Frequently asked questions
To help supporters understand the Albion IST and its purpose at a glance, read the below FAQs
What is the Albion IST?
The Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust (IST) is an independent, fan-led group providing
an independent, democratic and inclusive voice for West Bromwich Albion fans on club
matters.
What does the Albion IST do?
The IST aims to represent fairly and inclusively the voices, interests and concerns of all
Albion fans, from all backgrounds and locations.
This includes campaigning on issues that impact the fan experience – such as match day
experience, ticket prices, accessibility and fixture scheduling.
The IST will also seek to protect and celebrate the heritage, traditions and history of the
football club, and strengthen the relationship between the club and its loyal supporters.
What is the mission statement?
Giving every West Bromwich Albion fan a voice.
How can I become a member?
Memberships will be launched following the Trust’s first meeting on Dartmouth Central
Club, Devonshire Drive, West Bromwich, B71 4AA on Wednesday 19th November 2025
(7:30pm start).
What does being a member entail?
By joining, fans can help shape the Albion IST’s campaigns, contribute to a fan-led
movement, vote at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM), and stand as candidates for
committee positions.
Why does West Bromwich Albion need an Independent Supporters’ Trust?
Albion are one of the few remaining clubs in England’s top two divisions without a
supporters’ trust.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) recommend all clubs have a supporters’ trust,
and Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs are required to communicate
with supporters.
By having the Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust, fans have an independent group
working in the best interests of fans and providing a rallying point for supporters in the event
of issues that may negatively impact them.
But we already have a Fan Advisory Board (FAB).
The Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust is entirely independent of West Bromwich Albion
Football Club.
The IST will have representation on the FAB, but will operate entirely separately and will be
run by a board of volunteers. The club have no influence on IST management, decision-
making and board elections.
This independent position means the Albion IST is best placed to represent supporters’
interests without external influence from the club.
How does it differ from groups and initiatives like, for example, The Albion Assembly?
The Albion IST is entirely independent of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
The Albion IST will be open to all Albion fans to join, providing a rallying point for all fans on
critical issues surrounding the club. Groups such as The Albion Assembly are ultimately
formed by and overseen by the club, whereas the Albion IST sits outside of the club’s
jurisdiction.
A spot on the club’s Fan Advisory Board has been held for Albion IST participation, ensuring
a line of communication where the Trust can represent its members through direct contact
with the club.
Does the Albion IST represent all fans, or just its members?
The Albion IST represents all West Bromwich Albion fans, irrespective of membership status
with the Trust itself.
This includes fans in all geographies, who may or may not be able to attend games regularly,
and across all backgrounds.
How can I become a member of the Albion IST?
Details of the Albion IST’s membership options will be released in due course. Please check
back for more information.
What types of memberships will be available?
There will be two types of Albion IST membership.
There will be a free option, and a paid membership at an annual cost of £10. Further details
of the membership tiers will be revealed in due course.
How will funds raised by the Albion IST be used?
All funds raised by the Albion IST, be it through memberships or other fundraising avenues, will be put back into the operation of the Trust and its goals. Surplus funds will be directed to charities and community causes, as determined by Albion IST members.
Who governs the Albion IST?
The Albion IST is affiliated to the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and operates in
accordance with FSA guidelines.
The Albion IST trades under the name ‘WBA Supporters Society Ltd’ so as to align with the
FSA’s governance standards.
How was the Albion IST formed?
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) recommends that all clubs have a supporters’
trust. Until the inception of the Albion IST, we were one of a small number of football clubs in
England’s top two divisions without an independent supporters’ trust.
A small group of Albion fans came together to volunteer their time and launch the Albion IST,
with support from the FSA and in accordance with their guidelines.
The working group is keen to ensure that the Albion IST fairly, accurately and democratically
represents its members and the voices of Albion fans, with this at the heart of the decision to
create the Trust.
Who runs the Albion IST?
The Albion IST is run by an initial working group of eight volunteers, with more than 300
combined years of experience supporting and attending Albion games both home and away.
The initial interim Chair is lifelong Albion fan Mark Whitehouse, whose family ties to the club
date back to the 1920s.
As per Football Supporters’ Association guidelines, leadership roles within the IST will be
subject to election at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place before
the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season. Details about the AGM and election candidates will
be announced via official channels in due course.
How will leadership positions be decided?
Each year, a minimum of three leadership positions will be up for election. Members of the
Albion IST will be eligible to stand for these positions, with votes from paid members
deciding who assumes a leadership role.
The only leadership role not subject to an election is that of Secretary. A new Secretary shall
only be elected in the event the incumbent stands down from their role.
Are there vacancies within the Albion IST?
Any opportunities within the Albion IST will be broadcast across official channels.
All roles within the Albion IST are on a strict voluntary basis.
How can I get more information or contact the Albion IST?
