On Wednesday February 1st between 2pm-4pm, Supporters Direct is holding a reception in Committee Room Twelve at the Houses of Parliament, kindly hosted by Jessica Lee, the Conservative MP for Erewash.  At this reception, we will promote our key principles for Football Club Licensing in England. 

As well as Ms Lee, the reception will feature speeches from Tom Greatrex, Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West; the Rt. Hon. Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark; and William Gaillard, Senior Advisor to the President at UEFA. 

This is an updated version of our introductory event for people who are considering joining the board, have recently joined the board or who would appreciate a refresher on their roles and responsibilities and who can take the information back to their colleagues on the trust board. The day focuses on a range of topics including Strategic Planning, Engaging with Stakeholders, Shareholding, IPS regulation and information on Supporters Direct. Updated to the 2011 Version of the SD Model Rules for supporters trusts and sports club community mutual and the annual return to the FSA. 

It is a full day including lunch and refreshments and is a great way to meet colleagues from around the Trust movement.

To register you must email Vicki your name, trust and mobile phone number ASAP.

The evening will include a guest speaker (to be confirmed), an update from SD on governance, key messages, answers to your questions on the new Model Rules and the operational side policies and your chance to network with other trusts and fans owned clubs in the region.

All trusts are welcome to attend.

Please RSVP to Vicki by Monday 24th October. 

Online registration is now closed!

The Supporters Direct Fans' Weekend, including the Annual Conference and SD Cup, will take place in Chester, on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th July 2011. The Conference will be held at The Queen Hotel on the Friday, whilst the SD Cup will round off a Fans' Day held on the Saturday at the Exacta Stadium, home of Chester F.C.

Following on from 2010's event, we are hoping that this year's edition will be our most successful yet, and are sure that it will have something for everyone. William Gaillard, David Conn, Mark Bradley, Tom Greatrex MP, as well as a wealth of advice, resources and debate, and much, much more. Tickets for both days cost £42 for members of a Supporters Trust and £47 for non-members; or you can pick and choose which events you sign up for.

Attractions for the Fans' Day include stands for various organisations, a marquee that will host the keynote speakers, a BBQ (supplied by Cock O'Barton) and the prestigious Supporters Direct Cup match, contested this year by Chester F.C and F.C United. 

We are delighted to confirm that our charity partner for this year's conference will be the England Homeless Football Network. £1 from every ticket sold for the conference, comedy night and Supporters Direct Cup will be donated to this great cause. 

To keep up with the latest news from the Trust Movement and all updates on the Fans' Weekend, be sure to bookmark our new Supporters Direct Facebook page.

 Friday's Conference

Please note: details are subject to change

Opening plenary

We'll be launching the last two of our four 2011 briefing papers; 'Financing Community Ownership & Supporter Involvement' and 'Business Advantages of Supporter & Community Ownership'. With the Department of Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into Football Governance, interest in the surrounding issues has never been higher. These papers will form our blueprint for a more sustainable game. 

Workshop Strand Information

There will be five strands running over one or two sessions. When registering you must let us know which strand you are most interested in attending although you are able to mix and match which sessions you attend. 

Strand 1 - Inspiring and Enabling Supporter Ownership

These workshops will take a closer and practical look at the two papers launched at the Conference including case studies and presentations from some clubs.

Session One (14:00 to 15:00): The Business Advantages of Supporter Community Ownership in Football

The session will hopefully inspire and give confidence to supporters' trusts and individuals alike as to the advantages and positive stories from supporter owned clubs. It will provide further detail from the opening plenary on advantages our research has identified on being community owned.

