SMiSA News

'The Way Forward' Information Evenings

All St Mirren supporters are invited to join us at one of two special information evenings following the unveiling of our new strategy - The Way Forward - a major step in shaping the future of our club and SMiSA.

These sessions are open to all St Mirren fans, whether you’re a SMiSA member or not, and will give everyone the chance to hear first-hand about our vision for the future and the next phase of our fan ownership journey.

 

🗓️ Event Details

Monday 20th October – Online Session (via Zoom)
Time: 7:00pm
📍 Open to all supporters
🎟️ Members: Book your place via. the membership platform here
🎟️ Non-members: Book your place via. Eventbrite here. Once booked, you will be emailed the day before the meeting with a link to join.

Tuesday 21st October – In-Person Session at The SMiSA Stadium
Time: 7:00pm
📍 The SMiSA Stadium Westmarch Suite
🎟️ Members: Book your place via. the membership platform here
🎟️ Non-members: Book your place via. Eventbrite here

 


 

🤝 Hear from SMiSA and SMFC Boards

Both evenings will feature representatives from the SMFC and SMiSA boards, who will walk supporters through the new strategy, its impact on the club’s future, and the opportunities it creates for improving our connection with supporters and our community.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions directly before members are asked to vote on key proposals later this month.

 


 

🗳️ Member Poll: Have Your Say

Following the information evenings, a member poll will open on Wednesday 22nd October, running until Saturday 1st November. Members will be asked to vote on two key motions:

  1. Do you approve or disapprove of restructuring SMiSA’s funding model as set out in The Way Forward strategy?

  2. Do you approve or disapprove of the proposed governance changes, including re-approval every four years and an eight-year maximum term for SMiSA’s club board directors?

To pass, each motion will require a two-thirds (66.67%) majority of votes cast, reflecting the importance of these decisions for SMiSA’s future direction.

 


 

💬 Join the Conversation. Shape the Future.

This is a pivotal moment for both SMiSA and St Mirren Football Club. Your input, ideas, and questions matter - whether you’ve been part of SMiSA for years or are simply a Buddie who is interested in hearing what it's all about.

We encourage all supporters to attend one of these sessions, find out more about The Way Forward, and help us continue to build a sustainable, supporter-led future for our club.

⚫⚪ Together, let’s Build the Buds.

 

The Way Forward: SMiSA Unveils New Strategy to Build the Buds

SMiSA is proud to launch The Way Forward, a bold new strategy designed to reinvigorate our organisation and strengthen our role as the custodians of St Mirren Football Club.

Since the success of our Buy the Buds campaign, which secured majority fan ownership of St Mirren in 2021 through the purchase of Gordon Scott’s shares, SMiSA has continued to evolve. Over the past year, we have been working closely with our Club Board representatives and St Mirren COO Keith Lasley to shape the next stage of our journey.

This new strategy has also been shaped by the invaluable feedback we received from members during our consultation campaign in October 2024. The result is a vision that reflects the ambitions of our supporters while ensuring St Mirren continues to thrive as a competitive force in Scottish football.

 


 

Our Ambition: 3,000 Members by 2027

At the heart of The Way Forward is a clear and ambitious target: to grow SMiSA’s membership to 3,000 by October 2027, in time for St Mirren’s 150th Anniversary. Achieving this milestone will not only strengthen the voice of our supporters but also dramatically increase our ability to support the club.

 


 

Introducing Build the Buds

Central to the strategy is our new campaign: Build the Buds. This campaign introduces a revised funding model that greatly enhances the way SMiSA can contribute to the success of the club.

  • 50% of all subscription income (once our cash reserve threshold is met) will go directly towards club projects. At 3,000 members, this could amount to almost £250,000 being invested into the club each year.

  • The remaining 50% will be distributed across the Youth Academy, Charitable Foundation, Women’s Team, and maintaining a sustainable cash reserve.

Alongside this, Build the Buds will also bring:

  • Updated member benefits packages, designed to increase value for supporters.

