Ok, then, tell me – what’s a Supporters’ Trust?
A Supporters’ Trust is a democratic, not-for-profit organisation of supporters. It’s committed to strengthening the voice for supporters in the decision-making process at a club and strengthening the links between the club and the community it serves.
I thought a trust was a charity?
Ah, no. Supporters’ Trusts are not charities and whilst they contain the word ‘Trust’ they do not follow the legal definition of a ‘Trust’.
Supporters’ Trusts are constituted as Community Benefit Societies (CBS), a form of Co-operative that operates under a one-member one-vote principle. CBSs are registered with the Financial Services Authority, and any changes to the rules must be approved by the members and only become effective once the FSA has agreed them, checking they are in keeping with the spirit of the organisation.
The members own all assets and liabilities collectively. Under FSA rules the Trust must remain solvent if it is to continue to legally exist. Any profit made is either kept as reserves or reinvested to meet its objects. It will never take the form of a dividend to members.
What’s the point of the Supporters’ Trust then?
Because Supporters’ Trusts are grassroots organisations, clubs with a degree of community ownership have stronger relationships with the local residents, businesses and their local authorities than clubs without such fan involvement. Trust in Haven wants to use its trust status positively and to work closely with Club , Copeland Borough Council, the business community and local people – to the benefit of all.
All Supporters’ Trusts have the aim of acquiring shares in their football club and to secure – by democratic election – supporters’ representatives on the board of directors for the benefit of the supporters and the wider community.
A number of Trust in Haven objectives relate to the raising funds and helping to support initiatives for the benefit of supporters, the community and the club
Whats Trust in Haven done for the Benefit of the Club since it was Formed
In a nutshell we have encouraged supporter involvement in projects to enhance the sustainability of professional Rugby League in Whitehaven the raising of funds that are used for the benefit of supporters, the community and the Club
By encouraging supporter-led projects and initiatives and, where appropriate, provide them with financial, administrative and media support . Some examples of this are
In 2011 Trust in Haven were sponsors to the clubs Under 21 Academy (See photo of playing shirt ) and we have funds allocated to support the planned re-introduction of a Whitehaven Reserve team in 2021
In 2015 several members volunteered to do the Video of all home Haven games , which is required by the RFL . On the back of this Trust in Haven save Whitehaven RLFC almost £5,000 they would otherwise have to pay for the service .Also Trust in Haven now run the Haven match video service , which we offer exclusively to all members
All very well, but what chance is there of the club’s owners giving you say in Whitehaven RLFC affairs, let alone a seat on the board? TIH has hardly got millions to invest in the Haven . Or have you…?
Alas, not yet, but if you’ve won the lottery and you don’t know what to do with the money, please let us know!
But we do know that a being a Supporters’ Trust can give us leverage, not least with the games authorities, the council and other fans’ groups. A thriving Supporters’ Trust is a voice that is hard to ignore. The more members the bigger our voice !
Im thinking of Joining ! It’s going to cost me an arm and a leg to join. Right?
Wrong. We’ve made the fees as low as possible so we can be as inclusive as possible. And you get a range of exclusive benfits as a member of Trust in Haven
The annual membership fee – including in the first year a £1 share for those who weren’t TiH Co-op members – is only £20 ( concessions are £10 ) . For junior members (those under 16 ) membership is just £5 a year.
Sounds good! Where do I sign up?
TO JOIN Trust in Haven just click here – it takes two minutes to sign up!