Exeter City Disabled Supporters’ Association would like to thank Nick Saunders, who will be retiring after 15 years as Chair.
Nick was part of group who formed the ECDSA back on 18th April, 2007, and became the inaugural, and thus only, chair of the association, when it was officially launched at the Grecians’ home match with Weymouth on 27th August that year. At the time, the ECDSA were the only disabled supporters’ association in the Blue Square Bet Premier. At the launch, then player Bertie Cozic became the President and was presented with the first ever membership card. The first ever committee was made up of Nick, Colin Adkins, Alastair Young, Margaret Atkins, Chris Fiddes, Mark Fisher, Paul Gray, Jeanne Jones, Ian Jubb, Les Knight and Dacre Holloway.
Over the years, Nick played a huge part in growing the DSA’s membership, which currently stands at just over 120 members, and the 15th anniversary will be celebrated amongst members at Good Friday’s home match with Colchester United, where a pitch-side ceremony will take place.
“It’s been an honour to chair the DSA for so many years, but I feel now is the right time to hand on the baton to someone else, who can continue the hard work we have done over the last 15 years,” Nick said.
“We have grown our membership base over the years, and are always looking for new members to join our fantastic committee. There are so many benefits and it’s always so rewarding to see our work recognised by the football club, such as on dedicated Level Playing Field match days.”
Committee member Jeanne Jones would like to thank Nick for his service to the DSA.
“Nick has played an instrumental part in the DSA’s growth and development and we’d like to thank him for everything he has done over the last 15 years. Soon we will be looking to elect a new chair for the DSA, and the best way to have your say is to join the committee as we continue to work with the club to give disabled supporters a voice.”
We are looking for volunteers to join the committee as we've major roles to be filled to allow the DSA to continue.
Individual time committed to the group will be varied but this is not a problem as any time given is better than none at all.
Find out more about what the DSA does and how it helps supporters with disabilities, by visiting their website.
For more information, and to register your interest in joining the DSA Committee, please email ecfcdsa@gmail.com.