The Trust is delighted to welcome the Smits Family as shareholders in York City Football Club, and we look forward to working with them in the years ahead.
As confirmed in the joint statement from the Smits Family and York City Football Club, 394 Sports – owned by Julie-Anne and Matt Uggla – has exercised the option recently granted by the Trust to purchase 15% of the Club’s shares. Those shares have since been transferred to the Smits Family, bringing them aboard as 15% owners of YCFC. Led by Marcel Smits, the family bring business expertise and a long-term commitment to building a sustainable and successful future for York City, both on and off the pitch.
As with all previous share sales, the sale to the Smits Family was subject to the Trust’s scrutiny process. This included an interview with the family conducted by Trust Board members Alastair Smith and James Daniels, alongside the Trust’s usual approval processes. The Smits impressed with the emphasis they place on family and team work across their businesses, their professionalism, and their commitment to investing for the long term..
The Trust retains a 5% shareholding in the Club, together with the protections secured in the recently updated Articles of Association and All Shareholders’ Agreement, and will continue to give supporters a real voice in the future of our club.
We would like to thank our members for their support and patience throughout this process.