Windsor & Eton Football Club is aware that an individual has been contacting a number of local organisations, footballing bodies and clubs with the inference that the club could be failing to meet its legal and/or regulatory obligations as a CIC, as an organisor of senior football in the Combined Counties League, in how it partners with Windsor Youth, and in its initiative to seek planning permission for a 3G pitch.
This behaviour is consistent with this individual’s wording used on his personal website campaigning against the proposed 3G pitch development. This sets out that, in his opinion, “the club “has a clear disregard for legal process and public accountability” and further that club has “repeatedly acted as if it is above the law”.
This is totally incorrect, Whilst we of course respect the right of anyone to properly question how the club is run, this individual chooses indirect means rather than be straightforward and simply put their concerns directly to the club.
The important context here is WEFC is able to function largely through the unpaid contributions and goodwill of dozens of local residents who see the club as a huge community asset, well worth the time and effort that they put in. As such, we always do our very best to make sure that we meet all our obligations and run a compliant organisation. Whilst we won’t always get everything right, we always act in good faith and move swiftly to correct any mistakes inadvertently made
We want to take this opportunity to set out the relevant facts about the club that this individual seems to believe are in question.
- Windsor & Eton FC is fully compliant with all league requirements. We have always had, and maintain, a positive working relationship with our league officials, and there are no ongoing issues.
- We are fully compliant with our status as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Our accounts, structure, and reporting processes are transparent and meet all regulatory obligations.
- The club operates proper financial governance in partnership with our youth section. All funds raised are used solely to support running costs, grassroots football and community initiatives. No directors take any monies from the club. Our youth section is run by a long-standing unincorporated association which is an equal partner in Windsor & Eton Football Club CIC through the entity that its members own (Co. No. 14222924)
- There are no disputes with any other football clubs. We enjoy, and our very proud, of the strong relationships with all clubs in the local area and competitions in which we participate.
- Any sub-letting of facilities is carried out strictly in accordance with the permissions in our lease, and always in full communication with our landlord, the Crown Estate.
- We are following the correct and transparent planning process for our proposed 3G pitch, in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, the Crown Estate, and the Football Foundation. At all times we have tried to communicative openly with residents and the wider community. All relevant information has been made publicly available, we have provided opportunities for the public to provide feedback in person and via an online and paper-based survey, and have given regular updates on our progress.
- Regarding the recent temporary deployment of stewards on the access road for matchday traffic management, this was done in good faith and with the best intentions to support local residents, ensure safety and importantly to ensure residents were not obstructed from parking their cars. We have since been made aware that formal authorisation is required, and we are now working proactively with RBWM to regularise this through the appropriate channels.
Throughout this process, we have been, and will continue to be, open, transparent, and professional. We welcome all views both for and against the club’s activities, but we will also continue to call out misinformation, misrepresentation, and misleading claims whenever they appear. It’s unfortunate that a certain individual wishes to continue to act in this manner, but our focus remains exactly where it should be: on trying to bring safe, inclusive and sustainable football facilities for the people and most importantly, children of Windsor, and ensuring our club continues to represent the very best of community sport.
