With his knowledge of business and accounting and passion for football, RfM Consultant Paul Newsham is the perfect pick for the role of Non Executive Director of Hyde United FC.
The business side of football
As a passionate football fan, Paul is looking forward to supporting Hyde United FC’s financial team to drive the club forward over the coming months and years. Paul has many years’ experience in the business side of football having spent ten years as a Non Executive Director at Preston North End Football Club.
Far from being just about providing entertainment to the supporters, football is now a serious business. Paul has spent many years advising RfM clients and helping them develop the skills they need to grow their businesses and make them successful. He is well connected in both the business and sporting communities and prides himself in being able to find a solution to any business problem – or knowing someone who can. As such, Paul will also be supporting the club’s business development function.
Aiming for the higher leagues
The club, with its home ground at Ewen Fields, now plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North having been relegated three seasons in a row from 2013-14 to 2015-16. They are keen to get back on track on the pitch and into the higher leagues.
“Hyde United FC is one of the oldest clubs in football and has, in the not-so-distant past, played at a much higher level. The club is now owned by the fans who would love to take it back to where it was at the height of its success. My appointment is part of a wider strategic plan to strengthen the club and boost the board with the experience that will support them to achieve their goals.”
More a part of the community
Paul was also Chairman of the Sir Tom Finney Foundation for five years. The not for profit community soccer project was established to provide football coaching to children and young people from all communities across Preston. Hyde United FC Academy is committed to becoming even more a part of the community and a hub for the young local players.
“My son completed two years playing at Hyde United FC Academy in 2013-2015 and I can say that it really is exceptional for a club of this size playing at this level. It could certainly rival those of some of the larger league clubs.
“The Academy provides accredited courses in sports-related subjects and has strong links with a number of universities. It’s possible to train and become qualified as a Pro Zone Sports Analyst whilst still playing football.
“With the support of the Council, the pitch has recently been re-surfaced with 4G Astro Turf and the club hopes to attract young players from the local area to make use of the facilities. RfM put together the financial projections that helped the club secure the necessary funding. I’ll be sharing the benefit of my experience with the Tom Finney Foundation to help the club in building strong community links.”
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