Match tickets for Town v Maldon & Tiptree (Buildbase FA Trophy, Wednesday 9th December 7.45pm)

Discussions are still ongoing about the resumption of league matches at Step 3 level, but our Buildbase FA Trophy first round match at home to Maldon & Tiptree on Wednesday 9th December, 7.45pm kick-off, is scheduled to go ahead as a limited capacity all-ticket match, taking account of the experience of staging recent matches and of government guidelines. There are some adjustments to previous matches, and further adjustments may continue to be made in the light of any further Covid-19 guidance.  General season tickets are not valid for this match, but Gold #GoToTown subscribers can gain entry via the gate next to the turnstiles by presenting their season card or, if not collected yet, by giving their details to the steward on the gate.

Tickets can be purchased via https://shop.etfc.london/events.

Adults: £11.00
Concessions: £7.00
Under-21s: £7.00
Under-16’s: £1.00

Ticket applicants will be issued with a digital quick response (QR) code e-ticket which can be swiped at the gate on a mobile phone or be printed out for entry.  Please note that an invoice will also be forwarded; this is not your ticket. If there are any issues with e-ticket delivery, please check your spam/junk folders before emailing webteam@etfc.london

There will be an opportunity to purchase a seat in the very limited accommodation in the main stand (an additional £4). Now that club shop arrangements are up and running, hard copy matchday programmes will be available on the day (£2.50 cash or contactless payment at the club shop), ie not reserved in advance. E-copies (£2) will be available in advance of the match at https://shop.etfc.london/product-category/match-day-programme

In line with government guidelines, the club is highly unlikely to be operating a bar service.  FA rules stipulate that alcohol cannot be brought into the stadium.  Any further changes for this match will be notified as soon as possible.

As announced previously, the club have taken a number of comprehensive precautions to make the QEII Stadium safe, particularly with regard to social distancing.  All spectators need to be fully aware that attendance at the match will be entirely at their own risk. You must follow government guidelines and self-diagnose before travelling to the QEII Stadium.  If you, or any of your household, are experiencing any symptoms which may be related to Covid-19, you should not travel and you should follow NHS advice. At the QEII Stadium you agree to respect others, abide with social distancing guidelines and measures that the club have put in place, and undertake to follow all advice given by ETFC stewards, officials and via tannoy announcements.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience whilst we adapt to constantly evolving ways of working, as the club looks to do the right thing, incrementally, with the safety of all in mind.  Certain facilities will remain closed or be limited. There will be signage in place, and parts of the ground will be subject to a one-way system for additional safety. Toilets will be subject to social distancing measures. Spectators should come prepared for inclement weather as there will be a strict adherence to maintaining social distancing under the limited cover at the ground. Umbrellas are permitted, although you should of course bear in mind the need to avoid blocking other spectators’ view. Please use the NHS Covid-19 app at the entrance if you have downloaded it.

It has been confirmed that Ryan Blackman and Lyle Della-Verde have signed deals at Welling United following the recently announced dual registration arrangement with them.

Town Chairman Paul Reed said “It’s no surprise that Lyle and Ryan have excelled at Step 2 – they are both very fine players as we have seen from their performances in a Town shirt throughout their time with us. We always knew there would be a risk of us losing one or both players once they had dual-registered and we wish them every success in the future.

“Without contracts for most of our players, we were unable to do anything to prevent Ryan and Lyle dual-registering with Welling. We tried to work with the spirit of the dual registration arrangement rather than fighting it and possibly either or both players asking to deregister with us. We of course understood the impact of the lack of football income on both players’ own personal circumstances and wanted to be sympathetic to their desire to earn some income during these tough times.

“My day job is in the world of recruitment and it’s hard not to equate that with this current situation. If the vast majority of us were offered more money or a perceived bigger role with a different organisation then which of us wouldn’t take that opportunity? Us supporters will always have unflinching loyalty to our club, whereas players are understandably much more likely to see their time with us as part of a wider career for themselves.