Session Two (15:15 to 16:15): Financing Supporters Community Ownership in Football

The session is to show you how! It will introduce you to the concept of Punk Finance, inspired by the Mutuo paper of the same name. Punk Finance marries the requirements of the modern Trust movement to the DIY, grassroots ethics of the late 1970's cultural and music phenomenon. It will also provide guidance on other method of raising finance

Strand 2 - Policy and Regulation

Session One (14:00 to 15:00): Briefing Papers 1 & 2

(‘Developing Public Policy to Encourage Supporter Community Ownership in Football’ and ‘Developing Football Regulation to Encourage Supporters Community Ownership in Football’)  

The workshop will major on the two Policy and Regulation papers launched in May but will also consider both the current DCMS inquiry plus tough upon the relevant elements of the Localism Bill It will both review the current landscape, consider current opportunities and outline what anyone interested can do in these areas to help create the political will for change

There will only be one session in this strand

Strand 3 - Training for Supporters Trusts

Session One (14:00 to 15:00): New Model Rules

This session will focus on the introduction of the revised set of model rules which we have been working on with the help of Co-operatives UK and Cobbetts. It will give participants a better understanding of the changes that have been made, new powers that they enable and the process to implementing them.

Session Two (15:15 to 16:15): Working with other Fan Groups

The second session will take a look at the role of Supporters Trusts and how they can work effectively with other Supporters Groups on a local level. It will include case studies from different approaches from Trusts that have been successful in developing strong working relationships with other groups or working towards their aims.

Strand 4 - Europe

Session One (14:00 to 15:00): UEFA Financial Fair Play

The first session will explain the UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulation which is due to be adopted from the start of the 2011/12 season for clubs seeking to play in UEFA competitions and in particular the introduction of the Supporter Liaison Officers - something SD has worked closely with UEFA on. There will be an opportunity to discuss the impact of FFP, how it might change the game in the UK, and how the methodology sits alongside the regulation that already exists in professional leagues in this country.

Session Two (15:15 to 16:15): Closed Session - European Supporter Groups only

The second session will be a closed session for supporters groups from mainland Europe to discuss the work of SD Europe and how groups can work better together. 

Strand 5 - Supporter and Community Owned Clubs

This strand will be for both Supporters Trusts controlled clubs and other clubs that are community owned.

Session One (14:00 to 15:00): Marketing your club to your Fan Base (Mark Bradley)

The first session will be run by Mark Bradley, an industry expert on the fans experience of games. Mark will run a session on how clubs can market themselves better, specifically how to benefit from being supporter/community owned.

Session Two Part One (15:15 to 15:45): AFC Telford Peer Review

The club recently undertook a comprehensive review of the club with key stakeholders including fans, local business and the local authority. The review included a former CEO of Telford & Wrekin Council, FC United and SD.

A brief summary of the review will be provided and how it could be applied at other clubs.

Session Two Part Two (15:45 to 16:15): Open Discussion

The last 30 minutes provides a unique opportunity for our supporter owned clubs to discuss how they can provide mutual support and where Supporters Direct can assist.

Closing Plenary - The Trust Movement: Seizing the Opportunity

The closing plenary will feature William Gaillard, Director of Communications & Public Affairs for UEFA & Senior Advisor to Michel Platini, and  Mark Bradley, an industry expert on the fans experience of games.

Hotel Information

The Queen Hotel (Annual Conference and Comedy Night venue)
£85 per room per night on Thursday or Friday night for bed and breakfast or £95 on Saturday night. To qualify for this special rate please mention that you are attending the Supporters Direct conference when booking. 

 Budget Hotels

• Chester Central Travelodge 
• Eaton Hotel
• The Belgrave Hotel
• Chester Backpackers
• Chester Premier Inn

Alternatively, try Late Rooms or another hotel agent website.

Travel Information

Chester is well connected with a direct rail link from London and other UK locations and is also within reach of both Manchester and Liverpool airports.

• The AA route planner
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport
• Manchester Airport
• National Rail
• Virgin Trains

Exhibitors

• England Homeless Football Network
• Intouch CRM
• Sandlanders Football
• Level Playing Field
• Taboos, Troubles and Trusts book sales

Friday's Comedy Night

The Comedy night will be compered by Sully O'Sullivan with Bob Mills (as heard on Radio 5's Fighting Talk) headlining, supported by Jeremy O' Donnell and Danny Deegan.

