On Saturday, May 28, Detroit City FC will host an international exhibition match against FC United of Manchester, a club that has served as a model club for Le Rouge ownership since DCFC’s inception in 2012.
The FC United story is one that, at its heart, is about how people can come together to make the change they want to see in their community. In the FCUM case, it is about remaking the face of football, and returning it to the fans.
DCFC shares the belief that in order to be a successful soccer club in any city, that club must first be community-focused.
As our friendship match approaches, we look forward to introducing our supporters to the history, culture, traditions and personalities of FCUM and their great city of Manchester, which mirrors Detroit in many ways.
A supporter-owned, democratically operated, semi-professional club playing in the National League North – the equivalent of English soccer’s sixth tier – FC United of Manchester was born in 2005 in protest of the corporate interests infiltrating the game. Specifically, fans were unhappy with American businessman Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of Manchester United. But that’s not all.
FCUM’s website explains: “The material theft of a Manchester institution, forcibly taken from the people of Manchester, was the tip of a pyramid of destruction, with changing kickoff times for the benefit of television, soulless all-seater stadia full of ‘new’ supporters intent to sit back and watch rather than partake in the occasion, heavy handed stewarding and ridiculously priced tickets propping it all up.”
Check out FCUM’s club manifesto here.
Dissatisfied with the direction of their favorite sport, a group of Manchester United supporters decided to bring the beautiful game back to its roots by forming a brand new, independent club. A club built by the community for the community. A club with supporter interests at heart.
FC United of Manchester played its first match on July 16, 2005 in front of 2,552 supporters. Since then, the club has been promoted four times, successfully built its own stadium, Broadhurst Park, and has grown into a globally recognized team known for its community focus and sustainable model.
Watch this documentary by Copa90 about FCUM’s journey.
Broadhurst Park, which opened in early 2015, was built and financed through a unique community shares campaign that raised £2 million through the club’s supporters and members. FCUM also used crowdfunding, private financing and a loan stock campaign to finance the stadium, which has a capacity of 4,400.
And while Detroit City FC can boast 527 investors committed to helping support its community investment campaign to renovate its new home at Keyworth Stadium, FC United of Manchester has more than 5,000 members who are listed as co-owners for the 2015/16 season.
FC United and Detroit City FC are both changing the face of football and returning it to the fans.
Stay tuned for more in our FCUM series. In the meantime, be sure to purchase your tickets for the Detroit City FC vs. FC United of Manchester friendly on Saturday, May 28 at 3 p.m. as Le Rouge welcome FCUM for its first-ever trip to the United States. Purchase your tickets here.