Further information will continue to be made available on the IST’s website
and social media channels X and Facebook
To contact the Albion IST, please email albiontrust@hotmail.com
Frequently asked questions
To help supporters understand the Albion IST and its purpose at a glance, read the below FAQs
What is the Albion IST?
The Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust (IST) is an independent, fan-led group providing
an independent, democratic and inclusive voice for West Bromwich Albion fans on club
matters.
What does the Albion IST do?
The IST aims to represent fairly and inclusively the voices, interests and concerns of all
Albion fans, from all backgrounds and locations.
This includes campaigning on issues that impact the fan experience – such as match day
experience, ticket prices, accessibility and fixture scheduling.
The IST will also seek to protect and celebrate the heritage, traditions and history of the
football club, and strengthen the relationship between the club and its loyal supporters.
What is the mission statement?
Giving every West Bromwich Albion fan a voice.
How can I become a member?
Memberships will be launched following the Trust’s first meeting on Dartmouth Central
Club, Devonshire Drive, West Bromwich, B71 4AA on Wednesday 19th November 2025
(7:30pm start).
What does being a member entail?
By joining, fans can help shape the Albion IST’s campaigns, contribute to a fan-led
movement, vote at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM), and stand as candidates for
committee positions.
Why does West Bromwich Albion need an Independent Supporters’ Trust?
Albion are one of the few remaining clubs in England’s top two divisions without a
supporters’ trust.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) recommend all clubs have a supporters’ trust,
and Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs are required to communicate
with supporters.
By having the Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust, fans have an independent group
working in the best interests of fans and providing a rallying point for supporters in the event
of issues that may negatively impact them.
But we already have a Fan Advisory Board (FAB).
The Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust is entirely independent of West Bromwich Albion
Football Club.
The IST will have representation on the FAB, but will operate entirely separately and will be
run by a board of volunteers. The club have no influence on IST management, decision-
making and board elections.
This independent position means the Albion IST is best placed to represent supporters’
interests without external influence from the club.
How does it differ from groups and initiatives like, for example, The Albion Assembly?
The Albion IST is entirely independent of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
The Albion IST will be open to all Albion fans to join, providing a rallying point for all fans on
critical issues surrounding the club. Groups such as The Albion Assembly are ultimately
formed by and overseen by the club, whereas the Albion IST sits outside of the club’s
jurisdiction.
A spot on the club’s Fan Advisory Board has been held for Albion IST participation, ensuring
a line of communication where the Trust can represent its members through direct contact
with the club.
Does the Albion IST represent all fans, or just its members?
The Albion IST represents all West Bromwich Albion fans, irrespective of membership status
with the Trust itself.
This includes fans in all geographies, who may or may not be able to attend games regularly,
and across all backgrounds.
How can I become a member of the Albion IST?
Details of the Albion IST’s membership options will be released in due course. Please check
back for more information.
What types of memberships will be available?
There will be two types of Albion IST membership.
There will be a free option, and a paid membership at an annual cost of £10. Further details
of the membership tiers will be revealed in due course.
How will funds raised by the Albion IST be used?
All funds raised by the Albion IST, be it through memberships or other fundraising avenues, will be put back into the operation of the Trust and its goals. Surplus funds will be directed to charities and community causes, as determined by Albion IST members.
Who governs the Albion IST?
The Albion IST is affiliated to the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and operates in
accordance with FSA guidelines.
The Albion IST trades under the name ‘WBA Supporters Society Ltd’ so as to align with the
FSA’s governance standards.
How was the Albion IST formed?
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) recommends that all clubs have a supporters’
trust. Until the inception of the Albion IST, we were one of a small number of football clubs in
England’s top two divisions without an independent supporters’ trust.
A small group of Albion fans came together to volunteer their time and launch the Albion IST,
with support from the FSA and in accordance with their guidelines.
The working group is keen to ensure that the Albion IST fairly, accurately and democratically
represents its members and the voices of Albion fans, with this at the heart of the decision to
create the Trust.
Who runs the Albion IST?
The Albion IST is run by an initial working group of eight volunteers, with more than 300
combined years of experience supporting and attending Albion games both home and away.
The initial interim Chair is lifelong Albion fan Mark Whitehouse, whose family ties to the club
date back to the 1920s.
As per Football Supporters’ Association guidelines, leadership roles within the IST will be
subject to election at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place before
the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season. Details about the AGM and election candidates will
be announced via official channels in due course.
How will leadership positions be decided?
Each year, a minimum of three leadership positions will be up for election. Members of the
Albion IST will be eligible to stand for these positions, with votes from paid members
deciding who assumes a leadership role.
The only leadership role not subject to an election is that of Secretary. A new Secretary shall
only be elected in the event the incumbent stands down from their role.
Are there vacancies within the Albion IST?
Any opportunities within the Albion IST will be broadcast across official channels.
All roles within the Albion IST are on a strict voluntary basis.
How can I get more information or contact the Albion IST?