“Where I do feel let down, though, is with Welling and their communication around all this. The management team there were very proactive when they wanted to approach the players and looked to fully utilise their contacts at our club to expedite the moves. However, this proactivity has been noticeably absent throughout the past week or so, with the only news of the departures coming from the players themselves. Nothing surprises me in football, however, and we can only maintain our own standards as a club and continue to act as professionally and as decently as possible whilst keeping the club’s best interests at the heart of all we do.”

Away from player news, Paul has also given an update on the restart of games at our level: “There is still a lot of uncertainty around if and when our league season will recommence, not least as the new tier systems make it impossible for some clubs in our league to host spectators and for the rest of us to benefit from secondary income through bar takings etc. The Isthmian League have called a meeting of all member clubs on Tuesday evening in an attempt to gain a consensus with which to move forward. The league will then, in turn, work with the other Trident leagues to come up with an aligned approach across Steps 3 and 4. There are a huge raft of factors to consider across the country and I’m sure there will be plenty of debate to come. We will of course keep you updated.

“Whilst the league campaign remains somewhat in limbo, I think it is clear that we will be expected to play our Buildbase FA Trophy match against Maldon & Tiptree on Wednesday 9th December. Further details and ticket information will be released as soon as possible.”

With this match approaching, manager Andy Leese has confirmed that there will be a behind-closed-doors friendly at Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday 5^th December.

The Football Association have issued a brief statement (addressing the post-Lockdown 2 period): “We note the Government’s further update today (Thursday 26 November) on the three tiered system and continue our ongoing dialogue with Government to clarify the details and next steps, including travel between tiers. We will publish detailed guidance once we’ve clarified these details.”

In the meantime, the Pitching In Isthmian League have published a revised schedule of Premier Division matches for the remainder of the season. Town’s provisional list is reproduced below (as well as being available at https://etfc.london/calendar/matches-2020-21 ), starting with the visit of Maldon & Tiptree in the First Round of the Buildbase FA Trophy on Wednesday 9th December. The provisional dates for the 2nd and 3rd Rounds of this season’s competition are Tuesday 15th December and Saturday 19th December respectively.

Town supporters will continue to be updated through the website and social media as soon as any additional information becomes available.

Wed 9 Dec	H	Maldon & Tiptree	FA Trophy 1	7.45pm
Sat 12 Dec	H	East Thurrock United	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 19 Dec	A	Wingate & Finchley	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 26 Dec	A	Haringey Borough	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Mon 28 Dec	H	Potters Bar Town	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 2 Jan	A	Bowers & Pitsea	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 9 Jan	H	Horsham	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Tue 12 Jan	A	Cheshunt	Isthmian Premier	7.45pm
Sat 16 Jan	H	Carshalton Athletic	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Tue 19 Jan	A	Hornchurch	Isthmian Premier	7.45pm
Sat 23 Jan	A	Brightlingsea Regent	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Tue 26 Jan	H	Bognor Regis Town	Isthmian Premier	7.45pm
Sat 30 Jan	H	Cheshunt	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 6 Feb	A	Cray Wanderers	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Tue 9 Feb	A	Folkestone Invicta	Isthmian Premier	7.45pm
Sat 13 Feb	H	Hornchurch	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 20 Feb	A	Bognor Regis Town	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 27 Feb	A	Lewes	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Tue 2 Mar	H	Bishop’s Stortford	Isthmian Premier	7.45pm
Sat 6 Mar	H	Merstham	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 13 Mar	A	Kingstonian	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 20 Mar	H	Folkestone Invicta	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 27 Mar	A	Worthing	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 3 Apr	A	Margate	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Mon 5 Apr	H	Haringey Borough	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 10 Apr	A	Leatherhead	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 17 Apr	H	Corinthian-Casuals	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 24 Apr	A	East Thurrock United	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 1 May	H	Wingate & Finchley	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Mon 3 May	A	Potters Bar Town	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 8 May	H	Cray Wanderers	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 15 May	H	Worthing	Isthmian Premier	3pm
Sat 22 May	H	Bowers & Pitsea	Isthmian Premier	3pm

Following the government’s announcement about the reopening of grassroots sport from 2nd December (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/culture-secretary-announces-return-of-fans-to-elite-sports-events-and-reopening-of-grassroots-sport-from-2-december ) and the FA’s response (https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/nov/23/statement-on-grassroots-football-post-lockdown-231120 ) the club can now confirm that its next two first team fixtures post-lockdown2 will be at home to Maldon & Tiptree in the Buildbase FA Trophy First Round on Wednesday 9th December (7.45pm) and to East Thurrock United in the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division on Saturday 12th December (3.00 pm).

