§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance she will provide(a) to the Rugby Football League in helping promote supporters trusts within rugby league and (b) to rugby league clubs wishing to establish supporters trusts. [91981]
§ Mr. CabornDCMS established Supporters Direct in 2000 to assist groups of supporters in forming and administering club-based trusts. Supporters Direct's remit covers Association Football only, and it is funded from football sources. In response to requests from supporters and clubs, Supporters Direct has provided informal assistance in the formation of trusts at a number of rugby league clubs over the last year. Officials in the Department are in discussion with Supporters Direct and others with a view to formalising this arrangement, and to providing Supporters Direct with the additional resources it will need to provide a high quality service to rugby league.