About the Leeds United Supporters Trust

The trusts main objective is to encourage and promote the principle of supporter representation on the board of any company owning or controlling the Club and ultimately to be the vehicle for democratic elections to the board and as a trust we have the power to buy and hold shares in the Club should we be in a position to do so. The trust will represent the fans (its members) concerns with the good governance of the club and, when circumstances permit, will try and ensure, as a 'critical friend' that the club acts responsibly within its means and realises the value of the club as a community asset. A co-operative is an independent organisation that exists to help people to work together to meet its shared needs and aspirations and is owned and controlled by its members.

For information on the Trusts current projects and latest news please view the news section. Press releases and board meeting minutes are available from our downloads facility.

Detailed below is the information about what the Supporters Trust is, what we stand for and how we intend to operate.

  1. What is the Leeds United Supporters' Trust?
  2. Why should I join and what will it cost me?
  3. Who owns the Supporters Trust?
  4. Is my money safe and how is the Trust run?
  5. Could the Supporters' Trust take over the football club?
  6. Do you have the support of the club?
  7. Can the Trust accept donations?
  8. How often do I need to vote?
  9. Who will be in charge of the Trust and how will they be accountable to members?
  10. Is Leeds United Supporters' Trust Registered?

Answers

1) What is the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust?
A democratic, not-for-profit organisation, committed to strengthening the voice of supporters in the decision making process at the club, and strengthening links between the club and the community it serves. Leeds United Supporters' Society Ltd, trading as Leeds United Supporters' Trust is registered in England and Wales under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. Society number 29498R with the Financial Services Authority and a member of Supporters Direct

2) Why should I join and what will it cost me?
If you want your voice to be heard through an independent and recognised fans organisation then joining the Trust is the way to do it. The Leeds United Supporters Trust will represent its members in particular, and wherever possible fans in general. Membership of the Trust will cost you just £5 a year. The whole idea behind a Supporters' Trust is that it's accessible to the everyday fan. The Supporters Trust will represent the fans (our members) concerns with the good governance of the club. We will try to ensure that the club is acting responsibly within its means and realise the value of the club as a community asset.

3) Who owns the Supporters Trust?
A Supporters' Trust belongs to its members. Our responsibility is limited to obeying our constitution, achieving our objectives and the will of the Trust members. The first £1 of your membership fee buys you a share in the Trust.
Other funds contribute to the strength of the Trust, allowing it to buy shares in the club (if available), extend its work in the community, and allow the Trust to become involved in the running of the club. All time given by Trust board members is free and voluntary. No-one can make a personal profit from a Supporters' Trust as this is fraud - an offence that carries a prison sentence.

4) Is my money safe and how is the Trust run?
The Trust members' money is protected. It can't be spent on anything other than what the constitution says and anyone who misappropriates funds can be taken to court and the money can be recovered. The trust members are only liable for the £1 share should anything go wrong. In terms of responsibility the committee will obey the constitution and run a well ordered ship with general accounts, elections, and having any constitution rule changes approved by the Registrar of Friendly Societies.

5) Could the Supporters' Trust take over the football club?
The Supporters' Trust has been established to help to safeguard the future of our club, no matter who the owners are. Fans are the only constant in football and it is only fair we have a say, regardless of owners, manager or players. A Trust enables this to happen in a democratic way, with constitutional protection for its members. It is representative of its members on all issues, from ticket pricing to governance. As the Trust builds up funds, it can decide to apportion an amount for shares; start a monthly share save scheme or whatever else members may decide. A Supporters' Trust is a vehicle that can ultimately own its football club, or own a significant shareholding. It can sign contracts with the Club for shares received and set the terms of any deal democratically.

6) Do you have the support of the club?
Leeds United Supporters Trust is a FULLY INDEPENDENT organisation but has sought to work with the club in the past and will in the future. As membership and profile increases the intention is that the club will perceive benefit in open and regular dialogue with the Trust. A Supporters' Trust is created by the fans for the fans, to help ensure the responsible running of their club.

7) Can the Trust accept donations?
You can donate as much as you wish to the Trust. The Trust works on the principle that individual influence is measured by love for the club and not the size of investment. It's a totally democratic procedure and so every member has one share each.

8) How often do I need to vote?
Usually you will vote at an AGM every year unless there are ballots for decisions on other issues. Of course you are welcome to become more involved in the Trusts activities by either standing for election to the board or assisting in one or more of the Trusts working parties.

9) Who will be in charge of the Trust and how will they be accountable to members?
The board, and all positions within it, are voted for by the Trust membership through a ballot of all its members. For accountability, communication is vital - the Trust board can use a number of things - the AGM, newsletters, the website, email etc and the Trust is currently exploring the greater use of electronic and remote methods.

10) Is Leeds United Supporters' Trust Registered?
Leeds United Supporters' Society Ltd, trading as Leeds United Supporters' Trust is registered in England and Wales under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. Society number 29498R with the Financial Services Authority. A Member of Supporters Direct.


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