The next steps in terms of preparation for these two fixtures, and for those beyond, will be very much dependent on the anticipated government announcement about the strengthened tier system, and its geographical impact, after the lockdown ends.

26TH NOVEMBER UPDATE: GREATER LONDON BOROUGHS HAVE BEEN CLASSIFIED AS TIER 2 AREAS FROM 2ND DECEMBER, SO IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT A LIMITED NUMBER OF SPECTATORS WILL BE PERMITTED AT GROUNDS IN THOSE AREAS.

Supporters will be updated when further information is available.

A provisional new date for Enfield Town v Maldon & Tiptree in the First Round of the FA Trophy is Tuesday 8 December (7.45pm). SINCE REVISED TO WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER (7.45PM).

This is subject to a number of interim discussions and agreements, including whether or not the national lockdown is extended beyond 2nd December. The club will update supporters as soon as it is able to do so.

Further information on the lifting of the suspension of the competition is available on the FA website: https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/nov/20/buildbase-fa-trophy-and-vase-updated-round-dates-201120

The Enfield Town FC Supporters Society 2021 Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 21st January at 7.30pm via Zoom link. Members have been sent an agenda and background material direct via e-mail.

The provisional agenda is:

1) To receive the minutes of the AGM held on 23 January 2020

2) To receive a report from Paul Reed, Chairman, and members of the Board on current issues – including whether the season should be terminated – and a review of the Club’s progress against its business plan.

3) To receive the Accounts of the Society and ETFC Ltd for the year ended 30 June 2020

4) To receive a report on the work of the ETFC Academy – Billy Highton

5) To receive a report on the work of the Sports Development Company (Enfield Town FC Community Sports Development Ltd) – Paul Millington

6) Manager’s Report – There will be an opportunity to discuss playing matters with Andy Leese in a question and answer session.

A record of the meeting will be available in due course after the event for members who are unable to attend.

The Pitching In Isthmian League have issued a brief statement which summarises some of the outcomes of a meeting held earlier today. The headline item is that – subject to government approval in due course – Isthmian football is provisionally scheduled to restart on Saturday 19th December, provided spectators are allowed to attend. The club will issue additional updates online as they become available.

The brief statement appears on the Isthmian League website:

https://www.isthmian.co.uk/an-early-christmas-present-64497

Why not join the Board of the UK’s First Fan Owned Football Club! While the fans of some clubs can only chant “sack the Board” when it all goes wrong, as members of the UK’s first supporters-owned club you can vote for your Board members or even put yourself forward for election.

And even if you’re relatively satisfied with the Club’s current on and off the field position, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seriously think about standing for election if you have the time, energy and skills which you think can take our Club forward as it pursues its vision of being an inclusive club for all and a football and social centre for the community, with a range of teams playing at the highest sustainable level possible.

The annual elections to the Board of the Enfield Town FC Supporters Society and the Football Club will be held between now and January 2021. This is an opportunity for members to stand for election to the Board and for members to vote if the number of candidates exceeds the places available. The Board has twelve members with a third of the number required to stand down each year in rotation.

If you wish to stand for election you must have been a member of ETFC Supporters Society for at least 12 months and you must submit a nomination form by Thursday 3 December. A form is available at the end of this document . You also need to get three ETFCSSL members to sign the nomination form, and you may submit up to 200 words to support your candidacy. If the number of candidates exceeds the number of places available there will be an election, with ballot papers sent to paid- up members with the AGM notice. The intention is to announce the results of any election at the AGM on Thursday 21 January 2021.

Person Specification

A passion for Enfield Town FC is a good starting point! The constitution of the Society refers to the promotion of Association Football in the London Borough of Enfield and therefore the focus is not just on the first team.

