In Leeds We Trust: It’s a time to reflect on the good things this year has brought us

This weekend saw the long-awaited return of a rivalry that eclipses all others for Leeds United fans.

Admittedly the trip to Old Trafford didn’t pan out exactly how we would have liked, but our unflinching faith in Bielsa’s style, along with a Stuart Dallas screamer at 6-1 down, went some way towards softening the blow.

If the occasional 6-2 loss is the price we have to pay for being the Premier League’s most entertaining side then so be it.

As ever in football, we move swiftly on to a new focus and the next game as Burnley offer an opportunity to set things back on track.

With 2020 drawing to a close it feels natural to reflect on the year we’ve had.

Our promotion back to the Premier League has been a beacon of positivity, lighting up what has been an otherwise difficult time.

It was far from the only positive however, as the fantastic work of our members and the wider Leeds United community have proven how adversity can bring out the best in people.

In January, the Trust continued its direct conversations with the club around season ticket renewals, only for games to be halted in March as the country headed into its first lockdown.

This prompted our campaign for the club to support those season ticket holders who were now at risk of being unable to renew due to financial hardship.

The lockdown made it clear that alongside the already planned support of men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club, there was important work to be done raising money for foodbanks.

Leeds fans rose to the challenge of that work spectacularly, raising over £70,000 for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

A special mention has to go to Scandinavian fans’ group LUSCOS who donated thousands to both Leeds Fans Foodbank and local homelessness charity Simon on the Streets.

What greater symbol could there be of the positive influence football has than fans connected to a city purely by their love of its football club showing such care for people they may never meet?

As this year’s promotion made us a Premier League Club, we also became a Premier League Trust, allowing us to build bridges with our fellow supporters’ trusts across the league.

It was from our new connections with these affiliate trusts that we became a part of the highly successful PPV boycott, in which money was raised for those in need while we also forced a rethink of the harsh additional charges being levied on fans to watch games.

The Trust’s work will push on into the new year, with our motto – Together, we’re Stronger – continuing to guide us in our work to improve both the club and the community, for everyone.

We wish you all the very best in 2021.

Adding your own voice to the Trust’s work is easy.

Visit our new website at www.lufctrust.com and you can become a member for just £10 per year.

Marching on together.