Exeter City's 1931 Fund received some national media attention on Saturday evening when it was the subject of a discussion between Colin Murray and Chris Iwelumo on Football on 5.
The duo, talking all things City, touched on the club’s great start to the season, the fact we are supporter-owned and have an excellent record of producing talented players through our academy system. However, they then got on to discussing the club’s 1931 Fund.
.@ColinMurray and @chris_iwelumo take a look at the reasons behind @SkyBetLeagueTwo leaders @OfficialECFC's good start. pic.twitter.com/rDxUYd9dMI
— Channel 5 Sport (@Channel5Sport) August 26, 2017
If you have never heard of the 1931 Fund here is all you need to know and how you go about joining.
For eight seasons, the No. 31 shirt has been worn by an Exeter City player whose wages are either fully or part-funded by City fans.
And the 1931 Fund – named after Exeter City famous FA Cup run of that year – makes it all happen.
It has invested £100,000 in City’s playing budget in that time and this year. However, they are always on the lookout for more members.
“Our members pay £19 each month or £228 for the year,” explained organizer Alan Crockford. “Many of us who can’t make so many home games see it as an alternative season ticket, to do our bit for the club even when we’re not clicking through those SJP turnstiles.”
City defender Pierce Sweeney wore the famous No. 31 last season.
He said: “I was proud to wear the shirt, all the more so since it showed the strong connection between me as a player and City's loyal fans.
“It’s great that the fans helped make my move to Exeter happen, and I've always worked extra hard here because of that.
“The national media picked up on it last season – the Sun and the Mirror both ran features – so it is something that’s helping show the whole country how special we are as a club.
“If any more City fans are able to help the 1931 Fund continue to bring players to Exeter, I'd urge then to join up now.
“I know everyone at the club is really grateful for their amazing support.”
Potential new members can email Alan at 1931fund@gmail.com - he admits to celebrating every new member like a City goal.