The Board is keen to develop the scope of its membership and to attract younger people, women, and those from minority ethnic groups, to better align Board membership with the community ethos of the Club.

Board Meetings usually take place once a month, and directors are expected to attend. Specific workstreams are set up from time to time to focus on detailed aspects of the Board’s undertakings, for example on matchday arrangements or income generation. Board members may be required to represent the club at external meetings and to represent the club on match days.

“​The Board requires different skill sets to function properly. From a list that is not exhaustive, examples of the skills and experience that could be useful are:

• Project management
• Marketing, communications, and promotional experience
• Experience with community projects
• Work in the leisure sector
• Work in the voluntary sector
• Running a business

These are just examples and if you think you have skills and commitment to take the club forward do not be put off by this list!

At the present time we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people who have experience in:

• Marketing and ‘selling’, and who would also be prepared to undertake commercial promotional activities on some match days
• Current communications processes, whether technology based or otherwise
• Working with, and co-ordinating, volunteers

We would also like to increase the presence at our stadium during the week to assist with administrative tasks and liaison with contractors and visitors, and so would welcome interest from people who have the capacity to help with this.

Time and frequency of Board Meetings and any sub-groups is dependent upon the current priorities of the club, for example during the pandemic the Board has met fortnightly via Zoom. Actions arising from those meetings will necessitate a flexible approach to the hours of service per week or month from each elected Director.

We will be seeking nominations for election to the Board of Enfield Town FC Supporters Society and the Football Club between now and 3 December.

How to Put Your Name Forward

Applications can be made online, by email or by post:

• Online at https://etfc.london/nomination-for-the-enfield-town-supporters-society-board
• By Post or Email by downloading, completing and returning the following form ETFCBoardElections2021ApplicationForm.pdf and sending to Company Secretary Akin Yilmaz. You need to get three ETFCSSL members to sign the nomination form; this may not be practical at this time, just list the names of those members who are prepared to nominate you.

If you are interested, or have any questions prior to nominations being considered, please speak to any current Board member, or contact Company Secretary Akin Yilmaz, whose details can be found here.

Election Timetable

Action	Timing	Date
Nomination Period Opens	AGM – 9 weeks	19 November 2020
Nomination Period Closes	AGM – 7 weeks	3 December 2020
Postal ballot papers issued to all members with notice & agenda for AGM	AGM – 5 weeks	17 December 2020
Ballot Closes	AGM – 2 Weeks	7 January 2021
Ballot results announced	AGM	21 January 2021

We are delighted to say our online store is now up and running and ready to serve your needs. Find us at: https://shop.etfc.london/product-category/merchandise or click the ‘Shop’ link on the website. We will be adding new products all the time, so keep checking back to see what hot new products we have available.

All our current shirts are available – so you can choose from the home, yellow away, green away and also the purple or orange goalkeeper shirts. All sizes are available to order, though please note not all sizes will be in stock, however, the lead time with our supplier is quite short so we would expect to be able to fulfil all orders within 2-3 weeks.  We also have a Macron ETFC coat available to order and will continue to add more clothing and souvenirs as soon as we can. This is a great opportunity to support your club whilst we are in lockdown and also plan ahead for Christmas, which is now just around the corner and now is a great time to sort out gifts for your loved ones.

We can offer postage direct to your home or work place for extra convenience; we also offer a Click & Collect option, which is free, but please note you can only collect from the club shop on matchdays. We will strive to offer the best service we can for you and keep you updated as to the date your order will be delivered/ready to collect. Please do be aware though that we are of course affected by the current covid-19 restrictions which may slow things down a little.

Midfielders Ryan Blackman and Lyle Della-Verde have dual-registered with Conference South club Welling United in advance of the Wings’ behind-closed-doors match against Chelmsford City tomorrow (7th November), following an agreed waiver of the usual 7-day approach procedure.

This amicable arrangement will be an opportunity for the two players to keep match fit while Town’s own season at Step 3 level is on hold until the current lockdown ends. They both remain Enfield Town players, and the club looks forward to seeing them back in a white shirt when Isthmian League Premier Division football restarts. In the meantime, we wish them both all the best over the next few weeks!