Football meets politics at Torquay United business event

Torquay United’s business network, FlightClub, held its monthly meeting at Plainmoor Stadium this morning, featuring insightful discussions on the club’s history and future, as well as the connection between football and politics.

The event brought together local businesses for networking opportunities and talks from key figures, including new Torquay United Chief Executive Mark Thomas, former part-time CEO Joe Lovell, and ex-Torbay MP Kevin Foster.

Guests arrived at 8.30am, with breakfast served at 9am.

Mr Thomas opened the session by introducing himself and sharing his professional background working around the UK and Asia Pacific.

Reflecting on the club’s recent struggles and recovery from administration, Mr Thomas underlined its importance as a community asset, bringing both economic and social value to the Bay.

“My wife was looking out over Paignton Harbour last week and said, ‘Mark, this is the nicest place we could have ever lived. It’s just so beautiful.’

“I feel very much welcomed and at home.

“Last year, the club was on its knees. What the Bryn Consortium did to keep it going was noble—it saved a great community asset for everyone here.”

Mr Lovell then outlined the club’s new initiative to engage children aged five to seven, the age at which research suggests that many form lifelong loyalties to football teams.

“I think it’s fair to say there’s been a disconnect between Torquay United and the local community. A lot of these kids probably didn’t feel they had a local team to support, so they turned to the Premier League.

“We’ve got to work harder to capture their interest during those early years.”

To address this, the club plans to give away free football shirts to Reception and Year 1 pupils in schools across Torbay—and potentially also in Teignbridge and the South Hams. Mr Lovell said the initiative would offer valuable exposure for both the club and its sponsors, and encouraged potential sponsors to contact Commercial Manager Sharon Musker.

The morning concluded with Kevin Foster sharing anecdotes about how football and politics often intersect.

“When a crowd comes to Plainmoor, they don’t just talk about the match—they talk about everything else that’s going on too,” he said.

“Some people say being an MP is the job that earns you the most criticism. I say, try being the manager or chairman of the local football club. You’ll quickly find politics can be far more sedate than having 2,000 people chanting exactly what they think of you.”

More information about FlightClub packages is available on Torquay United’s website.