  • A new “Refer a Buddie” initiative, giving members the chance to have their 2026/27 season ticket refunded by referring new people to become SMiSA members.

This campaign will make joining SMiSA more rewarding, while ensuring we deliver tangible benefits for St Mirren Football Club.

 


 

Strengthening Governance

Another important part of The Way Forward is ensuring SMiSA’s governance remains transparent, accountable, and refreshed with new ideas.

From now on:

  • One of SMiSA’s nominated directors will stand for re-approval every year, meaning each director will require to stand for re-approval every four years.

  • A maximum 8-year term limit will be introduced for directors.

These changes have been created in collaboration with SMiSA’s current Club Board directors, who fully support the new policy.

 


 

Reaching Supporters Worldwide

SMiSA also recognises the importance of engaging with St Mirren’s growing international fanbase. Over the coming months, we will explore new membership offerings specifically tailored for supporters overseas.

 


 

Have Your Say

Given the scale of these proposed changes, we want to ensure they carry the full backing of our members. A members’ poll will open on Sunday 19th October and run until Sunday 2nd November, asking two key questions:

  1. Do you approve or disapprove of restructuring SMiSA’s funding model as set out in The Way Forward?

  2. Do you approve or disapprove of the changes to SMiSA’s governance – specifically, re-approval every 4 years and the introduction of an 8-year maximum term for directors?

For each motion to pass, it will require 75% of votes cast – a higher threshold than our usual 50% majority – reflecting the importance of these decisions to our future.

 


 

Information Evenings

To help supporters understand The Way Forward and the Build the Buds campaign in more detail, SMiSA will be hosting two information evenings:

  • Online session: Monday 20th October, 7–8:30pm (via Zoom).

  • In-person session: Tuesday 21st October, 7–8:30pm at the SMiSA Stadium.

Both members and non-members are welcome, with representatives from the SMiSA Board, SMFC Board, and club staff in attendance. Details on how to register will be announced shortly.

 


 

Find Out More

  • The full The Way Forward strategy document will be embedded below for supporters to read in detail.

  • Check out the FAQ section contained at the bottom of this article.

  • Any queries can be sent to [email protected]. A member of the SMiSA Board will respond directly, and your question may be added to the FAQ to help inform others.


 

Thank You

We would like to thank all supporters for their patience and backing over the past year as we worked to ensure this strategy is robust enough to achieve our shared goal: ensuring that St Mirren thrives in Scotland’s top division.

With The Way Forward, we believe we are giving SMiSA - and all Buddies - a new lease of life. Together, we can grow our membership, build the buds, and continue to strengthen the future of our club.

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions

We know supporters may have questions about The Way Forward and our new Build the Buds campaign. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries.

If your question isn’t covered here, please email us at [email protected] and a member of the SMiSA Board will get back to you. We’ll also keep this page updated by adding new questions and answers, so be sure to check back regularly.

Meet the Manager Q&A Evening

SMiSA is delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Meet the Manager Q&A Evening on Wednesday 1st October, giving supporters the chance to hear directly from Manager Stephen Robinson and his assistant Brian Kerr.

The event will take place in the Westmarch Suite at The SMiSA Stadium, with proceedings kicking off at 7pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to put their questions to the management team, gain an insight into life behind the scenes, and be part of what promises to be an engaging and memorable evening.

 


 

How to Secure Your Place

 

To ensure the ticketing process is as fair as possible, tickets will be released in stages:

  • 🎟️ Priority Booking (Now Open!) – Available exclusively to our ‘Plus’ (£25p/m) and ‘Premium’ (Buy the Buds campaign upfront payment) members. This window will run until Sunday 14th September.

  • 🎟️ General Member Booking – From Monday 15th September, booking will open to all ‘Entry’ (£5p/m) and ‘Standard’ (£12p/m) members.

  • Free for Members – Tickets are completely free for all SMiSA members as part of your membership benefits and to thank you for your continued support. Tickets can be reserved via the SMiSA Membership Portal.

  • 🎟️ Non-Members – From Monday 22nd September, a limited number of tickets may be released to non-members (subject to availability after the members’ windows). These will be priced at £10 each, with all proceeds donated to the SMFC Youth Academy.

