So, what’s this Supporters Trust thing about ?

By Veronica MacGregor
August 6 2003

I wish I had a pound for every time I’ve been asked that question during the last six months. Now that the Trust is properly registered and about to have its ‘official’ launch, this seemed like a good time to try and explain to those who haven’t yet joined why we believe it’s such an important issue

The basic definition of a Trust is a democratic, not-for-profit organisation of supporters, committed to strengthening the voice for supporters in the decision making process at a club, and strengthening the links between the club and the community it serves.

A lot of people look at how football has gone over the past 10 years and feel that the community roots of a club in some places have been lost – the clubs seem to care more about money, or sponsors, than fans who live in the area. The club represents the very best of the community it plays in, and can act as a symbol of that community for everyone to support. Trusts are about making that really happen. It’s usually the fans who care most about these things as they often live in the community or used to, and they want to see the kids in the town centre on a Saturday wearing the local club shirt rather than a club miles away.

So what are the objectives of the Trust ?

 

• To strengthen the bonds and dialogue between Airdrie United Football Club and the supporters of the club, and to represent the interests of the supporters in the running of the club.

 

• To work for the footballing and financial success of the club.

 

• To be a positive, inclusive, and broadly representative group;  open, accessible and democratically run for all supporters of Airdrie United Football Club.

 

• To reach out to the global community of Airdrie United supporters and seek to unify the supporters of the club;  for the Society to act as a medium of communication for supporters both amongst themselves and with the club.

 

• To build up and develop a positive, proactive relationship with the owners and management of Airdrie United Football Club, and promote two-way dialogue between the club and its supporters on substantial issues;  for example, ticket prices, community relations, anti-racism initiatives, etc.

 

• To strengthen the bonds between the club and the community which it serves, and to represent the interests of the community in the running of the club.

 

• To benefit present and future members of the community served by the Club by promoting, encouraging and furthering the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement.

 

 

It’s important to be realistic, to be professional in our dealings, to be committed to the democratic nature of the Trust.  It’s hard work for the people involved, but Trusts always bring new people forward who might not have been involved in anything like this before.  Instead of criticising, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and becoming a part of the process.