All you ever wanted to know about SupportersTrusts
Written by Margaret Nixon
All you ever wanted to know about Supporters' Trusts.
What is NVST?
The Northwich Victoria Supporters' Trust (NVST) is the trading name of Northwich Victoria Supporters Association Limited, a Supporters' Trust set up in May 2004. The Trust is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965-78 - registration no: 29741R.
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What is a Supporters' Trust?
Supporters Direct define a supporters' trust as:
'a democratic not-for-profit organisation, made up of supporters, committed to strengthening the voice of supporters in the decision making process at a club, and strengthening the links between the club and the community it serves.'
In other words, NVST is made up of members, who are Vics fans, who vote to decide the Trust's policies. NVST can raise issues and suggestions concerning the club and its interface with the community of Northwich and Mid-Cheshire.
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What is the difference between a Supporters' Trust and a Supporters' Club or Association?
The main difference concerns the way that a supporter's trust is set up. NVST is democratic and not-for-profit. It clearly states that one of its main objectives is the securing of representation at the club and strengthening the links between the club and the community.
As an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS), registered with the FSA, there are certain requirements it has to meet and other things it can not do. These are defined in the constitution.
NVST can own shares or property,
It is a vehicle which could ultimately own the football club or a significant shareholding.
It could sign contracts with the club for shares received and set the terms of
the deal.
The legal assets of the Trust are held "corporately", not vested in individuals.
Members have limited liability (and so do elected officers in most cases).
The full force of the law can be brought to bear on anyone who misappropriates the funds.
Obviously not all these factors come into play immediately, for example, in the past there has been no opportunity to buy shares in the Club. However, the advantage of a Supporters' Trust over a Supporters Club or Association is that it is robust and flexible so that it can cope with changing circumstances.
This means that a Supporters' Trust is supported by a legal and constitutional framework which means that the achievement of its objectives is possible. A Trust actively tries to influence its Club and seek representation by being a professional and credible body of supporters, with something to offer. It builds on the fundraising and social principles of supporters' clubs / associations, but has clear direction and objectives.
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What is an Industrial and Provident Society?
An Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) is guided and controlled by its constitution. Ours is based on the 'Model Rules for a Football Community Mutual' drawn up by Cobbetts Solicitors specifically for Supporters Direct.
An IPS belongs to its membership...literally. Each full member owns one share in the Trust, which has a value of £1. Therefore every member has an equal share and equal say.
The constitution guarantees that the Trust must operate for the benefit of the community it serves. Trust members and officials will not profit from the Trust.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulates Industrial and Provident Societies, via review of annual submissions and independent financial reviews. They also monitor any changes to the Model Rules to ensure that the Trust continues to operate in a totally democratic, accountable and transparent manner and that it is open to all.
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Who are Supporters Direct and what is their role?
Supporters Direct is a government initiative, funded by public money. It has offices in London and Glasgow. Their aim is to help people "who wish to play a responsible part in the life of the football club they support".
Supporters Direct help groups of fans to set up Trusts to develop the links with their Clubs and the Community. They help new Trusts during their initial set up period, both financially and by providing the benefit of previous experience. By sharing best practice, new Trusts do not have to 're-invent the wheel'.
Once set up, Supporters Direct are on hand to offer support, advice and guidance on the running of a successful Trust and dealing with issues as they arise.
For further information on Supporters Direct, please see their website at www.supporters-direct.org.
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How many other Trusts are there?
As of 4 May 2008, there are over 140 Trusts across England, Wales and Scotland.
These are at football clubs from the Premiership to non-league. 100 hold shares within their football clubs, whilst 45 have supporter representation within the boards of their clubs.
13 Trusts own or control their clubs. In the football league, these are at Brentford, Chesterfield, Rushden & Diamonds and Stockport County.
In the non-league, they include, York City, Exeter City, AFC Wimbledon, AFC Telford, Newport (IOW), Enfield Town, FC United of Manchester and Clydebank.
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Why should we be part of Supporters Direct?
There is a cost to NVST to be part of the Supporters Direct family. We are required to pay an annual fee. However, we believe that the benefits gained from Supporters Direct justify this expense.
