In Sunderland We Trust?
Towards the end of last season’s disastrous campaign, when there were demonstrations outside the hallowed Sunderland gates a few of us started to reflect on past troubles, ‘Red Card’ protests and sit ins. Even after all our years following our team it seemed that some supporters felt they couldn’t make their voices heard, or connect in a real way to the club.
The subject of a Supporters’ Trust was raised and we began to talk about whether a Trust could help connect supporters and possibly help save the club from making a Leeds-shaped plummet to oblivion. Thankfully, just as we’d dug out our boots and copy of “The Dummies’ Guide to Running a Football Club” Quinn, Drumaville and Keane came along to take care of that for us. However as supporters, the idea of being more connected to the club via a Supporters Trust didn’t go away.
Research showed us that Supporters Direct (www.supporters-direct.org) came into existence to follow through recommendations from the Government-appointed Football Task Force that said supporters should be given the opportunity to be more involved in the running of their Clubs.
Supporters Direct helps groups to set up their Trusts so long as they are fully democratic, that they are inclusive, that the Trust remains not for profit, and affordable. Each member would have one vote and membership should be open to all. No member would benefit financially from the Trust and all funds raised would be distributed according to the aims of the Trust and the wishes of the majority. The question of affordability is crucial and Supporters Direct suggest that a year’s membership should not cost more than the admission price to a single game.
Many Trusts have been born in times of adversity, the Stockport County Trust and Bees United (Brentford) saved their Clubs by funding rescue packages, and the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust was set up in opposition to the Glazier takeover.
BUT in other cases, such as Celtic and Rangers in Scotland and Arsenal in this country, Trusts have been set up in times of success and there are now more than 100 Trusts the length and breadth of the country that formalise relationships between Football Clubs and their supporters. In many cases strong mutually beneficial relationships have been forged.
What grabs the imagination is the good that Supporter’ Trusts can do for their community and club. For example Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust raised funds to install an ISDN line at Selhurst Park to facilitate commentaries to local hospitals, Barnsley FC Supporters’ Trust has donated strips to a number of youth teams in the Barnsley area, Cambridge Fans’ United sponsor the Club’s youth development system, Bradford’s Trust even funded the signing of a player on loan to the Club. Imagine what a Sunderland Supporters’ Trust could achieve.
If you’ve read this far you are probably thinking “what’s the point? We already have the Supporters Liaison Group, the Supporters’ Association and branches, and the Branch Liaison Committee.” Of course you’re right, these groups do really excellent work. However, how many of you are actively involved in these groups? Do you know what they do or how to get involved?
A Trust would not seek to replace these; indeed it would need their expertise and experience. The added benefits of a Trust are:-
* It is wholly owned by the supporters, run by supporters for the objectives they choose.
* It is transparent and democratic. The Board is made up of supporters, elected by its members, normally with annual elections.
* It is accountable. If its not being run properly or reflecting the consensus of supporters then Directors are accountable and can be replaced through elections.
* It is a company in its own right, it can acquire assets, generate income for projects in the community or to supplement SAFC Foundation’s coffers and apply for grants that other unconstituted groups can’t.
* It is externally audited.
The passion and commitment of Sunderland supporters to their club is second to none! A Supporters’ Trust here could be born out of the current, massive wave of optimism and provide another way for supporters to show their backing for the club, and community.
The club is moving into the 21st century. Is it time we, the supporters, did the same?
We’re genuinely interested in your views. A poll and forum is available on the SMB (www.readytogo.net/smb). Please vote and leave your comments – they are important.
Thornhill, SAFC365, Big Phat Bugger, Nanny Pat, Vincey 2, Captain Ball Mackem Angels and others.