# Carrick Rangers 

Own a Piece of an Irish League Soccer club, Founded in 1939

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/carrick.rangers
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:159431
- Last updated: 2026-06-04T05:03:13Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-04T17:43:37Z

## Quick facts
- Rare chance to own a piece of a historic franchise in the 2nd oldest national league in the world
- A club on the rise with the men finishing only two matches out of European play last year
- Committed to growing the women’s game from Academy to pro ranks with Carrick Falcons
- We’re building a world-class academy with global affiliations
- American Michael Smith purchased majority stake in 2023 to create a truly global club for all fans
- Own preferred stock with dividend potential. CRFC has been profitable for 10 consecutive years
- Seriously, where else you would rather enjoy a pint than our owner’ box on the coast of N. Ireland?
- Have you seen our castle?

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:118839: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:118838: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## Story
Imagine Owning a Piece of Northern Irish Football History!Since our founding in 1939, Carrick Rangers has always been more than a football club. It’s a symbol of community and heritage, deeply rooted in the picturesque coastal town of Carrickfergus. Today, with the vision of a new majority owner, the establishment of an international academy, and the creation of Carrick Global, we are inviting fans from around the world. Imagine becoming part of our proud tradition and helping us on our path toward UEFA competition. This is your chance to invest in history itself.Get Ready for the 2025/ 26 Season. We want you to be part of itSports Franchise ValuationThere has been a rapid rise in franchise valuations across major American sports as clubs and leagues have increasingly been seen as an attractive asset class by institutions, family offices and the wealthy elite.. Even emerging leagues like the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) have seen franchise values balloon by tens of millions of dollars in just the last few years. The trend is similar in Europe. Manchester United became the first football franchise valued at over £1 billion in 2015, and now the average English Premier League club is now worth £1.5 billion. We are positioning Carrick Rangers to see similar success with the establishment of Carrick Global.The Nike Story: Michael’s Visionary LeadershipAt the heart of Carrick Rangers is its president, Michael, who spent over 20 years at Nike, playing a pivotal role in transforming the brand into the global powerhouse it is today. His experience in strategic leadership and driving global success brings a unique advantage to the club. Under Michael’s stewardship, Carrick Rangers is poised for world-class growth, drawing from his deep experience in building winning teams, just like he did at Nike.His vision is clear: to create a football academy that will rival Europe’s best, developing homegrown talent from one of football’s most fertile grounds.Michael doesn’t just see Carrick Rangers as a team; he sees it as a global brand, much like his time at Nike, where he turned shoes into symbols of greatness. Now, he’s doing the same with Carrick Rangers—bringing his world-class expertise to the club’s strategic growth and European ambitions.Why Invest in Carrick Rangers Global?Dream Ownership: The romance of owning a piece of Irish football club, rich in heritage.Profitable History: Our men's FC has 10+ years of profitability and financial stability.Strategic Growth: We are building a world-class global youth academy.European Ambitions: UEFA qualification is on the horizon for our men’s team.Beautiful Location: Based in scenic Carrickfergus, surrounded by Irish history and coastal beauty.Dream Ownership:Owning a piece of Carrick Rangers Global is not just a financial decision—it's a romantic journey through time and tradition. Imagine being part of an Irish football legacy, with a franchise that has been a cornerstone of its community since 1939. This is your chance to own a slice of football history, where passion, pride, and performance come together to create a uniquely Irish sporting experience. Carrick Rangers is not just a team, it’s a heritage you can own.10+ years of profitability and financial stability:In a world where only 2% of European football clubs are profitable, Carrick Rangers stands out as one of the most financially stable clubs in Irish football, boasting over 10 consecutive years of profitability. With solid management and consistent success both on and off the pitch, we offer investors a rare opportunity to be part of a club that has a proven record of financial growth and sustainability. The newly established global academy, wholly owned by Carrick Rangers Global, will helps us to drive revenue and develop our talent base, while also controlling roster costs. When you invest in Carrick Global, you’re backing an organization that knows how to win—on the field and in the books.Strategic Growth:Under the leadership of Michael, Peter Clarke and the Board, Carrick Rangers have a bold strategic plan and vision. The establishment of Carrick Global, the Global Academy and investment in the women’s program are two early moves that will position Carrick for major growth.European Ambitions:Our men's team is poised for our next big leap: UEFA qualification. After a close call last year, missing by just two spots, we are now closer than ever to competing on Europe’s grand stage.Your investment will help us achieve this milestone, propelling the team into international competition. With UEFA on the horizon, Carrick Rangers is set to make a name for itself far beyond Ireland, offering investors a front-row seat to European