Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall invests in her local football team South Shields FC as it makes a move towards fan ownership
Jade Thirlwall has become a shareholder at South Shields Football Club as she heightens her involvement in her local team.
The Little Mix star, 27, who accepted the role of Honorary President in August, is one of 750 people who have invested in her home town’s club.
South Shields FC is making a move towards fan ownership and Jade’s contribution will help to increase the club’s profile on a national and international scale.
Football fan: Jade Thirlwall has become a shareholder at South Shields Football Club as she heightens her involvement in her local team
Jade is also a patron of South Shields-based charity Cancer Connections and has recently invested in her own bar, Arbeia, and nightclub, Industry, on Ocean Road in the town.
Fans of South Shields FC including Jade have so far purchased £280,000 worth of shares, beating the initial target of £250,000 during the first round of investment.
All funds raised will remain within the club and be reinvested as part of plans to continue progressing through the football pyramid while leading and supporting different community projects.
Geoff Thompson, the chairman of South Shields FC, says that Jade’s investment is another example of how she is supporting her hometown.
Home girl: The Little Mix star, 27, who accepted the role of Honorary President in August, is one of 750 people who have invested in her home town’s club
Mr Thompson said: ‘We are thrilled with the response we’ve had to our investment round. To hit our initial target so early was something which filled us with so much pride and optimism for the future.
‘It’s hugely exciting that more than 750 people have shown their support to us in this way and for Jade to be one of them is just another example to show how committed such a global superstar is to not just the club, but her hometown.
‘We will continue to welcome new shareholders until the campaign ends on November 28 so any supporter or potential investor who is interested still has some time yet.
‘I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has invested so far.’
Promotion: The singer’s honorary role will see her help to increase the club’s profile on a national and international scale
Shares in the club are available from £12.50 until Saturday, November 28 and anyone who chooses to invest will receive a range of perks.
All those who invest £25 or more will receive a personalised certificate, with larger investments potentially offering shirts, scarves, hospitality tickets or even a place on the board of directors.
Known for being proud of her roots, Jade previosuly said of her appointment: ‘I’m so grateful to be asked to be the Honorary President of South Shields Football Club.
‘I’m incredibly proud to come from South Shields and one thing I am most proud of about my hometown is the sense of community and how we love to support each other and see each other do well in all aspects of life, which is something the football club very much embodies.
‘I hope through my role I can raise awareness and increase the club’s profile, encouraging others to do the same and support our incredible team.
‘I’m looking forward to also being involved with any future projects the club will embark on that coincide with what I am passionate about.’
Jade said: ‘I’m incredibly proud to come from South Shields and one thing I am most proud of about my hometown is how we love to support each other’ (pictured in February 2020)
Jade attended the final fixture at 1st Cloud Arena before the 2019-20 season was brought to a premature end, and was enthralled as the Mariners defeated Manchester United 5-3.
The singer added that she hopes to tackle issues including racism and homophobia as part of her role.
She said: ‘I’m really hoping our club can be very progressive in that sense as well as being insanely talented on the pitch.
‘I’m so excited and I hope I can do everyone proud, just as our team has for our hometown.’