Responsible football ownership, operation, and stewardship
FIL is proud to announce completion of our purchase of a controlling stake in Glenavon FC
We're excited to work with a historic club with almost 150 years of history in Northern Ireland as we join the Lurgan community to bring stability and streamlining going forward.
Glenavon has played in European competition over 30 times and we're looking forward to qualifying for more in the years ahead, as we execute on our long term vision for sustainable, ongoing success.
That doesn't mean risking the future of the club on a couple of big signings, or being reactionary if a couple of results don't go our way; it means investing in talented local players and giving them a chance to shine, smart management who inspire and improve the squad every week, back office staff who strive for excellence, and the experience our fans enjoy when they part with their hard-earned money on a weekend.
We've developed football clubs before and have a good track record of doing so the right way. Now the people of Lurgan have trusted us with their prized asset, and we take that trust very seriously.
Goal #1: Stability
Financially and operationally, every good club needs to have a long term plan to grow revenues, the fan experience, and the community it's a part of.
Short term goals involve cementing our place in the top flight, but building our youth academy, hospitality and merchandising options, sponsor opportunities, and the infrastructure of Mourneview Park will be necessary for us to fulfill future success.
Goal #2: Revenue
Glenavon has survived for some time on the generosity of local fans, shareholders, and business owners, but there are ample opportunities to develop new revenue streams that allow the club to grow - not just survive.
From expanding the Blue Zone club shop to building new hospitality options, better utilizing infrastructure around the stadium, and investing in the youth academy, we believe we can raise the tide for the whole community, and on-field success will follow.
Goal #3: On-field success
Though some clubs in Northern Ireland have gone full time professional of late, we believe that's a long-term, goal in Lurgan, to be achieved after we've built the infrastructure to properly and sustainably pay for it.
At the first club we invested in as a group, England's Altrincham FC, we took that club full-time when the time was right and came within a penalty kick of promotion to EFL League Two - but only after establishing a Sponsors Lounge, a Fan Zone, a training facility, a youth academy, a new pitch, a club shop, and repeated success on the pitch.
From Sponsorship Deals to Pies and Peas
Buying a football club is easy. Actually running it in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way, through long term planning and best practices on the ground, takes real world knowledge and experience, on and off the field. From big projects to the intricacies of the matchday experience, we aim to always be improving.
Key Strengths Driving Our Success
Good governance, solid administration, man management, equity, diversity, and best practices, from the grassroots up.
When we acquire a stake in a club, we perceive that arrangement as the community and fan base giving us permission to protect their history and legacy.
It's our responsibility to ensure that legacy continues, grows, and evolves to be the best it can be, with all stakeholders as partners.
Diversity and Equity
Inclusivity requires more than lip service. It requires leading by example, committing to the common good, and bringing everyone along, on and off the field.
Committed to Community
If a football club isn't contributing to the town around it, and giving back in a meaningful way, then it's no club at all. From under-5's to pro squads, we're all teammates.
Football Expertise
High level operations expertise from top to bottom. We've taken clubs through refinancing, restructuring, upgrading, and ultimately multiple levels of promotion.
Commercial Growth
We dont show up with a wad of cash to buy a striker in an all-or-nothing dice roll. Rather, we build revenue streams to stabilize and grow football organizations so, eventually, that striker can be brought in without excessive risk.
135+
Combined Years of Industry Expertise
13
Clubs Supported Strategically
5
Clubs Currently in the Portfolio
Contact us
E-mail: invest@fil.football
Address: 3rd Floor Suite 207, Regent Street, London, W1B 3HH, United Kingdom