On this page, you can find the answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about the Magpies Trust. If the question you have is not answered here, use the "Get in Touch" link on the left to ask it.
Click on the links below to read the answer to each question. If you need any more detail on any of the points addressed here, you may find what you are looking for in the Rules of the Trust.
What is the Magpies Trust?
Why do we need a Trust at Chorley?
Who are Supporters Direct, and what is their role?
What is an Industrial & Provident Society (IPS)?
What are the aims of the Magpies Trust?
Why should I join?
How can I join?
Where does my membership money go?
Will any individual make money from the Trust?
How do I have a say in the Trust's decision making?
Will I receive a dividend or return from the money or shares I give to the Trust?
Can I trade my share?
Can I make extra donations to the Trust?
Why do we need a Supporters Trust when we already have a Supporters Club?
What is the Magpies Trust?
The Magpies Trust is set up as an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) which offers the best way forward for fans' groups. It is a democratic, not-for-profit organisation, committed to strengthening the voice of supporters in the decision making processes at Chorley Football Club, and strengthening the links between the club and the community of Chorley and the surrounding areas.
Why do we need a Trust at Chorley?
There are a number of reasons. Chorley has just one owner. Should this owner ever decide to withdraw their backing, the club could fold. The Trust, as a legal entity could in theory take ownership of the club although it is hoped this will not be necessary. Also, it is generally acknowledged that communication between the club and its supporters has broken down in recent years, the aims of the Trust is to re-build these lines of communications and to forge stronger links not just with the club but also with the wider community.
Who are Supporters Direct, and what is their role?
Supporters Direct is a government backed and funded scheme aimed at helping people take a more active role in the running of their football club. Supporters Direct has helped fans form Trusts by offering them advice on what form their Trust should take, how to get it off the ground, and how to ensure that as many people get involved as possible. They have worked with fans setting up over 40 trusts in the last year, and advise fans on what works and what doesn't, and give examples of good ideas from other places. They also paid for all the legal costs of setting up The Magpies Trust and provided small start-up grants to cover things like advertising, printing, and room hire.
You can visit
their website for more information.
What is an Industrial & Provident Society (IPS)?
Supporters Direct recommend that Trusts be registered as an Industrial and Provident Society with the Registrar of Friendly Societies. As such all its actions and conduct will be regulated by the provisions of the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, 1965 - 1978. Because it is registered as an IPS with the Registrar of Friendly Societies, there are certain requirements that it has to meet such as filing annual reports to the Registrar. It has to appoint qualified auditors, and audited accounts have to be presented to the Trusts AGM and to the Registrar.
What are the aims of the Magpies Trust?
The initial aim of The Magpies Trust is to raise as much money as possible, however
the full set of aims as set out in the
Rules can be viewed by clicking on the links in the menu on each page.
Why should I join?
If you care about football in Chorley and want to safeguard the future of Chorley FC, you should join the Trust. Only one club with a Supporters Trust has ever gone out of existence (Telford United), and the Trust there immediately formed a new football club which is playing senior non-league football. The biggest plus point about becoming a member of the Magpies Trust is that simply by joining, you are making a positive difference to the future of this club. Your membership provides you with one share in the Supporters Trust which will be valid as long as you are a member. Membership will allow you to have one vote in any decisions that are made by the Trust.
How can I join?
Visit the
Membership Page for details of how to join the Trust.
Where does my membership money go?
All monies are held in the Trust's account at the Co-operative Bank. The first pound is used to buy a share in the Trust (for over 16s), which gives you a vote in all Trust matters. A proportion of the sum will be used to meet the annual running costs of the Trust. All subsequent funds will be spent in accordance with the aims of the Trust to benefit Chorley FC and football in Chorley.
Will any individual make money from the Trust?
No. Everybody involved in the formation and running of the Trust is a volunteer, and receives no payment for their time and efforts. Any revenues generated through its activities will be ploughed straight back into the Trust. The Rules of the Trust state this explicitly
here.
The Trust does have the right to employ people to administer its day-to-day affairs if and when the Trust grows to such a size that this is required. This is not immediately likely at Chorley.
Full, audited accounts will be published at the end of each year.
How do I have a say in the Trust's decision making?
The Trust is a democratic body and its actions are governed by its own constitution. The Trust will hold regular open meetings, which are publicised on its website, and an annual AGM to consult its members, and will have to undertake an annual audit. If you are a member of the Trust and over 16, you are entitled to vote at any general meeting. If you are over 18, you can stand for office, in other words you can become the Secretary, Chairman or take one of the other positions within the Trust.
The Trust is owned entirely and equally by each one of its members, so if you don't like something, you have as much right as any other member to do something about it.
Will I receive a dividend or return from the money or shares I give to the Trust?
No, the annual membership and any other donations to the Trust are in no way a financial investment. No dividends or returns will be paid to the Trust's members. Any monies generated by activities will be ploughed back into the Trust to help it achieve its objectives.
Can I trade my share?
No. A member can hold only one share, and is not entitled to sell it. If you cease to be a member, the £1 which you paid for your share becomes the property of the Trust, as does the share. The Rules of the Trust regarding shares can be read
here.
Can I make extra donations to the Trust?
Yes, we hope all Chorley fans will support the Trust and the more money we raise the quicker the Trust can make a difference. To this end, we welcome all donations no matter how large or small.
Why do we need a Supporters Trust when we already have a Supporters Club?Although both parties have the good of the club at heart they are, and can remain, two separate entities. The Trust, as a limited company has certain legal safeguards and powers which the supporters club does not, including ownership of land and assets, which could, in theory, ultimately lead to ownership of the club. One of the aims of the Trust it to work WITH the supporters club and not against it. For the good of the club it is essential that the two parties work together at all times.
