This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Supporters Direct
17/04/2005
Fans and volunteers who give there time and support are the lifeblood of Scottish sport, the annual Supporters Direct Scotland conference at Stirling University was told today.
Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson praised the continuing success of the organisation and their commitment to helping fans become more involved in their clubs.
Ms Ferguson said:
"Supporters Direct has gone a long way towards encouraging fans to get more involved with their clubs. This is a sentiment I fully endorse, fans make a lifetime commitment to a club and they should have a greater say in how their club is run.
"Community support is crucial to any football club and I am impressed by the work of Supporters Direct to develop clubs as assets to the local community. Supporters Trusts enable grassroots support to flourish and this can only have long term benefits for Scottish football."
At last year's conference Frank McAveety announced an increase in Executive funding for Supporters Direct Scotland from £75,000 to £90,000 per annum over the period 2004-2006.