football.Our 5-year AmbitionOur coach, Stephen Baxter, who earned a British Empire Medal in 2019 for his contributions to Northern Irish football, is set to lead Carrick Rangers to new heights. His passion and experience make him the perfect leader for our ambitious future.Watch the video below to see Baxter’s vision for the club!Last year our men's team finished two wins out of European play, the most wins in club history! Don't miss out on what is about to come.A Beautiful Location:Carrick Rangers is part of a beautiful town with a rich cultural history. Nestled in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, this charming coastal town provides stunning views of the sea, a castle steeped in history, and a community that breathes football. As an investor in Carrick Global, you’ll have the chance to visit your team in one of the most picturesque settings in Ireland, soaking up the beauty of the town while cheering on your club from VIP seats.The Carrick Rangers home pitch, the venerable Taylors Avenue, is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Belfast, offering easy access to fans and visitors. This proximity to Northern Ireland’s capital means that as an investor, not only do you get to support a growing football club, but you can also enjoy the rich culture and vibrancy of Belfast, making it an even more attractive destination to visit your club and experience the matches live.World Class Academy:We’re building a world-class youth academy to nurture future football stars, investing in young talent from one of Europe’s most competitive football markets.This academy is wholly owned by Carrick Global and will be the foundation for the club’s long-term success, creating a pipeline of talent that will not only strengthen the team but also generate significant revenue through player development and transfers.Club on The Rise:We’re building something extraordinary, and we want you to be our foundation. This campaign is about more than investment; it's about creating a community where fans become owners, and together we elevate the Carrick Rangers to new heights. Your involvement will help shape the future of the club, drive us towards European competitions, and make history as part of a fan-driven legacy. Let’s build this journey together!Worldwide Partnerships:We are rapidly expanding our influence beyond the pitch through global partnerships, sponsorships, and community-based affiliations. By collaborating with both local and international brands, Carrick Rangers is not only enhancing its resources but also building a robust support system to foster talent development. In addition to strengthening our capabilities in the UK, Carrick Global is set up in the U.S. to better connect with its rich but relatively untapped talent pool.These partnerships are fueling the growth of football from grassroots to professional levels, helping Carrick Rangers invest in youth programs, improve facilities, and ensure a strong pipeline of future talent. They also reinforce the club’s long-term vision of competing at the highest levels, including European tournaments.Carrick Women's Football:The Carrick Rangers are proud to support a growing women's team, with ambitions to reach the Women’s Premiership. We are investing in building a women's academy to develop top talent, ensuring that our women’s team becomes as competitive and successful as our men’s squad. This is more than just football—it’s about creating opportunities, building a future, and elevating women’s football in Ireland. We’re committed to driving equality and excellence across the club, and we want you to be part of that journey too.Building a New Stadium:Carrick Rangers have plans to take a monumental step forward with the development of a new stadium at the heart of Carrickfergus. This modern facility will not only serve as the home for the team but also as a central gathering point for the community, fostering local pride and bringing fans closer to the action. Designed to enhance both the fan experience and player development, with educational facilities to support our full time academy, the stadium reflects the club’s ambition to grow and compete at the highest levels of football.Structured for Long Term Success:For many European football clubs, their Academy and transfer fees are significant sources of revenue, often used to balance operating losses. Despite not having meaningful transfer fees, smart management has driven 10 consecutive years of profitability, a rarity in the football world. The establishment of Carrick Rangers Global will accelerate our success and is intended to serve as a growth engine with a focus on player development and building an international footprint for the Carrick Rangers franchise. Expected Revenue StreamsTransfer fees from Carrick Global Academy (100% owner) including transfer fees.International streaming royaltiesInternational merchandisingRevenue share from Plus.Fan subscriptions U.S. and international events including friendlies, camps, clinicsInvestor Perks:By investing in Carrick Rangers Global you’ll gain ownership plus exclusive perks like VIP access to matches, premium seating, behind-the-scenes tours, and the chance to meet players. Experience the club firsthand and be part of its journey on and off the field. Investors own preferred shares with dividend potential.Invest now before it’s too late! Carrick Rangers Global offers a rare opportunity to own a stake in a profitable, ambitious franchise that’s aiming for European competition, investing in top talent, and building the biggest fan-owned football club in the world. With exclusive perks, a rich history, and strong growth potential, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.Michael says it best: “We can’t wait to welcome you to Carrick. Join us now, and let’s build the future of this incredible club together!”#investincarrickrangers

