A date has been set for ice hockey fans hoping to see Telford Tigers back in action in September to sign up to the supporters' trust that will run the team.

The 'Tiger Tracks' fans trust will be officially launched at Telford Ice Rink on Tuesday 9 February at 7.30pm. At the event, supporters will be able to sign up as members of the trust for just £10 annual subscription.

The trust, which is registered with the Financial Services Authority, is a legally incorporated co-operative society that will own and manage the ice hockey team, similar to that at AFC Telford United.

Mike Dixon, who has co-ordinated the campaign to resurrect the club, said: "I urge everyone who cares about ice hockey in Telford to come along to the official launch, join the Tiger Tracks trust and find out how they can support the future of the club.

"This year is the 25th anniversary of ice hockey in Telford, and it seems very appropriate that - for the first time - the Telford Tigers will truly belong to the people of Shropshire.

"Tiger Tracks is the first ever ice hockey supporters' trust in the UK. There had already been considerable interest from other clubs in the model, and I am very proud that Telford is leading the way in exploring a more viable ownership model for the sport."

Mr Dixon added that all plans for the team are dependent on acceptance back into the English Premier League, but that early indications from the sport's governing body were positive.

Tiger Tracks will own and manage the club, with all members welcome to contribute to the success of the organisation by getting involved in fundraising, standing for the committee at the society's AGM or taking on one of the many volunteer roles that support the team.

Mr Dixon added: "We are looking for volunteers who can give us a regular commitment to the team and people who can provide introductions to potential team sponsors.

"Setting up the trust was necessary for creating a management structure to own and run the club. We still face all the challenges of raising sponsorship, agreeing business contracts, appointing a coach and recruiting players, that any ice hockey club owner has to contend with - and a lot of work to do before September.

"Anyone who would like to help the club is welcome to come along and join the trust or they can register their support by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact us via the Telford Tigers fanpage on Facebook."

The interim committee of volunteers has been working to reinstate the team since club owners David and Rachel Candlin stepped down last April. In addition to Mr Dixon, the group includes former Tigers equipment manager Andy Phillips, English Ice Hockey Association official Rita MacKriel, top player Marek Hornak and supporter Clare Shaw, who took on a fundraising role with the Tigers and organised a successful fun day in Madeley last year.