It begins at 8pm, and will finish at 11pm. It will also take place at the Queens Hotel. Tickets a snip at just £12!!

Saturday's Fans' Day, including The Supporters Direct Cup

Saturday sees the events move outside into the (hopefully) blazing July sun. Our marquee will be the hub for the day's events.

The centrepiece of the day will be the now-traditional SD Cup, which will be contested by hosts Chester F.C and F.C United, two of the movement's leading lights. Before kick-off, fans' of the two clubs will be taking part in a penalty shoot-out on the pitch. If the result of the main match between Chester FC and FC United ends in a draw then the result of the fans' penalty shoot-out will determine the winner of the SD Cup!

Prior to the game, there will be keynote speeches from David Conn (The Guardian), Andy Walsh (General Manager of F.C United), Chris Pilsbury (Chester F.C Chairman), and more to be confirmed. There will also be a barbecue on site for fans' to purchase food (supplied by Cock O'Barton) and stalls to take a look at. The event will be compered by Jeremy O'Donnell. Also in the marquee will be various stalls and it should have a licensed bar (TBC).

Following the conclusion of the game, we will return to the marquee for the presentation of the man of the match, bringing the curtain down on the weekend. 

Stalls

• Chester FC
• The Co-operative Membership Trailer (hosted by Cheshire Area Committee)
• England Homeless Football Network
• FC United of Manchester
• Level Playing Field
• Safe Standing Roadshow
• Sandlanders Football
• Taboos, Troubles and Trust book sales

"The Future of Scottish Football"

Scottish football is in a time of change. The McLeish report recommended sweeping reforms of football governance, the SPL have proposed a new structure for league football and the certainty of ever-increasing media income has disappeared. Against this backdrop supporters are questioning where the game is going and whether the rights changes are being made. This conference will bring supporters' trusts together with key representatives of football administration, clubs and players to discuss the vision for Scottish football and the realities of running a successful sport fit for modern times.

Conference Timetable:

10.30am to 12pm Panel Debate

With Neil Doncaster (SPL), Gordon Thomson (Clyde FC), Fraser Wishart (PFA Scotland), David Longmuir (SFL) and Dave Boyle (Supporters Direct)

12pm to 1.15pm Morning Breakout Sessions

• Ownership: Dundee FC Supporters' Society - Living within your means
• Finance: PricewaterhouseCoopers - Review of Scottish Football Finances
• Representation: Just a Fan on the Board?
• Vision: Future Football Structures - What do fans want?

 1.15pm to 2.15pm Lunch

 2.15pm to 3.30pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• Ownership: Clyde FC - Running a democratic club
• Campaign: Changing Scottish Football
• Representation: The SFA need to do something about ...
• Vision: Future Football Structures: What do fans want?

 3.30pm to 3.45pm Break

 3.45pm to 5pm The Fans Vision for Scottish Football

 5pm Close

This is an introductory event for people who are considering joining the board, have recently joined the board or who would appreciate a refresher on their roles and responsibilities and who can take the information back to their colleagues on the trust board. The day focuses on a range of topics including Strategic Planning, Engaging with Stakeholders, Shareholding, IPS regulation and information on Supporters Direct. It is a full day including lunch and refreshments and is a great way to meet colleagues from around the Trust movement.

You must register in advance if you would like to attend this event.

To register please email Vicki Goodfellow your name, trust, email address and mobile phone number (in case we need to contact you on the day).

This is an introductory event for people who are considering joining the board, have recently joined the board or who would appreciate a refresher on their roles and responsibilities and who can take the information back to their colleagues on the trust board. The day focuses on a range of topics including Strategic Planning, Engaging with Stakeholders, Shareholding, IPS regulation and information on Supporters Direct. It is a full day including lunch and refreshments and is a great way to meet colleagues from around the Trust movement.

You must register in advance if you would like to attend this event.

To register please email Vicki Goodfellow your name, trust, email address and mobile phone number (in case we need to contact you on the day).

This event, jointly organised with the Welsh Assembly Governement, is to discuss the challenges and opportunities for sports clubs in North Wales.

