Notes from the latest club meeting with the Voice of the Fans...
Meeting 26 January 26
Present:
George, Aitkenhead, James Moody, Julie Taylor – SUFC
Ryan Ashmore, David Cross, Eloise Nichols – Voice of the Fans (VoFs)
Voice of the Fans provided the Agenda items.
A)Voice of the Fans (VoF) update briefing
VoF complimented the Club on an informative end of year message from Michelle, which was followed up by the very good radio interview on Radio Humberside. All helped explain the Board’s football objectives for the season.
Currently three members of the VoF who are in regular communication and hold a monthly Committee meeting, which is recorded and published on a SUFC web page. There remains to be access to/from the wider fan base via the VoF email address and social media platform X.
VoF has membership contact with Iron Trust, Unity Group and SULSESC and very keen to improve awareness with wider SUFC fan base. Still building on fan associations whilst appreciating other point of views, and building for positive outcomes in our approach to all.
George encouraged the VoF to publicise regular reminders to the fan base of its role on social media and consider opening a Facebook account to run alongside X. Promoting VoF attendance at matches would also provide good opportunity for fan contacts.
B) Introduction to VoF of Julie Taylor as SUFC SLO
Julie will join the SUFC/VoF whatsap communication platform and be a primary contact alongside James for VoF communications with the Club.
C) Consolidating SUFC/VoF communication routes
The bi-monthly meetings with SUFC Board members and James was seen as a crucial part of the VoF profile with the fans and having these meetings scheduled well in advance was helpful to plan individuals availability.
Access to other members of the SUFC management and administration team encouraged to be utilised by VoF. The SUFC personnel email addresses are available.
D) Replacement for Andy
Andy relinquished his VoF role in December 2025. Debate was held on process to replace. Decision made to hold the present group of three; but this would remain open for future consideration. as VoF continues to navigate its dynamics and roles in the SUFC/VoF relationship.
E) Plans for VoF presence at Iron v Southend on 7 Feb 2026
VoF advised really keen to demonstrate a physical presence at home games (and some away) whereby the VoF would be available before start of game to chat with fans attending the game and for them to share their feedback and ideas.
All three members of VoF confirmed will be present before, and at the game v Southend on 7 February. Club advised access to hut outside the ground for VoF to use before the game. Suggestion for presence from midday but exact timings to be finalised. Having a “flyer” handout available at the game with VoF info and VoF contact details to be actioned. SUFC would support the printing of the “Flyer”.
SUFC supporter groups have been advised of presence at the game and have advised their representatives will meet up with VoF.
Invite to SUFC Directors/Management/Admin to come over to the hut and say hello as convenient to match preparations.
F) Opportunities to maximise VoF fans engagement - Community events
VoF stated willingness to join with community events and to volunteer services. The Community Day on March 14th being already in the calendar to consider, with potential for an Open Day to start next season
G) Season 2026-27 pre-kit launch and fan participation
Next season’s kit plans are presently under negotiation with the present contracted supplier. Update will be subject to progress of discussions.
H) Ladies Team
Following enquiry from outside the Club to form a Ladies team; this has been well considered by the Club. and for the present it will be held open but for future review.
I) Stadium – Toilets
Maintenance issues are being attended to; but the ladies toilets in the main stand do not flush with extensive use – needs further attention. Also an incident was reported at last home game in relation to the standards of disabled toilet that is under SUFC review.
J) Female sanitary and charity initiative
VoF keen to encourage the Club to check out the introduction of the Period Points into the stadium facilities. SUFC confirmed this is being attended to and may need further deliberation.
K) Car parking changes and particular plans for disabled
When the car park land is sold there will be a need for alternative parking; SUFC is considering options and associated Actions Plans, and these will include provisions for disabled parking.
L) SULSESC get together at Aldershot away game with Ian Sharp on 21 Feb 2026
London and South East supporters club are making arrangements to meet with SUFC Director(s) before the Aldershot game. Further details are to be with SULSESC.
M) Future meeting dates
A series of bi-monthly dates proposed for future meetings - running from January to December 2026. Agreed this was a good and workable schedule for SUFC/VoF to work to and recommended actual dates be added to calendars soonest with proviso that due individuals commitments there could be some changes. SUFC attendance will include Owner representation.
N) AOB
SUFC attendees complimented VoF for maintaining good focus and activity on the Voice of the Fans initiative and said were keen to help encourage future progress
