What is the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust?
It is a democratic, non-profit organisation for fans, committed to strengthening the voice of supporters in the decision-making process at Luton Town Football Club, and strengthening the links between the Club and the community it serves. Think of Luton Town Supporters’ Trust (LTST) as a union for Town fans; where the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) would represent fans at a national level, LTST would represent fans at club level.
What’s the role of the Football Supporters' Association?
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) is the democratic organisation representing the rights of fans and arguing the views of football supporters in England and Wales.
With over 500,000 members, the FSA campaigns on national issues such as safe standing and lower ticket prices. It represents both individual fans and members of local supporters’ organisations from every club in the professional structure and many others further down the football pyramid.
Read more details about the FSA (link opens in a new window)
How does a Trust differ from an Independent Supporters' Association or Supporters' club?
A Supporters’ Trust isn’t just another way of saying supporters’ club or fans’ group. It is a registered and recognised Community Benefit Society; a fully democratic organisation backed by the FSA.
Supporters’ Trusts are constituted as Community Benefit Societies (CBS), a form of Co-operative that operates under a one-member one-vote principle. CBS’ are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and any changes to the rules must be approved by the members and only become effective once the FCA has agreed them, checking they are in keeping with the spirit of the organisation. The members own all assets and liabilities collectively, and any profit made is either kept as reserves or reinvested to meet its objects. They are not charities and whilst they contain the word ‘Trust’ they do not follow the legal definition of a ‘Trust’.
Who’s on the LTST Board?
Details can be found on our Board Members page
Who funds LTST?
LTST is funded solely by membership fees, individual donations and proceeds from occasional member events. We receive no money from LTFC or any other outside body, meaning we can be completely impartial and have no conflicts of interest. We are funded by our members and work in the interest of our members only.
Why should I join?
As the only officially recognised voice of Luton Town supporters, being involved in our surveys, meetings and casting your vote on key issues will ensure your opinion helps to drive our strategy moving forward. Your view will be heard by both LTST and by LTFC.
There is real strength in numbers. The more members LTST has, the more weight it will carry. Standing together on the issues that matter is crucial to the success of the Trust.
It’s great having an opinion on Twitter or message boards but your voice will be lost if it’s not channelled into the one avenue where its volume can be increased through sheer numbers and sheer will.
There are so many causes to fight for and against in present day football, both at a national and club level and we will need your support, your passion, your opinions and your backing to make the most of every opportunity to be heard.
How much is this going to cost me?
Full Membership is £10 per year, concessions are £5 per year for under-18s and over-60s
I’ve got some spare time and I’d like to get involved. How?
Without the help of volunteers, LTST would not be able to undertake half the campaigns, events, surveys, lobbying and general work it’s involved in. Volunteers are crucial to LTST’s success.
LTST is always looking for passionate Hatters fans with a little (or a lot) of time to spare to drive the Trust forward. We will not ask you to contribute any more time than you feel you can, and we value any contribution.
Aren’t you just an extension of the Club?
No. The Trust’s Board Members are fans, just like you, we attend games and we pay for our own tickets. We are not employed by the Club nor do we receive any preferential treatment. We aim to represent what is best for supporters on all occasions. This doesn’t mean we will lobby against the Club at every opportunity or argue for the sake of it. A reasonable, measured, mature dialogue goes a long way. But we do speak out for fans’ rights and have no qualms about making the feelings of our members known to the Club. We also offer assistance and support to any fans experiencing difficulties with ticketing, safety, policing and stewarding issues, working closely with the Football Supporters’ Association on the latter two areas.
What should I do if I disagree with LTST's position on an issue?
Although the Trust would like to think fans will agree with it on everything, LTST isn’t foolish enough to really believe that will be the case!
LTST will survey before making key decisions but if fans disagree with the Trust’s stance on something, that’s not the time to abandon the Trust. Instead, LTST would like that to be your inspiration to get involved and change things from within, through attending meetings, blogging and, hopefully, putting yourself up for election to the Board at the earliest opportunity. There are always opposing views to every issue and LTST is always willing to listen.
You can never buy the Club. What's the point?
Given the ownership model in place at Luton Town, it is obviously unrealistic for a Supporters’ Trust to aspire to own the club. The aim is to increase the voice of supporters by continuing a collective engagement with the club and lobbying for fan consultation on relevant and pertinent issues that affect all relationships with Luton Town FC. Additionally, support is growing across the political spectrum for the idea of independent and accountable directors on club boards, so it is important that we build strong fan organisations in order to ensure this happens.
Surely Supporters' Trusts only work where clubs have gone into administration?
Supporters’ Trusts are, indeed, crucial should a club be in financial difficulties but these are not the only circumstances under which a Trust can be effective. For example, we have worked successfully on issues such our club’s image rights and ensuring our fans voice was heard at the recent Fan Led review of football.
What events will LTST hold?
The Trust will hold members’ meetings, social events and an AGM.
Will LTST lead supporters’ opposition to an unpopular manager or player?
No.
LTST does not seek to play any part in the footballing decisions made by Luton Town Football Club. It will, however, question ambition or certain policies, where necessary.
Can LTST access match tickets?
No. LTST has no access or involvement in supplying tickets.
Contact LTST’s media representative or Chairman
Press enquiries should be directed as follows:
Chairman – Paul Stephens
Media Officer – Kevin Harper
