Supporters Direct are running an initiative to try and develop a methodology for calculating the value football clubs bring to their community. Running until August 2009, the initiative has representatives from the English Premier League, the English Football League as well as supporters trusts, academics and specialists.

You can see the results of their work to date on their website and contribute to their study here.

A recent members’ debate in the Scottish Parliament has praised the work of the Raith Trust and the other supporters’ trusts across Scotland.

The debate, held on Wednesday 20 February, discussed the motion from local MSP, Marilyn Livingstone:

That the Parliament welcomes the work of Supporters Direct in Scotland; recognises its contribution to Scottish football and believes that supporters’ trusts provide the best mechanism for involving communities in their football clubs and that the Raith Trust in the Kirkcaldy parliamentary constituency is an excellent example of where supporters’ trusts promote community empowerment and strengthen local football teams, and believes that they should continue to be supported.

The motion received cross-party support and speakers of the four main parties in the Parliament took the opportunity to praise the hard work of supporters right across Scotland.

Link to Official Scottish Parliament Transcript