What is a Supporters Trust?

A Supporters Trust aims to unite all those who have an abiding passion for their football club. It is a platform for all fans to have a say on the issues that affect supporters, the club, and the communities it serves.

It is completely independent of the club and is non profit-making. It is based on a democratic process of open membership, where each member has one vote. These principles are enshrined in the Trust's constitution.

This is a national movement. Already, as of May 2001, fans from 124 clubs are in touch with Supporters Direct, the government-backed organisation which helps supporters to set up Trusts. To date, 28 Trusts have been established, an a further 11 have been agreed at public meetings. There are many more in the pipeline.

Many Trusts operate share-pooling and share-purchasing schemes whereby the shareholding members agree to pass their voting rights to the Trust, and the Trust buys shares to acquire a financial stake in the club.

Above all, a Supporters Trust seeks to bring together the skills, energy, ideas and passion that football supporters can contribute to the running of their club, and to make sure that the club listens. A number of clubs already have Supporters Trust representatives on the Board of Directors.