## FAQ
1. **Hi everyone, This is a great initiative, thank you. Before investing I have a few questions: Could you please explain what the investors "own" exactly with their shares, as in, is there any monetary benefit to owing shares? Can we sell our shares (for profit) or would we recei...**
   - Hi Christopher, I encourage you to read through the terms that spell all of this out. Investors will own Series B shares in Carrick Rangers Global, Inc. which wholly owns the Carrick Rangers Global Academy (a UK entity) and is a shareholder of Carrick Rangers FC Ltd (a UK entity), the football club. As with any investment, there are no guarantees of monetary benefits. Please ensure you read all disclosures and risks carefully. Series B share are eligible for dividends as voted upon by the boa...
2. **what is involved with the 1939 club membership? thank you!**
   - Hi Scott, the 1939 Club Membership includes having your name memorialized on a plaque at the ground, access to purchase exclusive merch (only for 1939 members), +FAN unlimited free, access to the Board, and exclusive access to Academy staff amongst other perks & surprises.
3. **Hello, What's the cost per share? Thank you, Erik Buenaflor 1-210-367-1877**
   - $2 a share
4. **Hello, What's the cost per share? Thank you, Erik Buenaflor 1-210-367-1877**
   - $2 a share
5. **“PREFERRED SHARES WITH DIVIDEND POTENTIAL IN“ Can you give a possible range amount of dividends we could possibly see yearly.**
   - Hello. Unfortunately, I can not provide that guidance. We have structured the shares where we have the potential to issue dividends, something unique to these type sports offerings, but there are no guarantees at this point of our development with the new global academy.

## Team
- Michael W Smith (Majority Owner, CRFC)
- Peter Clarke (Chairman, CRFC)
- Stephen Baxter (Head Coach )
- Ben Tilney (Manager, Women and Head of Women's Academy)
- Adrian Stewart (Academy Chairman)
- Andy Sloan (Secretary)
- Richard Hood (Media Team)
- Jonny Crooks (Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer)

