Rebuilding Foundations

Having survived relegation from the National League on the final day of the 23/24 season, 24/25 was about rebuilding foundations to be more of a success on the pitch. Early season form and results soon found the team at the higher remits of the table, with the new look squad producing some great performances. This success saw the attendances growing at the LNER Community Stadium, and also for away fixtures where our fans were travelling far and wide to back the boys each week. Adam Hinshelwood as manager created a strong bond with the supporters and the results were being shown. Promotion wasn’t expected at the start of the season, but it soon became apparent it was achievable. Finishing in the play-off positions was a massive success in comparison to the previous season, and even though promotion wasn’t quite achieved, the club’s growth plan was ahead of schedule.

Create Memories

Since moving to the LNER Community Stadium, York City has already been able to create memories; all football clubs generate moments throughout their history, so being able to do this at the new stadium is vital for engaging generations of fans who won’t remember the club’s time at Bootham Cresent. Moving further away from the centre could have lost the closeness to the city, however over recent years it’s evident the fans are beginning to really enhance the new stadium. This was proven during the 24/25 season, where the average home attendance was over 6000, and looking ahead to 25/26, already over 3300 season tickets holders are backing the team for that promotion push back into the English Football League (EFL).

Fully Rounded Experience

Matchdays are what every football fan looks forward to, and that isn’t any different here. We try to ensure that matchdays are not just centred around watching the game, but also enabling all those attending to enjoy a fully rounded experience. Being based to the north of the city at Monks Cross, it’s key for fans to have plenty of parking options, at the retail park or the Park and Ride with YCFC matchday buses (X22). Prior to kick-off, the club hosts face painters, stalls and kickabouts outside the stadium for the whole family to enjoy, and a fan stage with live music in the concourse for those seated in the South or East stands. Being based at the LNER Community Stadium has also allowed the club to increase hospitality for up to 420 supporters. All of these areas were a huge success in 24/25 and are set to be full again for 25/26.

Attached to its Fanbase

As a club, the importance of being attached to its fanbase is massive, and being able to grow that fanbase for the future is required. The club’s owner Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla are constantly striving to enhance the fan experience and connect as much as possible. York as a city only has one professional football team, so having the backing of those locals, whether or not they attend fixtures regularly, is amazing. Throughout the course of the 25/26 season and beyond, the club will be looking to setup more fanbase incentives and initiatives to spread across the city.

A Community Club

Financially the day to day running of a football club is tough, and it’s imperative the club becomes sustainable to carry on the upward curve of success. This will include the development of a new performance and business strategy that will be designed and implemented in the coming months now that the club is in a position to do so. Moving forward, the aim is to return York City to the EFL, but also to create a community club that services the city.