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The DCCP was founded on the principle that work in practice would grow from already established initiatives, both local and national, and documented evidence of discussion and decision making by those involved at meetings. The priorities identified by the original members of DCCP were: · Education / Performing Arts / Visual Arts · Effective Partnership between Club and Community* · Returning the Club to its Community Roots / Grass roots ethos * This includes season ticket holders at Pride Park Stadium as a specific community. These priorities were reached as a result of highlighted areas of football and community documents; both published, and related to DCCP members' interests and workplace objectives. It is these priorities which have provided the foundation for the development of conferences and forums at Pride Park Stadium, and informal projects in schools and other community bases. Returning the Club to its Community Roots involves a specific aim; the negotiation of a possible community space at Pride Park Stadium. The agreed priorities have also provided the foundation for longer term initiatives including DCCP involvement in the Steve Bloomer Project. The original members of DCCP were a group of season ticket holders representing hospitals, schools, businesses and other organisations, alongside employees of Derby County Football Club, and associated organisations such as Football in the Community and Playing for Success. Initially the members of DCCP met every two months over a period of eighteen months with a small group of organisers consisting of Ann Whitlock Chris Mitchell and later Andy Smith, and Jim Fearn, head of Media at DCFC. The agendas were concerned with the organisation and review of forums,conferences, ongoing practical participation in, for example, Playing for Success, and feedback sessions for supporters at Pride Park Stadium. Since re organisation, at the beginning of 2005, Jim Fearn has become Head of Community, and all those at DCFC engaged in community work now respond directly to Jim. Jim is responsible for ensuring that DCCP matters are reported to the Executive Board of DCFC; for DCCP contacts with the players and manager of the Football Club, and for the booking of rooms at PPS for DCCP/ meetings with community organisations. The development of a website, email address, postal address, and telephone number have streamlined the DCCP communication facilities. The priorities remain the same. |