Members of the Future Fund committee met for the second time on Thursday 5 December

Future Fund Committee Hold Successful Second Meeting on Thursday 5 December!
The committee was shown around Stadium Way by Academy Manager Jake Campbell, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how the Heatable Wigan Athletic Academy operates
Jake Campbell and Head of Commercial Greg Coar informed Members about the actions implemented since the first meeting and proposed how they would spend the funds in the second stage

Members of the Future Fund committee met for the second time on Thursday 5 December, enjoying a productive meeting at Stadium Way.

The committee, which was set up in September, consists of seven members who have been appointed to help decide where supporters' contributions are spent.

Having listened to feedback about the previous Fans Fund scheme, the Club understands the importance of being as transparent as possible regarding the Future Fund, ensuring all members and the wider fanbase know how the funds are being used to directly strengthen the Heatable Wigan Athletic Academy.

Following the inaugural meeting in September, the Club has effectively used the funds to bolster their Pre-Academy, Recruitment Department and Sport Science Department.

The Future Fund has led to the creation of three new Pre-Academy roles (Head Coach, Coordinator and Pre-Academy Scout), and the investment of new kit to the U8s which usually falls outside the initial Academy funding. Furthermore, the Pre-Academy will receive the opportunity to play at England's St George's Park in the New Year and compete against Premier League and EFL clubs.

The Future Fund has also enabled the Sports Science Department to invest in advanced testing equipment, which helps from both a physical development and injury prevention perceptive in addition to Applied Nutrition supplements. The Recruitment Department has also benefitted from the first phase of expenditure, with the investment in the Insight 7 Pathway Platform subscription platform.

At the second Future Fund meeting, Academy Manager Jake Campbell proposed both repairing and enhancing the 'Game Ready Machine' on the back of a recommendation by a Committee member, emphasising the importance of having a Committee. Further to this, Campbell suggested investing in GPS Pods and Units for the U16s, which measure physical output, distance covered, and sprint distance, which was received well by the Members.

Speaking about the Second Meeting, Heatable Academy Manager Jake Campbell said:

“It was a chance to invite the Committee Members to Stadium Way again to give them a behind-the-scenes on a hectic Academy evening.

“There was plenty of activity going on, and we were also able to update them on the Future Fund developments and what we’ve been able to action since the first committee meeting.

“We’ve hit key areas - such as the Pre-Academy, Recruitment and Sport Science. We’ve managed to invest in specialist equipment which helps from a physical development and injury prevention point of view. We were able to show the Members how the equipment helps the Academy and gain some approval on future spending.

“Hopefully we can keep building, and with the transparency of the current fund, we can continue to get input."

Almost 600 supporters are currently contributing to the Future Fund each month, with Members already enjoying a range of exclusive benefits and supporting the next generation of Academy stars. You can play your part and 'Support The Next Generation' by clicking here.

The minutes of the second Future Fund Committee Meeting can be read below.

Future Fund Committee Hold Successful Second Meeting on Thursday 5 December!