## Q&A
- Q: CAN I RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO THE BELOW QUESTION FROM 10 DAYS AGO: Good Morning: When will my "reservation" ($500) become an investment? It seems the countdown continues to be reset. Thank you. COYR!
  - A: Hi Michael, I don't see the prior question.... and unfortuantely, just now seeing this one. Apologies. We had some delays in filing the final documents but the requests for funds to finalize your investment will be no later than mid-January. Again, apologies for missing the earlier message.
- Q: hey michael glad to be part of the team, will there some kind of newsletter on the team and how often will it come? Also where would I provide my shipping info for the scarf? Thanks in advance.
  - A: Hi Tyler, I send regular emails to investors/owners; however, anyone using private relay email addresses will NOT receive them. Private relay is specifically designed to keep others from reaching out to you. You are currently using private relay on your WeFunder registration therefore you will not recieve any of my updates. Please update your email on WeFunder to the one you would like me to use to email you. Once you have done so, email me at mws@carrickrangers.co.uk and I'll make sure you are updated with any relevant emails you may have already missed. in terms of the scarf, you invested at $200. The exclusive scarves are reserved for investments of $500 or more. With a $200 investment, you receive a free year's subscription for Plus.Fan. Plus.Fan provides a unique insider experience, including live streaming of all women's matches and the men's home matches (plus U20s home matches and select academy matches).
- Q: When you guys cans send me my certificate of investment
  - A: Victor, you should have received your certificate in October nevertheless, I have re-sent your certificate. If you don't see it, check your spam for emails from mws@carrickrangers.co.uk.
- Q: Hey Michael, I am wondering what is the deadline to invest in the team?
  - A: As of today, December 14th, we do not have an official deadline. It will be early in the new year.
- Q: Hey I’m Victor from NY, I invested 300 dollars in octuber, do you think my friend you can send as souvenirs a scarf I would like have one if is possible .
  - A: Unfortunately, no. Scarves are reserved for higher investment levels ($500 and up). You can purchase a wide range of scarves on the online shop.
- Q: Will we receive dividends and if so will it be annually
  - A: Hi Adan, the shares are structured in a manner that dividends can be distributed based on annual performance; however, as with any investment, there are no guarantees. Our gameplan for the next few years is to re-invest profits to continue to grow the club & realize our vision as laid out in the 5 year objectives (listed on this site).
- Q: Hello, I had a similar question to others as I originally invested in one tier but after my second investment I moved up a tier. I only ever received the scarf but never received the hoodie when I moved up a tier. How can I get that resolved? A second question is where can you download the digital owner certificate?
  - A: Wefunder does not consolidate multiple investments for us so we handle it manually. Apologies if we missed your total investment. Email me at mws@carrickrangers.co.uk and I'll personally make sure it is all sorted for you.
- Q: I'm an American working class stiff, but I also love (real) football. I'd like to reach the $500 level, but I'm waiting on an annual bonus at work. If I buy $200 now, and another $300 later, will I still receive the perks of a $500 investor? I hope to see the team, and the town in person someday. The pictures of Carrickfergus are beautiful Edit... Wanted to leave a note here. I came on to make the above mentioned second investment, and noticed the "edit" button. Since the round is still active, I was about to edit my first investment to the full amount. Hope this helps others.
  - A: Yes. Just make sure you notify me at michael.smith@investcarrickrangers.com to ensure we are fully aware of the second investment. Will be great to have you join us!
- Q: What is the perk for $500.00 investment?...Apologies, I found it.
  - A: At $500 investment level you will receive 250 shares, a digital ownership certificate, one year of +FAN sccess free and an exclusive scarf. CRFC +FAN is our insider access program that provides live streams for the womens first team, mens U20 matches, previews of press releases, access to video calls with coaches, players, & management, and more. Current value of this perk is $12 a month.
- Q: Never mind already answered
  - A: if you need additional clarity, you can always contact me at michael.smith@investcarrickrangers.com
- Q: Why does the date that public launch occurs keep getting pushed back? I wanted to buy this as a gift for someone but I can only do the reservation right now.
  - A: We had some delays on the Form C filing (some of our support was out sick followed by holidays). We are about to file and will be requesting the funds shortly. We are oversubscribed from our goal but will be extending the opportunity. In terms of gifting, I can provide a reservation certificate for you to use in the interim.
- Q: If we purchase the minimum $100 (for example as a gift for my son who is a huge football fan) could there be an opportunity for him to purchase an additional stake or is this a limited time offering? Love the idea btw.
  - A: Hi Chris, there will be additional opportunities. The demand has been huge and I want as many people as possible to share the joy I have in owning a team.
- Q: If I invest $100 what proof do I get of my stake?
  - A: Hi James, you will recieve a digital certificate. More importantly, you will be able to view your shares on the transfer agent's platform. We haven't selected a transfer agent yet - we will do so when this friends & family round closes - but it likely will be KoreConX.
- Q: $100 minimum, is that correct? Is it possible to give as a gift for someone?
  - A: confirming we answered this one earlier. $100 is the minimum.
- Q: Hello. I'm a new investor and excited to watch the team. Fun and cool opportunity. My kids are interested in a uniform kit? Are those offered? Thank you.
  - A: Thank you for your investment! Yes, we have kits available. You can find them here: https://shop.carrickrangers.co.uk/