We have access to a huge pool of knowledge, including legal and financial advice.
Supporters Direct arrange training days and seminars to help us to run our Trust professionally and effectively.
They can (and have) provided financial assistance when we set up the Trust.
There is also an informal network of other trusts, which has already provided us with support and advice. For example, Wrexham's Trust helped to run our election in 2005. There are regional meetings with other Northwest Trusts, where we can pick up good ideas, share experiences and spot the pitfalls before we fall into them!!! NVST hosted this in September 2006.
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Membership Matters
Written by Margaret Nixon
Information about money matters and membership
Who can join the Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust?
Membership is open to everybody. If you are interested in the future of Northwich Victoria Football Club, or have an interest in the game of football in the area, then you can be a member.
There are restrictions on the activities of junior members for legal reasons. (Link)
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Why should I join?
The main reason to join NVST is to become part of a Group, set up by fans, to be an independent voice on matters affecting Northwich Victoria Football Club, its supporters and the local community. By joining together we will be stronger and better placed to be able to influence the decisions made by the Club.
With the right skills and support, we will be able to undertake bigger and better projects to meet our objectives. But we are dependent upon the talents of members and need people from all backgrounds to provide help and advice on projects we wish to take on. Have you got something to offer? Please come and join us.
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How much does it cost?
There are currently 4 categories and two levels of membership, as follows:
| Bronze |
£10 / year |
| Silver |
£10 / month |
|
Family - up to 2 adults & all children under 16
|
| Bronze |
£20 / year |
| Silver |
£15 / month |
| Concessions (OAP, UB40, NUS) |
| Bronze |
£5 / year |
| Silver |
£5 / month |
|
Junior (Under 16s)
|
|
£5 / year
|
It is intended to develop this further in the future, including a Gold level and the introduction of Corporate Membership.
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What will I get for my money?
All full members get:
- Involvement with the trust - a forum to express your views, the right to get
involved and to stand for the committee
- A nominal share in the Trust and a vote. Family membership results in
only one vote.
- Regular newsletters
- Free entry to monthly meetings, often featuring guest speakers
- Discounts, where these can be negotiated
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What are the restrictions on Junior members?
The Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust is a legal entity, which means that minors are not allowed to be full, voting members. This means that Junior members are unable to hold a share, vote or stand for election.
In light of this, Junior membership is only £5 per year and it is intended to provide juniors with goods to the value of £5, as and when these are available.
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How will my money be spent?
Most membership and fundraising monies are paid into the Trust's deposit account. A small float is maintained in the Trust current account. A small proportion of the money is used to meet annual running costs (room rental at the Floatel, printing costs, postage, auditing etc).
Funds are only released on the authority of the membership, although the Trsut committee can authorise expenditure up to a value of £500, to cover emergency / urgent requirements.
Typical expenditure to date include:
£1000 for equipment just prior to the administration period.
Sponsoring Steve Burr for the season
£904 was offered as a loan to the Club for the purchase of material to complete the building work on the wall of the new ground (post-administration)
Purchase of material for the work done by volunteers on the new wall (Pre-administration)
Purchase of a second-hand trailer for the groundstaff.
Purchase of goals and kit for use with schools and community projects.
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Will I recieve a dividend or return from the money I give to the Trust?
No, the annual membership and other donations to the Trust are not a finaincial investment. No dividends or returns will be paid to the Trust's members. Any monies generated by activities will be ploughed back into the Trust to help it to achieve its objectives.
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Can I withdraw my money from the Trust in the future?
No, all monies given to the Trust are given as a gift and cannot be returned to an individual.
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Will any individual make money from the Trust?
No, everybody involved in the formation and running of the Trust is a volunteer, and receives no payment for their time and efforts. Any revenues generated through its activities are ploughed back into the Trust. All assets owned by the Trust are owned 'corporately' not by any individual.
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How can I join?
In person:
Come along to a Trust Meeting (see home page for dates). Trust members will be on hand to answer your questions and to help you to complete the membership form.
By Post:
Please click on the membership form link and complete the form. Once complete, please print and send with either the standing order form, or a cheque to the address on the form.
Please make any cheque payable to The Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust.
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