Own your very own English Football Club

Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of money like Malcom Glazer or George Gillett, so the hope of owning a piece of an English football club is not much more than a dream.

Or is it?

Will Brooks, a former football journalist, is the creator of My Football Club. The idea is that 50,000 members join together and pay £35 per year (about $69) to acquire at least a 51% stake in an English football club. It is free to sign up and the member fee is not charged until the quota of 50,000 members is met. Currently 22,540 members have committed. The members would then have a say in all club and player issues with a majority vote deciding the outcome. The first action up for vote is which club to purchase. Currently, Leeds United is leading the list followed by Cambridge and Accrington.

Of the £1,750,000 ($3,454,500) raised, £1,375,000 ($2,710,000) will go toward the purchase of the club. The rest will go toward player transfers, youth programs and the stadium. All of the legal aspects of this arrangement have been worked out. The club will be owned through an Industrial and Provident Society owned by the My Football Club members.

The site has received considerable attention in England, including a piece in the BBC. Several television companies have asked to tell the story of My Football Club but Brooks maintains this is a decision the members will have to make.

You do not have to reside in England to become a member. I joined with the expectation that this is a long shot (there is an extensive FAQ to answer questions). What other chance does a guy from Ohio have to own and have a say in an English football club?