal world if all his records could have stayed intact. However, when Kevin scored I was on my feet cheering alongside every other Well fan in Fir Park!”

The Well Society arranged for Hugh, and daughter Louise (32), to catch up with the man of the moment following the victory over Dundee United. When they were pitchside Hugh handed over a Ferguson family crest, the motto of which reads: ‘Sweeter after difficulties.’

Hugh added: “I had made my mind up if he equalled or beat Hughie’s record I would like to be able to personally shake his hand and congratulate him on behalf of the family on a fantastic achievement.”

After a season of thrills and majestic moments on the pitch the big striker had one more move up his sleeve – by reciting back to Hugh his grandfather’s achievements.

“I know all about him,” Kevin told Hugh, “I read all his stats and the history and everything. Amazing!”

Hugh said he was “surprised” van Veen was fully aware of his grandfather’s many achievements.

He explained: “He said he was very impressed by all Hughie achieved in his career back in the day. He came across to me and my daughter as one of life’s good guys!

“I congratulated him on breaking the record and wished him well for the remainder of his playing career. He laughed and apologised for breaking the record. But I’m sure he was joking!”

Inspirational speaker John Carnochan will tackle the importance of relationships and the value of ‘being human’ when he addresses the audience at our forthcoming Business Breakfast.

A former Detective Chief Superintendent with Strathclyde Police, John is best known for helping establish the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in 2005. Tackling violence as a public health issue, this preventative approach ultimately saw the rates of violence across Scotland fall.

“Trouble happens when we are disconnected,” says John, “We’ll look at how we can build better relationships – with the people we work with, the people we serve and the community we live in.”

To book tickets for the event on Friday 31 March 2023, between 8.30am and 10am:

Book online by clicking here. (please remember to sign in or create an account)
Email us well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk with your name, company and contact number and we’ll get back to you
– call us on 01698 338009
See you there!

A fundraising ‘Well Society Day’ will be held at Fir Park as Motherwell FC take on fellow fan-owned club Heart of Midlothian FC on Sunday 19 February 2023. 

The day has been planned as a celebration of “fan-power” to remind supporters of the difference they make to their respective clubs.

“We want to show our fans the massive part they play in Motherwell FC,” said Douglas Dickie, Co-Chair of the Society, “and what better way than to have a whole day dedicated to them?”

The Society will have a visible presence prior to and during the match, which kicks off at noon, to answer member’s questions and hand out goodies. They will also highlight recent achievements, such as the U17s Foyle Cup win, and demonstrate how the Society has brought people together through football.

As well as giving fans the chance to win a hospitality package for 10, a number of children from the Junior Steel club and the Foundation of Hearts will take to the field as mascots.

The Society will also be hoping for a fundraising boost via a bucket collection on the day, and to add to their 3500-membership base.

Douglas added: “We’re a club who punch above our weight on so many levels, and this is made possible through the generosity of our members. They are a crucial cog in our long-term vision of a fully integrated club. Anything we can do to make them feel valued is worth it.”

And whilst competition will be fierce on the park, off it there will be a chance for colleagues from the Well Society and the Foundation of Hearts – the majority shareholders in each club – to catch up.

“Fan ownership is a journey and we’ve helped each other out along the way,” said Douglas, “we’ll look forward to continuing this relationship.”

For more information, and to enter the hospitality draw, contact The Well Society on 01698 338009 or email: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk.

One of the best things about Motherwell FC is that any fan can become an owner of the club they love.

Gift membership of the Well Society is on offer with adult membership available at the discounted price of £50, whilst Junior Steel membership is £25.

Junior Steel membership (0-15 years old)

Sign up your wee one (or fast-growing teen) and they’ll receive:

• A Welcome Pack including Junior Steel certificate and keyring
• An ‘I Own MFC’ scarf exclusive to Junior Steel members
• A personalised birthday card
• A personalised Christmas card

All this plus a chance to be a mascot on matchday!

You can purchase a Junior Steel membership online.

