Statement from the Board of Trustees – 19th February 2026
On 3rd February 2026, the charitable organisation formally notified Florence Football Club that the relevant subsection had been dissolved with effect from 1st January 2026.
Following that notification, the Trustees made a written offer to the Football Committee permitting continued use of the pitches for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season, subject to agreed terms and conditions.
On 15th February 2026, the Football Committee confirmed in writing that it had reached a unanimous decision not to accept the Trustees’ offer. The Committee further confirmed that this decision was final. For the avoidance of doubt, this decision was made independently by the Football Committee and was not imposed or required by the Trustees.
Whilst arrangements for the 2026/2027 season have not yet been finalised, football activities will continue at Florence Sports & Social Club, consistent with its long-standing history.
The Trustees will continue to act strictly in accordance with their fiduciary duties and in the best interests of the Charity.
Statement from the Board of Trustees – 3rd February 2026
Florence Football Club operates as a subsection of the Charity and does not constitute an independent legal entity, accordingly, it is subject to the Charity’s governing document, internal policies, and all applicable Charity Law and regulatory requirements.
The Board of Trustees confirms and reaffirms the statement issued on 20th January 2026, which detailed the matters of concern identified in relation to the Football Subsection. Having reviewed these matters and acting in accordance with their statutory and fiduciary duties, the Trustees have formally decided to dissolve the Football Subsection on the grounds of non-compliance with the Charity’s governance and regulatory obligations, with effect from 1st January 2026.
The Trustees have instructed the Football Subsection Committee to notify all team managers of this decision. Notwithstanding the dissolution, the Charity will honour all existing home fixtures up to the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season, in order to ensure an orderly and proportionate transition.
This decision has been taken solely in the best interests of the Charity, to protect its assets, reputation, and regulatory compliance, and to ensure adherence to the duties imposed on Trustees under Charity Law. The resolution is final and effective as stated above.
Statement from the Board of Trustees – 20th January 2026
The Trustees of Florence Colliery Sports & Social Club are aware of the current situation regarding the use of the football facilities.
Important matters include: Health & Safety issues, unsigned user agreement, financial compliance.
We (the Trustees) have been seeking clarification on these matters for several months.
We are keen to speak with all managers (not committee members) to clarify the situation and would like to arrange a meeting with them.
In line with good charity governance, the Trustees are taking advice and reviewing the situation carefully.
Our priority is to have a structure in place to protect the Charity and its members and to ensure the facilities are managed safely and responsibly.
Further updates will be provided when appropriate.
Football at Florence
We have a number of Football teams operating from Florence including a successful ladies team. We have 2 football pitches and excellent changing facilities. Our first team play in the Staffordshire County Senior League in the Premier Division.
We have a number of youth teams playing at various age brackets in a number of local divisions. If you would like to get your child involved in our youth setup, please visit our main football website for contact details.
The pitch is maintained to high standards which makes it one of the best pitches in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. This pitch has its own stand, dugouts, and changing rooms along with full barriers around the pitch which complies with FA rules.
There is good disabled assess to all areas of our ground. All pitches at Florence have drainage system installed.
Our Bowling Green
Florence Bowling Green has just been modernised with a new fence, new path, new seating and the green has been improved for better game play.
