The Optimist 1926 Patrons Club is a community of people who want to help support Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club as it enters its second century.
Launched during our centenary year, it provides a way for current and former players, parents, supporters, friends and the wider Optimist community to stay connected with the Club and make an ongoing contribution towards its future.

Why is it called the Optimist 1926 Patrons Club?

Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club was founded in 1926.
Our centenary provides a natural opportunity not only to celebrate the Club’s history, but to create something lasting that will help support future generations of Optimists.
The 1926 Patrons Club recognises where the Club has come from while helping to strengthen its foundations for future success.

Is the 1926 Patrons Club only for the centenary year?

No. The centenary is the beginning.
The 1926 Patrons Club is being launched during our 100th year, but it is intended to become a lasting part of FOHC and help support the Club throughout its second century.

Who can become a Patron?

Anyone with a connection to the Optimists is welcome.
That includes current and former players, parents, Vice Presidents, supporters, sponsors and former sponsors, friends of the Club and others who simply feel part of the wider Optimist community.
You do not need to be a current playing member. One of the aims of the Patrons Club is to help people remain connected with FOHC long after their playing days are over.
Once an Optimist, always an Optimist.

How much does it cost?

The suggested voluntary donation is £12 per month.
This has been suggested at an accessible level so that as many people as possible can take part. Patrons are also encouraged to donate more if they would like and are able to do so, or a lower amount should that be more appropriate for their circumstances.
We want the Patrons Club to be inclusive. A modest regular contribution from individuals, combined with that of other Patrons, can generate a significant amount that will be reinvested into the Club’s future.

How do I become a Patron?

Joining is simple.
Become an Optimist 1926 Patron through either the Club website or the Pitchero app.
Follow the joining process to set up your regular contribution and, where applicable, provide the information required for Gift Aid.

What do I receive as a Patron?

Patronage is principally about supporting the future of FOHC rather than purchasing a package of benefits.
However, we also want Patrons to feel recognised and involved in the Club.
Patrons will receive:
• Recognition as a member of the Optimist 1926 Patrons Club
• A dedicated 1926 Patrons Club pin badge
• The opportunity to have their name displayed on the Patrons Wall at Three Hills
• A quarterly 1926 Patrons newsletter
• Invitations to selected Club occasions and exclusive Patrons events
• Opportunities to hear directly about the Club’s plans and development
Most importantly, Patrons will know that they are helping to support the long-term future of Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club.

What will the funds be used for?

Funds raised through the 1926 Patrons Club will be used to support the development and long-term future of Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club.
We want Patrons to be able to see the difference their support is making, so wherever possible the Club will identify specific projects and initiatives to be supported by the 1926 Patrons.
These could include:
• Investment in coaching
• Junior hockey development
• Outreach into local schools
• Inclusivity initiatives
• Equipment, playing and training resources
• Team kit
• Supporting high-performance hockey as the Club develops
• Projects that improve the experience of members throughout FOHC
The intention is to support projects that make a tangible and lasting difference across the Club.
Patrons will receive a quarterly newsletter with updates on the Club’s progress, events and how 1926 Patrons are contributing to its success.

Who decides how the money is spent?

The FOHC Committee will ultimately determine how Patrons Club funds are used.
Funds will be separately identified and will not be used for normal “business as usual” Club operating expenses.
Transparency will be an important part of the Patrons Club. Patrons will receive regular updates explaining what is happening across FOHC and how their contributions are helping to support the Club’s development.

Is the money just for senior or 1st XI hockey?

No. The 1926 Patrons Club exists to support Folkestone Optimist Hockey Club as a whole.
That could mean helping a youngster take their first steps in hockey, providing hardship support, developing or recruiting coaches, improving equipment and facilities, supporting outreach and inclusivity, strengthening our senior sides or improving the experience of members throughout the Club.

Is the Patrons Club replacing normal membership fees?

No.
Playing subscriptions and match fees continue to support the normal costs associated with playing and running hockey.
The 1926 Patrons Club is different. It is a voluntary additional contribution from people who want to help FOHC develop and thrive over the longer term.
This income, alongside other sponsorship, commercial and fundraising initiatives, will contribute to the Club’s investment in its next phase of growth.

Can my contribution qualify for Gift Aid?

Where eligible, yes.
As a registered CASC, FOHC is able to claim Gift Aid on eligible donations. Gift Aid allows FOHC to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated, at no extra cost to the Patron.
That means a £12 monthly donation could ultimately be worth £180 per year to FOHC where the donor is eligible and has completed a Gift Aid declaration.
How will payments be collected?
A recurring card payment through Pitchero or the Club website will be collected automatically each month.
For Patrons who do not wish to register with the Club through Pitchero, a regular Direct Debit can be arranged via GoCardless.
Please contact fohcenquiries@outlook.com if this is your preference.

Can I cancel my monthly donation?

Yes.
Your contribution is a voluntary donation rather than a contractual membership commitment. If your circumstances change, you are free to stop your regular donation without notice.
We would, of course, still consider you part of the Optimist family.

What happens if my circumstances change and I can no longer afford to contribute?

There should never be any pressure to continue donating if your circumstances change.
The Patrons Club is about strengthening the Optimist community, and your connection with that community is much more important than your Patrons contribution.

Can former members who no longer live locally become Patrons?

Absolutely.
The Patrons Club has been created partly to strengthen the connection between FOHC and the wider Optimist community.
Whether you played for the Club last Saturday or last pulled on an Optimist shirt several decades ago, you are very welcome and encouraged to be part of it.

Can parents and grandparents become Patrons?

Yes.
You do not need to have played hockey for FOHC yourself.
Parents, grandparents, partners, family members and friends who feel part of the Optimist community are all very welcome.

Can businesses become Patrons?

Individuals connected with local businesses are very welcome to become Patrons and can choose to display their business name on the Patrons Wall.
Businesses wishing to support FOHC commercially through sponsorship, advertising or partnership opportunities should contact the Club separately.

Do I have to have my name displayed on the 1926 Patrons Wall?

No.
We would love to recognise everyone who supports the Patrons Club, but this is entirely your choice.
You can have your own name displayed, remain anonymous, or dedicate your patronage in memory of a former Optimist.

Can I become a Patron in memory of somebody else?

Yes.
FOHC has been part of the Folkestone community for 100 years, and many families have connections with the Club spanning several generations.
If you would like your patronage to remember a former Optimist, friend or family member, you can choose to have their name recognised on the Patrons Wall with an “In memory of…” dedication.

I still have a question. Who should I contact?

If there is anything else you would like to know about the Optimist 1926 Patrons Club, please get in touch via fohcenquiries@outlook.com or speak with Phil King or Leigh Marshall directly.