We are sorry to announce that Sam Leach has stepped down from the Trust Board, as his work and family commitments no longer leave him the time the role deserves.
Sam has been a member of the Board since his election at the AGM in October 2024, and we would like to thank him for everything he has given to the Trust. Sam’s focus on the Trust Board was helping both the Trust and the Club connect better with fans. He led Meet The Trust, the Trust’s engagement programme centred around our matchday gazebo, reaching supporters on the topics that matter to them and making their voice heard. Sam was also responsible for working with the Club on fan engagement and family zone improvements.
Sam said:
“After a huge amount of thought, I’ve decided to step down from the YCST board. It’s been a genuine privilege to serve fans in this role and work with other board members and club officials, and it’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly.
“Between my work and family commitments, I’m no longer able to give the board the time it deserves, and I’d rather step back than continue at less than full capacity. I’d also be lying if I said recent weeks haven’t played a part. Like many supporters, I’ve found some of what’s happened hard to process, and it’s made me reflect on where I can best spend my limited time.
“I remain a committed supporter of the Trust and everything it stands for, and I’ll continue to help in whatever way I can, as a friend and advisor to the board, and through SPARK, whether that’s space for meetings, events, or anything else that’s useful. This isn’t goodbye to the cause, just a change in how I contribute!”
Seth Sowerby, Chair of York City Supporters’ Trust, said:
“Sam spent his time on the Board doing the thing that matters most and gets noticed least — making sure the Trust was in touch with supporters, and that the Club was too. He was out there in person, and he came back with what people had actually said rather than what any of us might have wanted to hear.
“Stepping back rather than carrying on at less than full capacity says a lot about him. He leaves with our thanks and with an open door, and I’m glad he intends to keep helping us where he can.”
Sam remains a Trust member and has offered to keep supporting the Board’s work informally, as well as through SPARK, which hosts our AGM and Board meetings through the year. We are grateful for that, and we wish him well.
Sam’s seat on the Trust Board will be filled at our AGM in November. If you have ever thought about standing, this is a good moment to consider it.
About York City Supporters’ Trust
York City Supporters’ Trust is the fan-owned body that holds a shareholding in York City Football Club. Run by fans, for fans, we give supporters a real voice in the future of our club — on and off the pitch.
Not yet a member? Join online today at https://www.ycst.org.uk/join/ and help make our voice even stronger. Membership is open to anyone aged 16 and over, from just £10 a year.