6th Annual Supporters Direct – Supporters Trust Conference

Stirling University – Saturday 7th June.

Two members of the Supporters Trust committee recently attended the annual Supporters Trust conference at Stirling University organised by Supporters Direct. This is a gathering of representatives of Supporters’ Trusts from all over Scotland and provides the opportunity to get together, hear about how other Trusts are faring, how they operate and exchange ideas. There were about 80 members present, representing the “Trusts”, of 27 clubs.

The agenda of the conference was: -

• Introduction from James Proctor, Supporters Direct
• Presentations by: -
o Mel Young, CEO of The Big Issue & the Homeless World Cup.
o Alan Findlay, Sons Trust Committee member
o Kenneth Elder, Arab Trust Committee member

• Sessions on: -
o Ownership
o Community
o League Structure
o Regulation

1. Mel Young’s presentation focussed on the homeless, sharing with us some stats about the numbers on the streets of the UK, Europe & Worldwide and the economic costs to the governments, etc. Given his role with the Big Issue and the universality of football, he then explained about the idea of using football as a conduit to changing the life of the homeless for the better.

This led to the creation of the Homeless World Cup in 2003 where 17 countries were represented in Graz, Austria. It was such a huge success that it led to an annual event, and, in the last tournament in Copenhagen, 48 countries were represented. Scotland are the current holders of the Homeless World Cup.

The main point behind Mel’s presentation, however, was that out of all those involved in the tournament, an independent poll taken afterwards found that 71% made significant improvements to their lives.

For further information on the Homeless World Cup please access the link below.

http://www.homelessworldcup.org/

2. Alan Findlay’s presentation focussed on the work which the Trust have done at Dumbarton, ranging from input into the programme & website, commercial activities within the club, the organisation of social events, community work and youth football. He also talked about their links with the directors of the football club.

The “Sons”, membership currently lies between 300 & 400.

3. Kenneth Elder’s presentation followed along similar lines to the “Sons”, activities where, at Dundee United, they also place great store in getting involved in youth development, by sponsoring kit, communication, through the programme and website and the organisation of social events. The “Arab”, Trust also had the ability to raise funds through merchandising. This, those present heard, was a major source of fundraising for both the Trust and ultimately, the club.

The “Arabs”, membership currently lies at approximately 500, with a £15 annual joining fee.


There were morning and afternoon sessions on each of the aforementioned topics and individuals were committed to select one and attend both sittings. Community, which looked at the reasons football clubs get involved in their local community, was the topic which I attended.

The morning session was led by Dave Embury, chairman of Telford United Supporters Trust and he outlined the work which they did to promote both the football club and the trust in Telford. (the “Trust”, own Telford United) This included: -

• Joint work with the local council
• Sponsor youth teams kit
• Employ a Community Liaison Officer (the club captain, who is the only full time employee at the football club)
• “Kids for a Quid”, scheme, if accompanied by an adult
• Social events
• Involving local schools within the club
• Schools football tournament
• Business club – encouraging local business to use premises
• Best fan competition
• Kids club

Those present at this session heard that Telford Uniteds’ average attendance during the time that they went out of business to the present day has risen from 800 to over 2000, despite having to start again in the lower conference league. Dave put much of this down to the work which the Club, the Trust and supporters had done, working together in the community, over this period.


The afternoon session was led by Alasdair Galloway, Clydebank Community Sports Trust, who focussed on their efforts to build their own football ground as part of a bigger sports complex in Clydebank. This role was slightly different from the previous one in terms of focus.

The Clydebank Trust has one immediate aim and that is to get their own ground and be able to bring a football club back into the community. This led to the following conclusions:-

• Identify trust member strengths and utilise to the best effect
• Create a positive line of communication between all parties (in this case the Trust, Council, supporters & local community)
• Engage club & trust members
• Encourage supporters to engage with trust
• Identify a prime focus and aim for it


The conference concluded with a get together and a reporting back from all sessions.