Supporters Direct is an organisation that seeks to build sustainable sports clubs based on supporter involvement and community ownership. We have been active in England and Scotland for 10 years, and have been supported by UEFA for the last 4 years to develop our work on the continent.

Our expertise is developing community clubs based on wider community ownership, with robust governance and business plans. The successes of clubs we have worked closely with, such as Exeter City, FC United, AFC Wimbledon, AFC Telford are a testament to the success of our approach.We recently worked with Merthyr Town FC to reform the club from the ashes of Merthyr Tydfil FC and ensure that the new club was built on a solid base of strong governance, robust financial planning and community ownership.

We believe that in a recession of uncertain length, clubs which have struggled in better times will be severely tested for years to come. At the same time, a potential source of support - public funds of varying degrees - will be limited, and what remain will be allocated with a much greater concern for achieving wider public goals.

We believe the co-operative and mutual approach we advocate enables clubs to engage more fully in all aspects of community life through more open governance, not-for-profit constitutions and a more creative vision of what the proper role of a sports club is in a community’s life. 

We believe this will enhance volunteer motivation and boost numbers, and offers a way to raise new forms of finance based on the community and the value it places on the club. 

In addition to the specific changes in governance we would advocate, we have also developed a tool for clubs to better communicate their impact. It is also based on the outcome of a major research project on club’s social and community value we commissioned from Substance, a research body specialising in evaluating the outcomes provided by sports outreach programmes. Please visit our website for further information 

They have developed a social audit process which helps clubs gather a true picture of what they do in their community in order to tell that story and use it as a management tool to increase the impact over time.

The event is at the Racecourse Ground, home of Wrexham FC, on Thursday 28th October.

Agenda

5.30pm Registration and refreshments

6.00pm Welcome from the Minister for Sport, Alun Ffred Jones AM

6.15pm Welcome from Wrexham Supporters Trust 

6.30pm Dave Boyle (SD): Community Clubs – the only game in town

6.45pm Adam Brown (Substance): The Social and Community Value of Football

7.15pm Tom Hall (SD): Maximising your club’s value and impact

7.30pm Q & A

8.00pm Close and networking with refreshments

Attendance is free, but we would very much appreciate you indicating whether you will able to attend to assist with catering numbers. To register, please email Vicki Goodfellow on victoria.goodfellow@supporters-direct.org.

This is an introductory event for people who are considering joining the board, have recently joined the board or who would appreciate a refresher on their roles and responsibilities and who can take the information back to their colleagues on the trust board. The day focuses on a range of topics including Strategic Planning, Engaging with Stakeholders, Shareholding, IPS regulation and information on Supporters Direct. It is a full day including lunch and refreshments and is a great way to meet colleagues from around the Trust movement.

You must register in advance if you would like to attend this event.

To register please email Vicki Goodfellow your name, trust, email address and mobile phone number (in case we need to contact you on the day).

This is an introductory event for people who are considering joining the board, have recently joined the board or who would appreciate a refresher on their roles and responsibilities and who can take the information back to their colleagues on the trust board. The day focuses on a range of topics including Strategic Planning, Engaging with Stakeholders, Shareholding, IPS regulation and information on Supporters Direct. It is a full day including lunch and refreshments and is a great way to meet colleagues from around the Trust movement.

You must register in advance if you would like to attend this event.

To register please email Vicki Goodfellow your name, trust, email address and mobile phone number (in case we need to contact you on the day).

Online registration

Supporters Direct, is pleased to announce its first ever rugby league conference, to be held on Saturday October 9^th 2010 at the historic George Hotel Huddersfield.

The conference, entitled "Rugby League: An Alternative Future" aims to show all rugby league supporters from across the game how they can become more involved in their sport and help to safeguard their clubs for future generations.

Speakers on the day include former New Zealand internationl, Robbie Paul, League Weekly Owner, Danny Lockwood, MP for Colne Valley and memebr of the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Jason McCartney and Bramley Buffaloes Chairman, Martyn Cheney.

Online registration