The owners of Worcester City are looking to secure the football club’s future with a new campaign.

Worcester City Supporters' Trust, the majority shareholder of the Blues, is hoping to grow to 1,000 members by the end of next year.

In 2021, City became the county’s only community-owned club, sharing an ownership model similar to that of AFC Wimbledon, Exeter City, and Newport County.

To continue building on this success, the #1000StrongPledge has been announced by the Trust alongside a new membership system

Rob Crean, chair of the Trust, said: “The Trust has played a pivotal role in the survival of the football club up until this point.

“We continued to promote the club at every opportunity whilst in exile playing away from Worcester, and have worked incredibly hard to get the club playing back in the city.

“Whilst our work in recruiting, training and organising match day volunteers goes some of the way to helping the club alongside our other activities, as the majority shareholder we have a responsibility to secure its long-term financial stability.

“The Supporters’ Trust used to be about campaigning so our membership offering was geared towards strength in numbers.

“But as the majority shareholder, we need to recalibrate to take collective responsibility for our club’s future.”

Previously, members paid £10 a year which saw them become part-owners of the club.

However, supporters will now have to stump up at least £3 a month or £35 a year, which will give members the chance to have a say in big decisions and to stand to be elected to the Trust's board.

For those looking to contribute more, there are £75 and £150 per year options available.

Mr Crean added: “The new three-tiered system allows for individuals who would like to contribute more to do so, whilst ensuring the entry barriers remain accessible.

“We’ve arrived at this new offering by taking advice from experts in the field and cross-examining how other successful community-owned football clubs structure their membership schemes.”

The new membership scheme hasn’t gone down well with all fans of the club.

One member, who didn’t wish to be named, renewed his membership just last month but will now have to sign up again or face being removed from the Trust.

“As a fan who goes rain, wind or shine, I just feel it was not a very community-orientated move,” he said.

The Trust has confirmed that anyone who renewed their £10 a year membership after October 1 can request a refund, but will have to sign up to the new scheme to remain a member after January 1, 2023.