Voice of the Fans: June 2026 Club Meeting

Present

Julie Taylor, James Moody - SUFC
Sue Rands* – SUFC VP
Eloise Nicholls, Ryan Ashmore*, David Cross – Voice of the Fans (VoF)

*via Zoom link

Opening remarks

Voice of the Fans (VoF) advised that improving fan base interactions to collect feedback and queries to share with the Club had remained a principal commitment of the VoF representatives who were passionate and enthusiastic to assist the growth of the club. VoF said it was important to be seen proactive and involved with various club initiatives that VoF could assist with presenting into the fan community for the fans collaboration, participation and delivery

1. Future VoF activities

VoF said there was some concern that they was seen by some fans as primarily a ”Complaints Department” for the football club whereas there was indeed significant input from other fans who wanted to see a workable structured dialogue with the Club and demonstrate they had a “Voice” and it was being listened to. In addition VoF advised it was aware of the requirements of the IFR (Independent Football Regulator) through 2026-27 and for all clubs to be Licenced in May 27 which includes for fan engagement and local community collaboration.

SUFC stated they were interested to hear how the VoF would want to go forward into the next season.

VoF recommended future focus for it to participate in the development of a more structured fan dialogue between Scunthorpe United, its fans, and the wider community. Also having dialogue with fan groups that would assist the club’s process with IFR Licence. SUFC advised it had established contact with IFR Supervisor and would advise VoF on future developments/requirements.

SUFC advised there were future initiatives being prepared for which VoF could assist with. Notably thoughts on the United by Steel Gala in early August 26, which would be based upon similar themes to the Community Day; but likely a bit broader scope. VoF advised it would be very willing to participate in this. SUFC said more news to follow.

It was queried why VoF/Fan participation with the new shirt(s) had not occurred. SUFC advised the commercial complexities of the contract arrangement with Meyba had limited wider consultation in the timescale to make changes. However, there would be opportunity in future seasons for consultation.

2. Fan group interactions to gain a collaborative advantage in fan consultation for SUFC

VoF advised that there were good ongoing interactive contacts with representatives of various SUFC supporter groups: Unity Group; Irish Iron; and SULSESC, and there has been positive opening discussion between representatives from VoF and the Iron Trust with both looking forward to develop further interaction.

VoF explained that effective fan collaboration (outside of a match day) relies on having robust and open communication, mutual respect, enthusiasm, energy and trust for the sharing of information. Encouraging these practices is very important to maintain aligned, enthusiastic and energised collaboration. There was acknowledgement and support of this from SUFC VP.

A VoF paper on fan collaborative advantage was provided as an accompanying handout for future discussion.

3. Vice President roles and commitment to Club development.

An ongoing query from February 26 was to have more clarity of the VP role and how fans can interact with the VPs.

SUFC VP advised there had just been a very successful Evening Ball held at the Attis Arena which had raised approx £13k. Various other money raising events were already set up (Golf Day on 1 July) and ideas being thought about were: firework display; car treasure hunt; Rounders competition; inviting renowned speakers/personalities to dinner events.

SUFC VP that a more energetic flow of activity and events will be visible to fans going forward now.

4. Pounds for the Pitch and general pitch refurbishment plans.

VoF noted the Unity Group and Positivity Dave had pushed forward their initiative with the club and raised some funds. However, the Club had followed this with the ‘Pitch squares’ initiative that had raised additional income.

Progress on the new pitch was now underway with significant other third party funding process. Details of the refurbishment now being actioned will be publicised in association with the arrival of the new Head Groundsman.

5. Stadium issues – update on queries raised previously.

VoF raised updates as follows:-
(i) Refurbishment of the toilets at the ground was stymied by the original plumbing at the ground but efforts had been made to improve ‘flushing’ at each location.
(ii) Brad the caterer has been in discussion with the club to promote and advertise more vegetarian food options on match day?
(iii) Car parking for disabled persons would remain on a first come first serve basis. It was recommended that fans with disabled cars should make contact with stewards at the ground on arrival on match days for assistance with parking location.

6. Match day Fan zone

VoF enquired what ideas does the Club have for such a Fan Zone in 2026-27.

SUFC said ideas and logistics for this is always ongoing and there were good exemplar fan zones with other clubs (Yeovil / Carlisle) that could be followed. Ideas included: mini village for food and drink, shops for various merchandise; a permanent stage; fan activity games. Objective for it to be an “all season” zone useable in all weather conditions.

SUFC advised limitations are ingress and egress to the stadium and safety of pedestrians in the fan zone. The ideal would be to fully pedestrianise the area, but comes with problems with regards to parking in the West Car Park. SUFC intend to work with SAG (Safety Advisory Group) to work to solutions.

All agreed it would be a good opportunity to also seek fan feedback on what they would want to have. VoF said it could be a close season project that VoF could lead.

7. Sustainability plans.

VoF enquired what is plan for operating the club sustainably that could be shared so that fan groups may be able to contribute to its development and operation?

SUFC said it was still working through the inherited debt of previous owners but making good progress and operating sustainably was a business objective in budgeting for club activities. Ticket pricing had increased a little and the club was pushing forward with other income initiatives/projects.

8. General queries to be closed out from 2025-26 season.

SUFC provided updates on following queries from the VoF query Log:

(i)Will there be an associated Ladies team sometime in the future – this did remain a possibility along with a restart to a Football Academy; but not immediate planning in place.

(ii) Is all inherited debt now cleared from Club accounts or does a legacy remain – there remained to be the debt to be reduced in future years. However, the accounts for the 2025-26 season will show a significant reduction.

(iii) Can Shareholder meetings be scheduled with good notice to plan for attendance - SUFC advised the next meeting would be easier to schedule well in advance since the shareholder meeting is dictated by the release of completed accounts and for the past year these are already going through due process.

9. Future meetings

Proposed week commencing 13 July 26 via Teams. Actual date to be scheduled into diaries at soonest to enable Director(s) participation.

10. AoB

Three additional discussion points raised by VoF and responded by SUFC:-

(i)It was noted the arrival of new Director (Lee Collinson) to the SUFC Board and asked if he had a particular portfolio of activity. SUFC advised Lee was an invited new Director to the Board but not a part owner and his activities would be announced shortly.
(ii) Fan behaviour at away games is not the sole responsibility/accountability of the away side with the home side also having accountability to the FA.
(iii) What is the intent for improving safety on the pitch perimeter walls – the existing walls have passed all necessary checks for the forthcoming season. The new pitch arrangement provides soft ground up to the walls, however for next season a more onerous assessment will take place and plans already in consideration for a new fenced arrangement with electronic signage boards. Other sports ground perimeters are being researched for guidance and funding being assembled by the authorities for all to access in the future to make these changes.