Supporters Direct Press Release
5th February 2013
Supporters Direct also launches report on protecting stadia, citing Chelsea
Pitch-Owners scheme
Chair of the powerful Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, John
Whittingdale MP, has joined the list of MPs speaking at today's event
promoting greater supporter involvement in football clubs.
The event, to be held at Portcullis House's Thatcher Room, is due to be
attended by nearly 70 MPs on a busy day for Parliament with the second
reading of the Marriage Act amongst other items of business.
Supporters Direct will be calling for swift progress to be made in two
areas - areas broadly supported by the football authorities and government,
which don't require legislation, and importantly which don't need to wait
for reform of The FA. Whittingdale's committee was heavily critical of the
authorities in its report last week for acting too slowly to bring about the
necessary reforms for football.
The key areas for immediate action are:
1. That the football authorities need to include a rule as part of the new
football club licensing arrangements that guarantees a Structured
Relationship between supporters and clubs; and
2. That DCMS needs to establish the Government Expert Group before the
beginning of next season (2013/2014) to explore methods of removing barriers
to increased collective supporter share ownership in their football clubs.
David Lampitt, Chief Executive of SD, said,
"We have been pushing for these reforms, amongst others, throughout the
Governance review, and it's now time the talking translated into meaningful
action. There's no good reason for further delay on these issues and they
will make a positive difference to football fans everywhere. Fans are the
lifeblood of the sport and for too long their interests have been
marginalised. This is a chance for fans to help create real change."
As part of the event, the report 'Grounds for Benefit' will be launched
using the Chelsea Pitch Owners Association as one of the examples. The
report researched how stadia can be protected and their community benefit
enhanced by having supporters involved in the ownership structure."
Head of Policy Tom Hall, said
"Supporters have a vital role to play in ensuring football stadia are
protected and run for the benefit of their communities, both now and for
future generations."
For more information please contact Kevin Rye: 07852998542 or
[email protected]
Event details
The event will be held in the Thatcher Room, which is on the first floor of
Portcullis House.
It should be noted that the capacity is smaller than the previous room, so
please accept our apologies if the room is crowded.
Running order
4pm: Event opens
4:15pm: Speeches
4:45pm: Speeches end
5:30pm: Events close - networking drinks at the Red Lion
The event is hosted by Penny Mordaunt MP (Con, Portsmouth North), it will
also feature speeches from John Leech MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for
Sport and MP for Manchester Withington, Clive Efford MP, Labour Shadow
Minister for Sport and MP for Eltham and Damian Collins MP (Folkestone and
Hythe) who will briefly introduce his Football Transparency Bill.
About Supporters Direct
GROWTH: Supporters' trusts have now been established at over 170 clubs.
MEMBERSHIP: Over 300,000 people are members of supporters' trusts in the UK
FINANCE: Supporters' trusts have now brought in well over £30 million of new
finance into football and rugby league.(This amounts to almost £7 of
investment for every £1 of funding to SD)
OWNERSHIP: 30 clubs in the UK are in ownership or in control by supporters'
trusts, including Football League clubs AFC Wimbledon, Exeter City and
Wycombe Wanderers
PARTNERSHIP: Over 100 supporters' trusts now have shareholding in their
club.
BOARDROOM: Over 65 supporters' trusts have directors at their clubs,
including Premier League Swansea City FC.
REACH: Supporters of nearly 70% of clubs in the top five divisions of
football in England, and the top four divisions in Scotland have established
supporters' trusts
_______________________________________________
Leedslist mailing list
Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist
To unsubscribe, email [email protected]
PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
