Payments didn’t get processed for 413 members who joined the club or renewed this summer. Through no fault of their own – or indeed ours. It was a technical problem on Communal, our membership platform, which has since been resolved.

Thanks to the 296 of those 413 members who have logged in and added their payment details again. We’re appealing to the other 117 members to do so too – if for no other reason then we can stop hassling you!

Background

At the start of 2024, the membership committee made a decision to move the Clapton Community FC membership over to a digital platform. They wanted to save the many hours spent packing and posting out membership cards and certificates – many of which are returned to us undelivered due to customs issues or because of changes of address.

Having looked at what would be available, the membership committee found a product that would work, from a company called Communal – https://getcommunal.com. In June 2024, the digital membership platform was rolled out. It gives members a login from where they can download a membership card, sync the card into an Apple or Google wallet, and continue to receive the weekly members’ newsletter.

What happened?

Fast forward to October. The Finance committee realised that something was amiss. The income generated from the period July – Oct 24 was significantly lower than July – Oct 23, with the same number of members.

Communal eventually found it was a technical issue with the two-step authentication on Stripe, their payment collection software. A total of 413 members had correctly input their payment details to pay for their membership. However, the integration between Stripe and Communal was not authorising those payments and the money was not taken.

As you can imagine this has had a disastrous effect on the club’s income and cashflow – and it’s really embarrassing. Over 400 people believe they have renewed or taken out membership – but the payment has not gone through.

We’re sorry that it’s been such a hassle but hopefully this is the last of the teething problems with the new membership platform. Obviously as a members-owned, members-run club, the membership money we all pay is vital in keeping our club and all its teams and activities running.

How do I know if I’m affected?

We have worked with Communal to identify these members and an email was sent by them. You will have received the email from the address noreply@getcommunal.com with a subject line ‘Clapton Community FC – missing membership payment‘

You will also have received an email titled ‘Clapton CFC membership’ from comms@claptoncfc.co.uk.

Check your bank statement and you will see no payment went out on the date you renewed it.

Is there another way to check if I’m affected or not?

Yes, there’s now a way to check if you’re affected by logging into the membership portal.

Check if you see “Missing Membership” in the right hand column (see image below for an example).

If you do not see “Missing Membership” you’re all set and don’t need to take any action.

I’m affected – what do I need to do?

Please log into your Communal account and input card details in the payment section again.

There’s a video here walking you through how it’s done.

What happens if I do nothing?

Unfortunately, if the membership has not been paid for by December 1 2024 it will lapse. Former members can always rejoin at a later time, though.

Any further questions?

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Membership Committee at membership@claptoncfc.co.uk