What is The Stockport County Supporters' Trust?
The Stockport County Trust is a formal, democratic and not-for-profit organisation of fans. Over recent years, led by the government funded Supporters Direct, Trusts have been established at a number of clubs to allow the fans to have greater input into their clubs.
The Stockport County Supporters Trust is one of five Trust organisations that own their club, the others being Chesterfield, Brentford and AFC Bournemouth and Notts County in the football league, with a number of Trusts owning their clubs in the non-league.
The Trust aims to represent the views of the supporters of the club through open and affordable membership, and consultation with all supporters and supporters groups, regardless of whether they are members or not. A further aim of the Trust is to promote the links between the community and the football club.
The membership of the Trust votes to elect candidates to the Trust Board, Members can stand for election onto the Trust Board, which acts on behalf of the membership at all times. The elections normally take place just before the Trust AGM, which is where the results of these elections are announced.
How does the Trust Board differ to the Football Club Board?
The Board of Stockport County Football Club are in place to keep the football club going on a day to day basis - finances, marketing, staff, development etc. They are like the board of any normal company - their responsibility is to make the football club successful.
The Trust Board Members are the spearhead and voice of the fans. They do not get involved with the day to day decision making of the Football Club but are involved in major decisions such as a change of key staff. The Trust Board acts on behalf of the Trust members and work with the Football Club Board to ensure we have a successful football club both on and off the field.
Where does my membership money go that I pay each year?
The nominal £12 membership fee is used for administration, promotion and legal fees incured by the Trust. The Trust runs on a very small budget and doesn't have a great deal of outgoings, but moneys from membership, sponsorship and donations is used to keep the Trust running smoothly as well as promote the Trust and Stockport County Football Club. Without this money the Trust would not be able to, for example:
- communicate news and information via this website
- pay legal fees
- provide free match day newsletters three times a year
- provide and send out certificates to new members
- pay for an accountant
- arrange social events for members
Any surplus money raised by the Trust is put into a Rainy Day Fund (RDF) that can be used by either the Trust or the Football Club if required. Any request to borrow money from the RDF would have to be approved by the RDF custodians.
Members of the Trust board are not paid for their time, efforts or service.
Why should I join the Trust?
Click here to visit our membership section of the website and read why you should join the Trust....