This action plan outlines the short-term, medium-term, and long-term ambitions for Inverness Thistle FC, incorporating the transition to a Community Interest Company (CIC)

Overarching Principles:

Sustainability:

Building a financially viable and resilient club.

Community Focus:

Strengthening our ties with the local community and promoting inclusivity.

Development:

Nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for all.

Ambition:

Striving for success on and off the pitch, within realistic and sustainable parameters.

Phase 1: Short Term (Next 1-2 Years)

 Primary Goals:

Achieve Financial Sustainability: Implement strategies to ensure the club operates within its means and generates sufficient revenue to cover its costs.

Player Development:

Establish a robust player development system that identifies, nurtures, and integrates young talent into the Senior club structure.

Initiate Transition to Community Interest Company (CIC): Begin the legal and administrative processes required to change the club’s legal entity to a CIC.

Action Plan:

1. Financial Sustainability:

Revenue Generation:

Increase Sponsorship: Actively seek local businesses and organisations for sponsorship opportunities at various levels. Develop attractive sponsorship packages with clear benefits.

Boost Matchday Revenue: Implement strategies to increase attendance at home games (e.g., targeted marketing, community outreach, engaging matchday experiences).

Explore Fundraising Initiatives: Organise fundraising events (e.g., quiz nights, raffles, social events) to generate additional income.

Develop Merchandise Sales: Create and market club merchandise (scarves, hats, etc.) through online and matchday channels.

Grant Applications: Research and apply for relevant grants available to grassroots football clubs and community organisations.

Cost Management:

Budget Review: Conduct a thorough review of all club expenditures to identify areas for potential cost savings without compromising essential operations. (When)

Negotiate Favourable Terms: Seek better deals with suppliers and service providers.

Volunteer Engagement: Maximise the involvement of volunteers to reduce reliance on paid staff where appropriate.

Financial Transparency: Implement clear financial reporting mechanisms and regularly communicate the club’s financial status to relevant stakeholders.

2. Promoting Player Development:

Establish partnerships with Youth Team surrounding Inverness: Form with qualified pathways for player leaving youth development football and entering the senior game.

Coach development :

We believe that having coaches who are qualified following the SFA Coaching Awards which in turn will help them to develop themselves and use their knowledge to educate our players by using their learnt skills to evolve their own philosophy to take the club forward.

Recruitment Strategy:

Develop a proactive strategy for identifying and recruiting talented young players from the local area.

Pathway to Senior Team:

Create a clear pathway for promising young players to progress into the senior team, providing opportunities for training and potential matchday involvement.

Coach Development:

Invest in the training and development of youth coaches, ensuring they have the necessary qualifications and support.

3. Transition to Community Interest Company (CIC):

Legal Consultation:

Engage with legal professionals specialising in CIC formation to understand the requirements and process.

Develop Community Benefit Statement:

Clearly define the community benefits that the club will provide as a CIC, focusing on the SEN Project and wider community engagement.

Prepare Application Documents:

Gather and prepare all necessary documentation for the CIC application.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Communicate the rationale and benefits of becoming a CIC to club members, supporters, and the wider community.

Establish CIC Governance Structure:

Define the governance structure of the new CIC, including the roles and responsibilities of directors and any advisory boards.

Phase 2: Medium Term (Next 3-5 Years)

Primary Goals:

Compete in the North Caledonian League at the Upper End: Consistently perform strongly in the North Caledonian League, aiming for top positions.

Challenge for Silverware in Cup Competitions:

Target success in relevant cup competitions.

Develop the SEN Project (Inclusivity Football Academy):

Secure funding and establish the infrastructure for the SEN Project.

Action Plan:

1. On-Field Performance (North Caledonian League & Cups):

Strengthen Senior Squad:

Recruit and retain quality players to enhance the senior team’s competitiveness.

Invest in Coaching: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for the senior team coaching staff.

Develop Tactical Flexibility:

Implement a flexible tactical approach to adapt to different opponents and match situations.

Maintain High Training Standards: Ensure consistent and high-quality training sessions to maximise player performance.

2. Cup Competitions:

Targeted Preparation:

Strategically prepare for cup matches, focusing on scouting opponents and developing specific game plans.

Maintain Squad Depth:

Ensure sufficient squad depth to compete effectively in both league and cup competitions.

Cultivate a Winning Mentality: Foster a strong winning mentality within the team.

3. SEN Project Development:

Secure Funding:

Grant Applications (Targeted): Focus grant applications specifically on funding for disability sports and inclusive community projects.

Corporate Partnerships:

Seek partnerships with businesses that align with the club’s inclusivity values and are willing to support the SEN Project.

Community Fundraising (SEN Focused):

Organise fundraising events specifically to raise funds for the SEN Project.

Establish Infrastructure:

Identify Suitable Facilities: Secure access to appropriate training and playing facilities that are accessible for children with additional needs.

Acquire Necessary Equipment:

Purchase specialised equipment required for inclusive football sessions.

Recruit Qualified Coaches and Volunteers:

Identify and recruit coaches and volunteers with experience and training in working with children with additional needs.

Phase 3: Long Term (Beyond 5 Years}

Primary Goals:

Explore Progression within the Pyramid System: Assess the feasibility and potential for upward progression within the Scottish football pyramid system, contingent on sustained on-field success and financial stability.

Solidify Inverness Thistle FC as a Key Community Asset: Strengthen the club’s role as a positive and inclusive force within the local community.

Action Plan:

1. Pyramid System Progression (Contingent):

Sustained On-Field Success:

Maintain a high level of performance in the North Caledonian League and achieve consistent success in cup competitions.

Financial Strength:

Ensure continued financial sustainability and build reserves to support potential progression to higher leagues.

Infrastructure Assessment:

Evaluate the club’s infrastructure (ground, facilities) against the requirements of higher leagues and develop plans for necessary upgrades if progression is a realistic ambition.

Strategic Planning:

Conduct thorough strategic planning to assess the risks and opportunities associated with moving up the pyramid.

Engage with Relevant Football Authorities:

Maintain open communication with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and other relevant governing bodies.

3. Community Integration:

Expand Community Outreach Programs:

Develop and implement additional programs that engage with different segments of the local community beyond the SEN Project.

Strengthen Partnerships:

Forge deeper partnerships with local schools, community groups, and businesses.

Promote Inclusivity:

Champion inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of the club’s operations.

Measure Social Impact:

Develop metrics to measure the positive social impact of the club’s community initiatives.

Legal Entity Transition (Ongoing):

The transition to a CIC should ideally be completed within the short to medium term to facilitate funding applications and solidify the club’s community-focused mission. The benefits of the CIC status will directly support the long-term ambitions, particularly the SEN Project.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Throughout all phases, the club should establish and monitor key performance indicators to track progress towards its goals. These may include:

Financial: Revenue growth, cost control, sponsorship secured, grant funding obtained.

Youth Development: Number of youth teams, player progression to senior team, coach qualifications.

On-Field: League position, cup success, player retention.

SEN Project: Funding secured, participant numbers, volunteer engagement, program delivery metrics.

CIC Transition: Completion of legal processes, community benefit statement implementation.

Community Engagement: Number of community programs, participant numbers, partnership development.