This update was originally printed in the match day programme for Braintree Town on 24.01.2026.
City supporters will recall that in July 2023 we raised funds to help the Shrimpers Trust’s campaign to support Southend United staff while their club was in a crisis. These monies were used to help staff with their living expenses while their wages were unpaid. Thankfully the crisis was resolved with new ownership stabilising the club and staff were fully paid what they were owed. With funds remaining in the pot Shrimpers Trust kindly offered to return the majority of funds raised by us to be used for charitable purposes in our community.
Our plan is to maintain these funds as a charitable fund, separately accounted for from other trust monies. We shall donate these funds over time to charitable causes that align with YCST values & causes, but we also aim to raise additional funds for this fund on an ongoing basis. We will however clearly communicate when we are raising funds for this purpose versus funds for general Trust aims such as YCFC infrastructure.
Our first donation was made in April 2025 when £500 was donated to Yorkie’s Mascot Gold Cup GoFundMe raising funds for YCFC charity partners.
In September 2025 a donation of £500 was made to Kyra, a registered charity in York that exists to help local women make positive and lasting improvements to their lives. A spokesperson commented ‘We are so grateful to the York City Supporters Trust for this kind donation. £500 will make a real, tangible difference in the lives of women across York who come to Kyra for support, whether that’s with confidence-building, employability, or simply finding a safe and welcoming space. We hope this marks the start of a long and positive relationship between Kyra and the Trust, working together to strengthen our community’.
Today we make our third donation of £500 to Breast Friends York who will be our guests at the match with Braintree Town. A spokesperson commented ‘On behalf of everyone at Breast Friends York, we would like to say a massive thank you to the York City Supporters Trust for their incredibly generous donation. Support from our local community means the world to us, and this contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of those navigating the breast cancer “roller coaster.” These funds will go directly toward supporting people in and around York as they face one of the toughest challenges of their lives, offering practical guidance and support through the complexities of cancer treatment, providing a safe space and the tools necessary to cope with the mental and emotional impact of a diagnosis and helping our members not just survive, but truly live well—through, with, and beyond breast cancer. To the fans and the Trust: thank you for standing with us. Your kindness ensures that no one in our city has to face this alone’.
Trust Board member Trust Sarah Stelling leads on this project for YCST. Thank you, Sarah!
There’s never been a better time to become a Trust member and to have a voice. Please help us achieve our goal of doubling Trust membership numbers by the time of our next AGM, Oct/Nov 26. Let us demonstrate that we, the Supporters, are as fully invested in this project to see City back in the Football League as are our majority owners and their partners and our fabulous on pitch management team and playing squad.
Joining could not be simpler. Just visit the Trust website – www.ycst.org.uk – click on the membership tab and follow the instructions from there for either annual or lifetime membership.
Other useful email addresses for you:
For any membership enquiries – membership@ycst.org.uk
For any general enquiries, or any ideas that you’d like to share with us info@ycst.org.uk
Enjoy the match! And please don’t forget to sign up for Trust Membership. It really will make a huge difference.
About York City Supporters’ Trust
Established in 2002, York City Supporters Trust is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We were formed to protect the long-term future of the football club and represent the interests of the fans. We are also 25% shareholders in York City Football Club Ltd.