 


 

Don’t Miss Out!

 

Spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high, so we encourage all members to book early to avoid disappointment. This is your chance to engage directly with the Saints’ management team and be part of a fantastic evening at The SMiSA Stadium.

👉 Secure your place today via the SMiSA Membership Portal.

We look forward to welcoming you on the night!

2026 Third Kit Design Competition

 90  ENTRIES CURRENTLY SUBMITTED

 6.71%  OF TOTAL MEMBERSHIP ENTERED


Following the fantastic response to our previous design competition in 2023, SMiSA is excited to bring it back and once again hand over creative control to our members. We're inviting all current SMiSA members, including our Junior Buds, to help design St Mirren’s 2026 Third Kit with our tagline: “For the Fans, By the Fans” - a proud reflection of our fan-owned status and a celebration of the creativity and passion in the black and white army.

Whether you’re a returning designer from 2023 or giving it a go for the first time, this is your chance to leave your mark on the pitch. From hand-drawn concepts to digital mock-ups or kits built in Macron’s “My Kit” app – we want to see your ideas brought to life.


Key Competition Details:

  • Open to all current SMiSA members, including Junior Buds.

  • Those not currently SMiSA members and wanting to participate may sign-up now, and will be eligible for the competition.

  • One design entry per member is permitted - hand drawn, created digitally, or made using the Macron “My Kit” app.

  • Send your design to [email protected] before 6pm on Friday 8th August 2025.

  • Submissions must be made using the email address associated with your SMiSA account and state your full name in the email.

  • A combination of the SMiSA Board, the SMFC Board, COO Keith Lasley, and Pitch Pro Retail will shortlist five finalists.

  • Those final designs will go to a SMiSA members' vote to choose the winning kit. The vote will take place later in August.

  • The new 2026 Third Kit should be released before Christmas!

 

Click here to access the pdf design template
Click here for the Macron "My Kit" App

 

 


A Few Design Tips:

  • Your design should differ from the 2025/26 home and away kits to ensure variety across the range.

  • Please keep in mind that very detailed or intricate designs may not make the shortlist if Macron deems them too difficult to manufacture.

  • The final kit will be based as closely as possible on the winning design, but some modifications may be required to meet production standards.


Why Get Involved?

This competition is a standout example of the unique opportunities SMiSA members enjoy. As part of one of Scotland’s leading fan-owned clubs, our members don’t just support the team - they're at the heart of it.

The 2023 competition produced some brilliant designs and fantastic engagement from the entire community - now it's your turn to get involved. Whether you're a kit collector, a budding designer, or just have a vision of your ideal SMFC kit, we can’t wait to see what you come up with.

And if you're not yet a SMiSA member? There’s never been a better time to join. Membership means more than supporting the club financially - it means having a real voice in what happens at your club.

➡️ Join SMiSA today and help us build a club shaped by its fans.


Always Pushing for a Stronger St. Mirren

 St Mirren isn’t just a football club; it’s a community, a family, and a legacy that has been part of Paisley for generations. As a supporter, you’re already part of that story. But through SMiSA – the St Mirren Independent Supporters Association – you can take your support even further. You can become a guardian of the club’s future, ensuring that St Mirren remains fan-owned and community-driven.

Why Join SMiSA?

When you join SMiSA, you become one of over 1,300 members who share a common goal: safeguarding the future of St Mirren. But it’s more than that. As a SMiSA member, you have a voice. You decide how SMiSA funds are invested in the club, from supporting youth development to enhancing matchday experiences. You are not just a fan; you are a decision-maker.

And remember – a stronger SMiSA means a stronger St Mirren. The more members we have, the greater the impact we can make together.

Your Membership Means More

By becoming a SMiSA member, you are:

  • Helping safeguard the club for future generations.

  • Investing in the club’s long-term success.

  • Having a say in how SMiSA funds are spent.

  • Accessing exclusive benefits, events, and experiences.

