Trust Membership Fee Increase – Important Information for Members

The Exeter City Supporters’ Trust Board has agreed to increase the minimum Trust membership fee to £5 per month (£60 per year). The new minimum membership fee will apply to renewals due from 1 February 2026 onwards.

Members currently contributing £5 per month or £60 per year (or above) will not be affected by this change. Only memberships below £5 per month or £60 per year will be adjusted.

This is the first increase in the Trust’s membership fee since its establishment in 2003, and the decision has been taken only after careful consideration, extensive discussion, and direct consultation with members.

Why is the membership fee increasing?

Since 2003, the minimum Trust membership fee has remained at £2 per month. Over that period, inflation alone means that £2 in 2003 is equivalent to £3.69 today, even before accounting for the expanded role the Trust now plays.

In recent years, the Trust has also taken on significantly greater financial responsibility in supporting Exeter City FC. As part of the Club’s long-term financial planning, all income-generating areas were asked to consider how they could contribute more. In response, the Trust committed to providing £200,000 per year, rising to £500,000 per year in future seasons, through loans and financial support to the Club.

What have members said?

Members have consistently supported a fee increase when consulted:

·      In Club–Trust surveys conducted in 2018 and 2022, support for a tariff increase was strong, with 81% backing an increase in 2022.

·      A dedicated member poll in August 2025 showed overwhelming support for raising the minimum fee, with £5 per month receiving the highest level of support.

Your feedback played a central role in shaping this decision.

Why now?

 The original intention was to introduce the increase in December 2025, but this was postponed to:

·                Allow time for membership system updates

·                Ensure the change did not land during the Christmas period

Following these considerations, the new minimum membership fee will apply to renewals due from 1 February 2026 onwards was agreed as the most appropriate and fair start date.

How does this affect you as a member?

The impact of this change depends on how you currently pay your Trust membership. A two-month grace period continues to apply to all memberships, meaning members have two months from the date their membership expires to complete any required action.

Members paying by card or Direct Debit (VeryConnect)

If you currently pay by card or Direct Debit via VeryConnect, you do not need to do anything.

Your membership payment will automatically update to the new minimum fee when your membership renews on or after 1 February 2026.

Members paying annually

If you pay annually, you do not need to do anything until the month your membership is due for renewal.

Further information about renewal options, including the ability to switch to monthly payments, will be provided closer to your renewal date.

 

Members paying by standing order

If you currently pay by standing order, the Trust is not able to change your payment amount on your behalf.

Standing order payees have three options:

·      Increase your standing order to £5 per month (or more) if you do not pay £5 a month or £60 a year already

·      Change your payment method to VeryConnect (you will need to do this by the summer regardless)

·      Do nothing

If you choose to do nothing and you pay less than £5 a month or £60 a year, your membership will not renew automatically. However, the Trust’s two-month grace period still applies, meaning you will have two months after your membership expires to take action — such as increasing your standing order or switching to VeryConnect — and have your membership reinstated.

Standing order payees will receive a letter and an email in the next week explaining the change in more detail and guiding them step-by-step through the process of updating or changing their payment method.

The Trust plans to stop accepting standing order payments in the summer, and we will ensure all affected members are supported well in advance of that change.

Important reassurance for all members

·      No one will lose their membership immediately as a result of this change

·      The existing two-month grace period remains in place

·      Members will be contacted directly where action is required

·      Clear guidance will be provided through email, letter, VeryConnect messages, and the Trust website

 What does this mean for members?

·      The minimum Trust membership fee will be £5 per month or £60 per year

·      This replaces the current £60 annual payment with a more manageable monthly option

·      The Trust Board has committed to not increasing membership fees again for at least two years

How does this support the Trust’s future

The increased membership fee will help the Trust:

·      Strengthen its financial reserves

·      Continue to provide significant financial backing to Exeter City FC

·      Build a sustainable long-term position as the Trust develops its property and asset portfolio

·      Maintain a strong, independent supporters’ voice at the heart of the Club

Thank you

The Trust Board would like to thank all members for their continued support, engagement, and trust. This decision ensures that the Supporters’ Trust remains strong, sustainable, and able to continue supporting Exeter City FC now and in the years ahead.

If you have any questions, please join us at our Fans’ Forum on Friday, 16 January 2026, starting at 6:30 pm at St James Park.