Darlington Supporters' Trust was formed in September 2001. A public meeting was set up and it was agreed that that a trust should be started. Each member pays £5 a year or £100 for a life membership and has one vote. The Trust is registered as an Industrial and Provident Society, is subject to a constitution and although a non-profit-making organisation, its annual accounts are audited.

Darlington Supporters' Trust, in common with other Trusts, pools its skills. It is made up of willing volunteers and fund-raisers, but also by accountants, lawyers, business people and media professionals. The Trust is one of 140 plus Supporters' Trusts which have been set up under the Supporters' Direct Government-backed initiative to increase supporter representation and share-owning at football clubs. The recent financial crisis in the game has meant that Trusts have quickly grown into important players - not only in securing the immediate future of clubs, but in having representation and even control at board level.

Some people have asked why there are two supporters' organisations. The Trust has already shown it can work with Darlington Supporters' Club on key projects, not only the crisis fund-raising in early 2004, but the two organisations took a key role in helping to organise the 'Feethams Finale' celebrations in May 2003, when dozens of old players were invited back for the final match at the old ground. Both have different histories and structures, although there is obviously some overlap in membership. The Supporters' Club, which has primary functions as a social and fund-raising club, with responsibility for away coach travel, wishes to remain a separate body and with the goodwill and cooperation that exists, there is no reason why this should be an issue.