Tuesday, 18 October 2005 07:57
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2010/2011
In July 1990 a group of men sat down together and decided it was time for Manchester United to have the backing of an official South African supporters’ club.
Each of these individuals donated R100 into a pool to get things off the ground. Gary Bailey was invited to stand as Chairman, and an Executive Committee was appointed.
Exactly ten years later the Marketing Department at Old Trafford “sold the rights to the brand” to Treble Sports and control of the official Supporters’ Club was lost to the people who really cared. It didn’t take long for Treble Sports to realise that they were not going to become millionaires through Manchester United fans, and they shut operations on the Supporters’ Club, halfway through the season. This allowed the group still quietly operating out of Johannesburg to regain control and once again provide service to members.
In July 2010 we celebrate 2O Years of Pure United Passion. It’s no mean feat, but it would not have been possible without you. It’s the members who have kept this branch going, through good times and bad. It’s the members who have faithfully renewed memberships even in years when United haven’t won a trophy. And we are particularly thankful to the core membership who remained with the original group after Treble Sports departure.
I often get emails from people around the world who are writing a thesis on either United in particular or football in general who ask, “why do you support Manchester United?” How does one answer that? I’m reminded of a signature line someone used once on a forum: “For those who understand no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation is possible”.
Membership registration for 2010-11 is now under way. The application form is attached. We have a deadline to meet in order to retain our official status – something we wouldn’t want to lose after 20 years! This deadline is end July so I would urge you to get your applications in as soon as possible but no later than 16th July to allow them to be processed and mailed to Manchester.
Our 20th Anniversary Dinner, originally planned for 9th July, had to be put on hold because Sir Alex cancelled his plans to come to the World Cup. The Committee is working hard to find a suitable replacement and the dinner will take place later in the year. Attendance will be restricted to members, and to further encourage early enrolment, a free ticket will be awarded to one lucky person who signs up before 16th July 2010.
We had hoped for four in a row, but in the end it wasn’t to be. In an injury-ravaged season United finished just one point behind Chelsea, made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and retained the Carling Cup. Do not doubt that Sir Alex will ask his usual question of his players at the start of the new season: “Are you hungry?” Not getting that fourth consecutive title will have hurt them, and our message to Chelsea is to keep the silverware clean, because in May 2011 it’s coming back home!
Each of these individuals donated R100 into a pool to get things off the ground. Gary Bailey was invited to stand as Chairman, and an Executive Committee was appointed.
Exactly ten years later the Marketing Department at Old Trafford “sold the rights to the brand” to Treble Sports and control of the official Supporters’ Club was lost to the people who really cared. It didn’t take long for Treble Sports to realise that they were not going to become millionaires through Manchester United fans, and they shut operations on the Supporters’ Club, halfway through the season. This allowed the group still quietly operating out of Johannesburg to regain control and once again provide service to members.
In July 2010 we celebrate 2O Years of Pure United Passion. It’s no mean feat, but it would not have been possible without you. It’s the members who have kept this branch going, through good times and bad. It’s the members who have faithfully renewed memberships even in years when United haven’t won a trophy. And we are particularly thankful to the core membership who remained with the original group after Treble Sports departure.
I often get emails from people around the world who are writing a thesis on either United in particular or football in general who ask, “why do you support Manchester United?” How does one answer that? I’m reminded of a signature line someone used once on a forum: “For those who understand no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation is possible”.
Membership registration for 2010-11 is now under way. The application form is attached. We have a deadline to meet in order to retain our official status – something we wouldn’t want to lose after 20 years! This deadline is end July so I would urge you to get your applications in as soon as possible but no later than 16th July to allow them to be processed and mailed to Manchester.
Our 20th Anniversary Dinner, originally planned for 9th July, had to be put on hold because Sir Alex cancelled his plans to come to the World Cup. The Committee is working hard to find a suitable replacement and the dinner will take place later in the year. Attendance will be restricted to members, and to further encourage early enrolment, a free ticket will be awarded to one lucky person who signs up before 16th July 2010.
We had hoped for four in a row, but in the end it wasn’t to be. In an injury-ravaged season United finished just one point behind Chelsea, made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and retained the Carling Cup. Do not doubt that Sir Alex will ask his usual question of his players at the start of the new season: “Are you hungry?” Not getting that fourth consecutive title will have hurt them, and our message to Chelsea is to keep the silverware clean, because in May 2011 it’s coming back home!
What Do I Get?
Platinum package includes both One United and SAReds membership.
I’m waiting for confirmation of the contents of the current One United pack but last year’s contained
a yearbook, pen, dvd, keyring, pin badge, and a collection of postcards. Junior packs contained a mobile phone holder instead of a pen. You will also receive a One United membership card.
One United membership entitles you to a 10% discount in the Megastore, or goods ordered online, and allows you to apply for match tickets. If you are thinking of joining the branch trip next May, for instance, you will need One United membership.
SAReds membership entitles you to a membership card and pin badge, as well as a special commemorative 20th anniversary scarf. It also give you access to the branch season tickets – we have 4 – allowing one plus one per member.
Gold is strictly SAReds membership.
I’m waiting for confirmation of the contents of the current One United pack but last year’s contained
a yearbook, pen, dvd, keyring, pin badge, and a collection of postcards. Junior packs contained a mobile phone holder instead of a pen. You will also receive a One United membership card.
One United membership entitles you to a 10% discount in the Megastore, or goods ordered online, and allows you to apply for match tickets. If you are thinking of joining the branch trip next May, for instance, you will need One United membership.
SAReds membership entitles you to a membership card and pin badge, as well as a special commemorative 20th anniversary scarf. It also give you access to the branch season tickets – we have 4 – allowing one plus one per member.
Gold is strictly SAReds membership.
