Society Board: Associate Director - Mike Barile

associatedirector@arabtrust.co.uk

His family and teaching colleagues say he spends too much time on football business but he's addicted to Dundee United FC and the beautiful game.

Although he has been running buses to games for friends and family ever since he was 17 it was only during the dark season in which we were relegated that he joined a group who decided it was time for Arabs to stand up and be counted so they formed Ferrari’s United and became an official Supporters Club.
Since then he has followed the natural progression of holding senior positions with both the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs and ArabTRUST.

During last few years he has also been Chairman of the Dundee United Development Association who operate the weekly lottery, 50/50 Half-Time Draw and the Christmas Super Draw. This income stream makes a valuable contribution to Youth Development at the Club.

I take my responsibilities very seriously and regularly campaign on behalf of members for improvements at all football grounds not just Tannadice.

I think the most important part of my present role as Associate Director is to be a voice for United fans and represent our members at various events and meetings especially in the Boardroom. This is something of which I am proud. It has been a challenge and hard work at times but always an enjoyable privilege. Supporters have a right to participate in the decision making of the club and I believe this is best achieved via a democratic and regulated body such as ArabTRUST.

My position at the Club with unique access to Directors, Coaches, Players and Ex-players has allowed me to facilitate a considerable number of regular events which have taken place since my appointment in 2004 such as the Open Days, Fans’ Derbies, the Tangerine Masters and the fund raising social functions. In addition, I helped establish the Trading Post outlets and other special projects such as filming The Cundeez live at The Shed.

Through my links with organisations such as Supporters’ Direct, Show Racism the Red Card, and Kick-out Bigotry I have been pro-active in getting a positive social message across to local youngsters. In partnership with DUFC I have helped organise regular seminars for schoolchildren over the last 5 years on the evils of Racism and Sectarianism.