Most importantly, by joining SMiSA, you are helping to keep St Mirren fan-owned. This means that our club’s future is in the hands of the people who care about it most – the fans. Fan ownership protects the club from external influences, keeps it rooted in the community, and ensures that every decision made is for the good of St Mirren and its supporters.

A Place for All Generations: Junior Buds

We’re always pushing to build a legacy, and that means inspiring the next generation of St Mirren fans. Our Junior Buds membership is designed especially for fans under 16, offering them a chance to become part of the St Mirren family from an early age. It’s not just a membership – it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences and a lifelong love of the Saints.

Be Part of Our Future

St Mirren has been at the heart of Paisley for generations, but its future is in your hands. By joining SMiSA, you help us keep pushing to make our club bigger and better.

A stronger SMiSA means a stronger St Mirren. Don’t just be in that number. Be at the heart of it.

Join SMiSA Today – Full Membership
Join Junior Buds – For Our Youngest Fans

Together, let’s keep St Mirren always pushing.

Join the SMiSA Board

We have scheduled SMiSA's Annual General Meeting this year for Tuesday 22nd April 2025 at 7pm. It will take place within the hospitality suite at the SMiSA Stadium, and all members are eligible and welcome to attend. 

The AGM will look back on what has been achieved in the past year as well as ahead to 2025/26.

 The AGM notice, including our annual accounts, will be issued 14 days prior to the meeting, along with your invitation to vote on all AGM business. A link will also be included within this notice so that you can register your attendance if you wish to attend the 2025 SMiSA AGM (in-person or online).

The AGM notice will include the election of the SMiSA board. As it stands, four of the nine places will be vacant vacant and will be open for election as per our rules. Five elected members will continue to serve for at least another year as none have reached three years on their current term. They are Alex Dillon, Stuart Chawk, Jack Mcskeane, Dougie McMahon and Jim Cumming. SMiSA board members Stewart Gilmour and Willie Bell have reached the end of their three-year term and will step down. Both Stewart and Willie are eligible to apply to be re-elected to the SMiSA Board, along with any other candidates who put themselves forward. 


HOW TO APPLY

Any SMiSA members who wish to put themselves forward for election to the SMiSA board can do so now. Board members are expected to attend fortnightly meetings (held on Monday evenings) and make a meaningful contribution, both in terms of their time and the quality of their input. 

Anybody who would like to stand should email [email protected] and request an application form. You will need to be nominated by two other SMiSA members and have been a member for at least 90 days prior to the date nominations close which is Tuesday April 1st at 5pm. 

You will also need to submit a 500-word statement explaining why you would like to be elected and submit a photo for the election page on the SMiSA website. Voting will run for ten days from April 8th, with results announced at the AGM. 

As always, if there is anything you wish to speak to us about we can be contacted via [email protected]

Payment Approvals - Important Update

 

SMiSA recently reached out to our members regarding an issue created by an administrative exercise by our membership management company, VeryConnect, affecting Direct Debit mandates for around 50% of SMISA members. Click here to read about the circumstances.

 

The issue meant that some members were required to approve their January payment via. an email from payment handlers GoCardless. From over 500 members initially affected, the SMiSA Board have undertaken a huge communications campaign (including individual phone calls to members) to reduce the number to around 75 members still required to approve their payment.

 

There are 54 affected members who do not have a contact number on their SMiSA profile. Due to GDPR, SMiSA can’t publish a list of these members.

 

We will send out an email to those who still need to approve their January payment tonight (Wednesday 29th January) at 8pm.

Could we ask ALL members to check their inbox and JUNK folders for an email from [email protected].

 

If you receive this email it indicates you ARE affected. On receipt of the email, please look for an email from [email protected] asking you to approve January’s payment. Please action this, then reply to the SMiSA email to confirm.

 

Failure to authorise January’s payment will void your membership, reducing the amount of financial support SMiSA receives AND directly impacts the support St Mirren FC receive from SMiSA.

 

Your support in this exercise is greatly appreciated, as we attempt to limit the damage caused by the administrative exercise as much as possible.

Subcategories