We are delighted to confirm that the takeover of Banbury United Football Club by the Supporters lead Community Benefit Society has been confirmed. The transfer of ownership has been ratified by the Football Association, The Oxfordshire Football Association and by the Southern League.

The Community Benefit Society will now have control of the club and this will initially be overseen by the Interim Steering Group which has lead the process for the takeover. Elections for a Management Board are scheduled to be held in November 2015.

Commenting on the news the Banbury United Supporters Club Chairman and Interim Steering Group member Stephen Barlow said,“After months of hard work on the project it is fantastic to see the ownership of our great club in the hands of those who care about it the most, the supporters. The club has experienced some tough times in the past few years but, with the backing of supporters and the Banbury community, we are confident we can make Banbury United a club the town can be proud of.”

Membership of the Community Benefit has exceeded 160 to date and the Steering Group hope, that with the takeover finally concluded, more supporters will sign up in the coming weeks. Over £8000 has also been raised through the CBS Community Share offer. Further details of the membership scheme can be found on the Community Benefit Society pages of the club website, www.banburyunitedfc.co.uk or by contacting the CBS Membership Secretary, Mike Seaton. mikeseat@hotmail.com

The Interim Steering Group is grateful for the support and guidance of Supporters Direct who have steered them through the transfer of ownership process. The group also thank the board and officers of Banbury United Development Ltd, the previous owners of the club, some of whom will continue to assist the club.

As well as working on the transfer of ownership the Interim Steering Group has been busy preparing for the new season. Details of sponsorship agreements that were put in place subject to the takeover being approved, will be released over the next few days. There are other commercial opportunities available for companies wishing to be involved in this community project and a contact for our commercial manager is included below.

In anticipation of the transfer of ownership a number of supporters have helped rejuvenate the ground, including a complete refurbishment of the changing rooms. This is appreciated by all and it is this level of engagement by supporters into their club which highlights the benefit of supporters-ownership.

In addition the club are undertaking a refurbishment of the clubhouse which, when completed, it is hoped will increase the number of bookings and with it income into the club. This work along with the changing room improvements has been supported by a donation from long term supporter Stewart Green. The CBS Steering Group, on behalf of all club supporters, offers its grateful thanks to Stewart for his incredibly generous support.

Stewart is of course the driving force behind another project that has come to fruition as a result of the club takeover, Puritans Radio. Puritans Radio hit the internet airwaves on Saturday and will offer extensive coverage of the club as well as other community activity.

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For further details contact Stephen Barlow, sbarlow519@gmail.com or Ronnie Johnson, ronnie@ticketpassion.com.

For details of commercial opportunities contact Mark Allitt, mfallitt-bufc@yahoo.co.uk,

Please find below details of the Community Benefit Society.

Banbury United is a Community Benefit Society. It is registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, Registration Number 7135, as Banbury United Community Football Club Ltd.

The aim of the club is to benefit the community by
i. enhancing the social, cultural and economic value of the Club to its Communities and by acting as a responsible custodian of the club for future generations;
ii. upholding the mutual ownership of the Club operating democratically, fairly and transparently;
iii. ensuring the Club operates with financial responsibility enabling the Club to be run for the long term interest of the Community;
iv. providing sporting facilities and opportunities regardless of age, income, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, religious or moral belief; and
v. playing at the highest level possible, but always operating in a financially responsible and prudent manner.

Member of the Interim Steering Group, along with their primary area of work is as below. Profiles of the individuals are on the Community Benefit Society section of the club website www.banburyunitedfc.co.uk

Ronnie Johnson (Chair)
Stephen Barlow (Secretary)
Dave Wyatt (Treasurer)
Mark Allitt (Commercial)
Dave Shadbolt (Communications)
Nigel Porter (Development Ground)
Martin Cantrell (Community)