Voice of the Fans: January Committee Meeting

Present: Eloise, Ryan, David

Key topic was to keep pushing VoF presence and fan base interactions. The group expressed a strong commitment to supporting community-focused efforts and ensuring their initiatives align with the needs of fans and the wider community.

All the attendees looked forward positively to engaging with both the SUFC Board and the SUFC fan base through the remainder of the season and beyond.

1. Review Previous Meeting (1 Dec 25) Actions

All previous meeting action items had been worked on by the VoF members; but some still needed attention. In particular relating to preparations for the fan engagement event, which did not occur on 3 January 26 because the game at the Attis Arena was called off. Continuation of those pending actions are included for in the agenda items discussed.

2. Update of outstanding queries raised in VoF Email Inbox and on X

The meeting reviewed three fan queries/comments received via VoF email account and were deemed still needing discussion/action before closure.
- Ladies toilets at the Attis Arena; are improvement/maintenance measures to be reviewed? Larger crowds at games causes problems.
- Enquiry for interest in SUFC supporting a Ladies football team.
- The Board’s plans for the future sustainable growth of the club.

There were no outstanding queries from social media.

Agree for the emailed outstanding queries to be raised at the next VoF meeting with SUFC Board representatives.

3. Planning for Upcoming Meetings with SUFC

According to the meeting schedule presented to VoF by James at the last VoF/SUFC meeting there would be a meeting scheduled for January 26. Presumed to be a Teams meeting. Date and time to be confirmed.

Discussions on:-
-VoF outstanding email queries;
- consolidating an understanding of communication routes with other SUFC personnel on any specific issues (is the SLO to be main contact for VoF?);
- planning for fan engagement opportunities to be maximised;
- Season 2026-27 kit and launch;
- progress on Car Park development plans
- replacement VoF representative following Andy relinquishing his role.
being main items for discussion with SUFC.

VoF members look forward to this meeting as it is an efficient and effective way of progressing ideas and plans from the VoF.

4. Community Engagement – VoF “fan engagement event” at Attis Arena

Plans for an event in February, where VoF would have the visible presence at the stadium to engage with fans.

Unfortunately having missed out on the opportunity on 3 January due to weather postponing the game it was proposed setting up on the afternoon of 7 February 26 (Iron vs Southend) at the Attis Arena in one of the huts, and once again to use social media and the club's website to publicise the event.

Planning as before possibly wearing branded shirts, and using the flag with VoF logo (now received) to make VoF presence easily recognisable. Also reiterated providing a letterbox for fans to submit anonymous questions or feedback, which could be left at the ticket office for future use.

The group agreed to check out planning with James and Julie, SLO, to ensure the event is OK to proceed and is well-organised and publicised.

5. Building VoF momentum – initiatives and family day participation

The group explored various community-focused initiatives. In particular VoF were keen to help with for the SUFC Family day event planned for March, noting it as another great opportunity for fan engagement.

Actions:

- To prepare and share promotional materials for the VoF fan engagement event in February 26 via social media and the club’s website.
- To liaise with James and Julie to confirm the arrangements for the event in February, including the location of the hut and any additional support required from the club.

- Expedite and prepare for January meeting with SUFC Board representatives
- To ask again on the club’s stance on the introduction of period points and provide feedback on the feasibility of implementing this initiative.