Adult membership

Adult members also receive goodies, as well as the knowledge that they’re helping represent the interests of the community in the running of the club. Members are entitled to:

• A Welcome Pack including Certificate of Ownership, keyring and pin badge
• One share in the Well Society, giving you a vote on Well Society issues and a say on some club matters
• An opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the Well Society and the club
• Be added to the weekly newsletter list
• Discounted access to Well Society events at Fir Park and beyond

Adult membership is available to purchase online.

If you have any queries drop us a line, give us a call on 01698 338009 or contact the Well Society using our contact form.

Gift membership entitles the recipient to one year’s membership of the Well Society, after which they will be invited to renew.

Fan ownership at Motherwell FC goes from strength to strength, with membership of the Well Society this month exceeding the 3500 mark. And to celebrate we’re giving one lucky fan a day to remember.

We’ll draw one member’s details from the hat on Wednesday 14 December. They’ll win a hospitality package for two for the Ross County game on 14 January 2023 at Fir Park. They’ll also have the opportunity to meet former and current players and receive a signed shirt.

Doug Inglis from the Society board said: “Reaching 3500 members on the books is a significant milestone, and we’d like to thank each and every fan who has become part of the Society. This achievement is especially pleasing against the economic backdrop we are all facing.”

Any fan can become a member of Motherwell FC through the Well Society from as little as £5 per month. As well as holding a reserve fund for the club, the Well Society, as majority shareholder, have made almost £10,000 available this year to further Society objectives. This has included covering travel costs for youth teams, promoting football coaching roles for local women and helping the Walking Football team take part in European competition.

Doug added: “We’re proud that we have been able to promote the game of football and uphold the values the club through a number of initiatives. This is only possible through the support from members’ contributions.”

If you haven’t yet done so, here’s how you can support the Well Society and add to the 3500 who play their part in owning Motherwell Football Club.

NEW MEMBERS

Join the Well Society. Pledges start at just £5 per month (or £3 per month for those aged 16-26 in full time education or low-income employment).

EXISTING MEMBERS: UPPING YOUR PLEDGE

We’ve had several existing members increasing their pledge, for example from £5 to £10 per month. To do this simply click here, set up a new pledge and cancel your existing direct debit. Alternatively drop an email to well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk and we’ll cancel your existing pledge for you.

EXISTING MEMBERS: MAKE YOUR ANNUAL RENEWAL PAYMENT

If you’ve not paid any membership fees in the past 12 months please do so using whichever method is most convenient for you:

1. Via GoCardless
2. Via bank transfer (contact us for details: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk)
3. By card over the phone. Our number is 01698 338009 during office hours.

Please use your name or Well Society number (if known) as the reference.

If you’re responsible for a Junior Steel membership, you can renew here (scroll to the end and choose the £20 renew option or the £2 per month option).

ONE-OFF DONATIONS

One-off donations can be made through Paypal to: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Lanarkshire women are being offered free places on a football coaching course – even if they’ve never kicked a ball! 

Motherwell FC Community Trust and the Well Society have teamed up to offer the places in the hope that local women will step forward learn new skills, increase their confidence and make an impact on young lives.

“We’ve seen a huge interest in the women’s game, and the girls development centre at Motherwell FC Community Trust is going from strength to strength,” said Andy Thomson, Football Development Manager at the Trust.

“But we routinely see young girls drop out of teams because of a lack of female role models, and we want to address that. We want to change perceptions that football coaching is for men only.”

“The football will take care of itself,” Andy continued, “What we’re looking for is women who can adapt and grow, and who want to make a difference in their community, as well as their own lives. We want to give them the opportunity to be part of a team and help coach young female players, regardless of their own footballing ability.”

The Well Society have covered the costs of five spaces on the Scottish FA’s Level 1.1 Introduction to coaching course. Along with practical support from the Trust, individuals will learn aspects like being responsible, organised and disciplined – qualities which can prepare them for any area of life.

Douglas Dickie, co-chair of the Society said: “When people in the community take ownership of their future, it can have a profound effect, which goes beyond sport. We would encourage anyone who is thinking about a change, or a challenge, or who needs to take on this type of role for career development to get in touch.”

Women aged 16 or over in the local area who are interested in finding out more should contact Andrew.Thomson@motherwellfc.co.uk