Rochdale Supporters Club Trust

As Rochdale fans we are lucky. Many football fans around the country have to face the prospect of their club being no more. However due to the excellent work of the board of directors Rochdale Football Clubs fans can look forward to the future with some degree of optimism. However we should not take this position for granted. With the Bosman ruling and the collapse of the transfer market, the financial climate of football, for clubs like our own is far from certain.

For many years Rochdale supporters club has provided a vehicle for fans to help raise funds for the football club. Over the years the hard work of supporters like Nigel McDonald, Frank Duffy, Frank and May Bishop have provided funds for the youth team, community work and even the now Famous Tractor fund.

As the climate of football changes supporters clubs look for new ways to evolve and raise funds. Therefore the Rochdale supporters club are proposing to launch the "Rochdale Supporters Club Trust" with help from Supporters Direct.

Supporters Direct is a government initiative, funded by public money. Their aim is to help people "who wish to play a responsible part in the life of the football club they support" and to offer support, advice and information to groups of football supporters.

There are many clubs who operate trust schemes, often started from a need to raise money to pay off creditors and save the club from extinction. Our aim is not save a debt ridden club, but to continue to raise funds to provide resources for the Rochdale AFC and the community.

The direction of the trust will take will be decided by its members, and it will be run BY FANS, FOR FANS.

 
Rochdale Supporters Trust - Mission Statement:

"To protect and promote the interests of Rochdale Football Club and its Supporters, for today and for the future."

 

Rochdale Supporters Trust Objectives:
• To develop an affordable membership scheme that will generate funds to continue to financially help Rochdale Football Club in any way agreed by the trust members.

 
• Help develop even stronger links with supporters and the Rochdale football club board of directors. Working with the football club for the benefit of all.

 
• To provide an accountable and democratic body for fans to have an input on how the football club is run.

 
• To investigate possible purchase of shares within the football club, either through straight purchase or in exchange for donations to the club.

 
• To organise regular events for Rochdale Supporters and help promote the club and its fans, and encourage support of "the Dale" amongst fans of all ages.

• To promote the football club and the trust, and further develop and strengthen the links between the club the community as a whole.

• To organise fund raising events for the football club and local charities.