This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Backing for football fans
06/02/2006
Football fans are being encouraged to become more involved with the clubs they support, backed by nearly £200,000 from the Scottish government.
Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson confirmed the two-year funding for 'Supporters Direct in Scotland', a group that offers support, advice and information to football fans.
Ms Ferguson said:
"Football clubs in Scotland should be bringing the football industry closer to the communities from which they draw their support. This funding will help responsible fans to become more involved with their clubs.
"It is in clubs own interest to positively channel the emotional and financial investment that supporters make in their favourite team."
James Proctor, the Scottish Development Officer for Supporters Direct said:
"This is a real reward for the hard work of hundreds of committed volunteers right across Scotland. The continued funding will help build on the solid base we have created and allow Supporters' Trusts to fulfil their potential by bringing football clubs closer to the communities that sustain them.
"Over the next two years we hope to see the football industry reinvigorate itself by embracing the assistance of supporters. With this announcement the Minister is showing great faith in the work we have done and it is now up to all sectors of the industry to engage with each other and deliver a stable and exciting future for football."
The aim of Supporters Direct is to help people "who wish to play a responsible part in the life of the football club they wish to support" and it offers support, advice and information to groups of football supporters.
There are 31 active Supporters Trusts in Scotland (30 in the SPL and SFL plus Clydebank).