1874 Northwich FC v Chester FC
Supporters Direct Shield – Tuesday 23 July 2019 KO 7.45pm
1874 Northwich is delighted to be hosting Chester, both wholly owned by their supporters, on Tuesday 23 July. The game will take place at our new home – The Offside Trust Stadium, Townfield, Barnton, Northwich and it is being supported by the Football Supporters’ Association. The teams will play for the Supporters Direct Shield.
1874 was formed on 15 November 2012, following a vote of Trust members to form its own supporter owned club and we began life in the North West Counties Division One in August 2013. Promotion followed at the end of the first season, to the NWCFL Premier League where we remain. Vanarama League side Chester Football Club was officially reborn on 21 May 2010, from the ashes of the old club. They joined the Evostik Division One North, and thanks to their supporters rallying in huge numbers, the club went from strength to strength earning three successive promotions.
Both clubs have their supporters, and their communities, at the very heart of everything they do. 1874 and Chester were kindly assisted by ‘Supporters Direct’ when they were setting up and both have continued to enjoy a strong relationship with the organisation since. In 1874’s case, we were supported by the very wonderful Jacqui Forster, who remained by our side until her sad passing. It is therefore an honour for both to have been invited to play for the SD Shield.
The Football Supporters’ Association
Last year members of Supporters Direct and the Football Supporters’ Federation met at a special conference to merge the organisations into what is now the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA).
The FSA continues to battle for supporter ownership, and back events such as the SD Shield, while also campaigning across a range of fields relating to ticket prices, fan legal rights, and more.
“We hope you all have a great day and are lucky enough to see an entertaining game at this year’s SD Shield.”
Tom Greatrex – VC of Football Supporters’ Association