LCST – FAQ’s
Q_ What is a Supporters Trust?
A_ The basic definition of a Trust is a democratic, not-for-profit organisation of supporters, 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.
Q_ What's the Role of Supporters Direct?
A_ Supporters Direct help fans form Trusts by offering advice on what form it should take and how to get it off the ground. They ensure that as many people get involved as possible. Having worked with fans setting up over 140 trusts since 2001, they advise fans on what works and what doesn't and give examples of good ideas from other places. As the fans who get involved are volunteers, it's important that they don't get disheartened or feel they wasted time on something that hasn't delivered, Supporters Direct help them avoid going up blind alleys and instead spend their time on things that will be positive and make a difference. They also take some of the load off the fans' hands having full-time staff dedicated to a group of clubs who are at the end of a phone to advise, if needed. They also pay for all the legal costs of setting up a Trust and provide small grants, to cover things like advertising, printing, and room hire etc.
Q - What Does Lincoln City Supporters Trust Do ?
A - The Trust raises funds for Lincoln City FC, puts on events for its members, and represents its members in the club boardroom where our elected representatives help in the running of the club at the highest level. The Trust has led The Clubs the Hub initiative in using the ground for community activities along with the 3Cs scheme where fans' concerns are investigated on their behalf.
Q - What has the Trust achieved ?
A - The Trust was integral in the club changing from being owned by a single individual to being broadly owned by its supporters including fans and members of the local business community. It has subsequently had an important role in the club year after year.
Q - How many members are there in the Trust?
A - The Trust has around 1400 members of which 500 are juniors. This represents at least a third of our core support.
Q - Why should I join ?
A - By joining the club you can become a part of Lincoln City FC. Your subscription will help the club and you will be represented in the boardroom. You will benefit from reductions for tickets or goods in the club shop and you will be welcome at all Trust events.
Q - What sort of fundraising does the Trust do?
A - The Trust raises funds through subscriptions amounting to around £15K average per year. The Gold Members scheme has raised £96K since it started in year 2001. Auctions, dinners, race nights and so on bring further funds in to the club. The Trust calendar is another successful source of income.
Q - Why does the Trust own shares ?
A - The Trust received over 800,000 shares when the club became broadly owned in 2001. The Trust would like to maintain a shareholding over 25% of all issued shares because, in the event of an important proposal at an AGM or SGM, the most important people involved in the club - the fans - would have a say in the final decision. This doesn't stop any major changes at the club or resist major investment if they are in the best interests of the club - all it means is our members will have a say. The Trust has no wish to hold a larger percentage of shares.
Q - Can I get involved ?
A - You certainly can ! The Trust board is constantly looking to recruit new members and new board members. We need to be dynamic and seek out new ideas. No-one on the Trust board wants anything other than what is best for the club we love, and if new individuals want to become involved and help in this aim, that is fantastic. Don't forget, any adult member can seek election to the club board and then put themselves up for election to the club board. The trust is democratic and wants only what its members want.
