Some people would say that many good things begin life as a result of a convivial meeting in a pub. In retrospect this is probably very true as far as Swansea City Supporters Trust is concerned because "The Trust" was ultimately formed as an indirect result of one such meeting which involved a small group of 'concerned fans'.

This led to a public meeting which took place at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall on Saturday 7 July 2001 and resulted in the formation of a working party whose brief was to find a way of progressing towards the formation of a Supporters Trust at Swansea.

The culmination of many subsequent meetings held by this group was the official launch of Swansea City Supporters Trust on Bank Holiday Monday the 27 August at the Patti Pavilion. The rest, as they say......is history. Well, perhaps not quite....

For those that wish to know, Swanstrust (as it's generally now known) is a non profit organisation, where the members own the organisation via the purchase of £1 shares. Its existence however is more simply explained by saying that it has been set up to bring the club and community together and it is with that aim in mind that the Trust has progressed to its current standing where in excess of 3500 Swans fans are members, thus making it one of the largest football trusts in the UK.

Along the way the Trust has fought rogue owners at the club, raised in excess of £100,000 (most of which has been used to purchase shares in the club on behalf of its members) initiated commercial schemes in conjunction with the club, assisted various areas of the footballing community and most importantly has become the supporter organisation for Swansea City FC, providing a direct link between fans and club.

The Trust played an instrumental part in the formation of the consortium that took over control of the club in January 2002 and currently owns approximately 15% of the issued share capital. The day to day running is looked after by 14 democratically elected Board members and the Trust has two directors at the club namely Leigh Dineen (who is also the club vice chairman) and Paul Morris (recently appointed as an Associate Director). Their presence can only serve to reinforce the connection between the club and its fans.

There is no simpler reason for becoming a member of Swanstrust other than to ensure that Swans fans have a greater, continuing say in the way that the club is run. It is a simple fact that the greater the membership, the louder they will be heard. An increased membership will strengthen the Trust's position within the club and as yearly membership costs are also low (£5 adult/£1 juvenile) there are no realistic reasons not to be a member. Add to that the fact that Trust members also benefit from club shop discounts and have some priority on ticket purchase and you have a good deal.

The move to a new stadium will give the Trust an opportunity to become more 'social' and there are many projects currently in the pipeline. Anyone wishing to know more or to become a member can contact us at 57 St Helens Road, Swansea SA1 4BE, telephone 01792 477505 or telephone Debbie on 07977 382328.

As we like to say "Get Involved. Be Involved!"