Further information will continue to be made available on the IST’s website
and social media channels X and Facebook
To contact the Albion IST, please email albiontrust@hotmail.com
Frequently asked questions
To help supporters understand the Albion IST and its purpose at a glance, read the below FAQs
What is the Albion IST?
The Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust (IST) is an independent, fan-led group providing an independent, democratic and inclusive voice for West Bromwich Albion fans on club
matters.
What does the Albion IST do?
The IST aims to represent fairly and inclusively the voices, interests and concerns of all Albion fans, from all backgrounds and locations.
This includes campaigning on issues that impact the fan experience – such as match day experience, ticket prices, accessibility and fixture scheduling.
The IST will also seek to protect and celebrate the heritage, traditions and history of the football club, and strengthen the relationship between the club and its loyal supporters.
What is the mission statement?
Giving every West Bromwich Albion fan a voice.
How can I become a member?
Memberships will be launched following the Trust’s first meeting on Dartmouth Central
Club, Devonshire Drive, West Bromwich, B71 4AA on Wednesday 19th November 2025
(7:30pm start).
What does being a member entail?
By joining, fans can help shape the Albion IST’s campaigns, contribute to a fan-led movement, vote at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM), and stand as candidates for committee positions.
Why does West Bromwich Albion need an Independent Supporters’ Trust?
Albion are one of the few remaining clubs in England’s top two divisions without a supporters’ trust.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) recommend all clubs have a supporters’ trust, and Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs are required to communicate with supporters.
By having the Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust, fans have an independent group working in the best interests of fans and providing a rallying point for supporters in the event of issues that may negatively impact them.
But we already have a Fan Advisory Board (FAB).
The Albion Independent Supporters’ Trust is entirely independent of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
The IST will have representation on the FAB, but will operate entirely separately and will be run by a board of volunteers.
The club have no influence on IST management, decision-
making and board elections.
This independent position means the Albion IST is best placed to represent supporters’ interests without external influence from the club.
How does it differ from groups and initiatives like, for example, The Albion Assembly?
The Albion IST is entirely independent of West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
The Albion IST will be open to all Albion fans to join, providing a rallying point for all fans on critical issues surrounding the club. Groups such as The Albion Assembly are ultimately formed by and overseen by the club, whereas the Albion IST sits outside of the club’s
jurisdiction.
A spot on the club’s Fan Advisory Board has been held for Albion IST participation, ensuring a line of communication where the Trust can represent its members through direct contact with the club.
Does the Albion IST represent all fans, or just its members?
The Albion IST represents all West Bromwich Albion fans, irrespective of membership status with the Trust itself.
This includes fans in all geographies, who may or may not be able to attend games regularly, and across all backgrounds.
How can I become a member of the Albion IST?
Details of the Albion IST’s membership options will be released in due course. Please check back for more information.
What types of memberships will be available?
There will be two types of Albion IST membership.
There will be a free option, and a paid membership at an annual cost of £10. Further details of the membership tiers will be revealed in due course.
How will funds raised by the Albion IST be used?
All funds raised by the Albion IST, be it through memberships or other fundraising avenues, will be put back into the operation of the Trust and its goals. Surplus funds will be directed to charities and community causes, as determined by Albion IST members.
Who governs the Albion IST?
The Albion IST is affiliated to the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and operates in accordance with FSA guidelines.
The Albion IST trades under the name ‘WBA Supporters Society Ltd’ so as to align with the FSA’s governance standards.
How was the Albion IST formed?
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) recommends that all clubs have a supporters’ trust. Until the inception of the Albion IST, we were one of a small number of football clubs in England’s top two divisions without an independent supporters’ trust.
A small group of Albion fans came together to volunteer their time and launch the Albion IST, with support from the FSA and in accordance with their guidelines.
The working group is keen to ensure that the Albion IST fairly, accurately and democratically represents its members and the voices of Albion fans, with this at the heart of the decision to create the Trust.
Who runs the Albion IST?
The Albion IST is run by an initial working group of eight volunteers, with more than 300 combined years of experience supporting and attending Albion games both home and away. The initial interim Chair is lifelong Albion fan Mark Whitehouse, whose family ties to the club
date back to the 1920s.
As per Football Supporters’ Association guidelines, leadership roles within the IST will be subject to election at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place before the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season. Details about the AGM and election candidates will
be announced via official channels in due course.
How will leadership positions be decided?
Each year, a minimum of three leadership positions will be up for election. Members of the Albion IST will be eligible to stand for these positions, with votes from paid members
deciding who assumes a leadership role.
The only leadership role not subject to an election is that of Secretary. A new Secretary shall only be elected in the event the incumbent stands down from their role.
Are there vacancies within the Albion IST?
Any opportunities within the Albion IST will be broadcast across official channels. All roles within the Albion IST are on a strict voluntary basis.
How can I get more information or contact the Albion IST?
Further information will continue to be made available on the IST’s website and social media channels X and Facebook
To contact the Albion IST, please email albiontrust@hotmail.com