Set up clubs supported by important individual (9)
I believe the answer is:
configure
'set up' is the definition.
(configuring is a kind of setting up)
'clubs supported by important individual' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation in card games).
'supported by' becomes 'on' (something on something else is supported by it).
'important individual' becomes 'figure' (figure is a kind of individual. I am not sure about the 'important' bit.).
'c'+'on'+'figure'='CONFIGURE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for configure that I've seen before include "Make arrangement" , "Set up" , "Arrange (something) to fit a particular task" .)