Voice of the Fans: July 2026 Club Meeting

PRESENT

SUFC: Michelle Harness; George Aitkenhead; Roj Rahman
Voice of the Fans: David Cross; Ryan Ashmore

Opening Remarks:

Voice of the Fans (VoF) thanked SUFC Directors for responding to the later issued meeting request and attending the meeting. Apologies received from James Moody, Julie Taylor, Ian Sharp, Lee Collinson (SUFC), Sue Rands (SUFC VP) and Eloise Nicholls (VoF)

1. Review of last meeting and general fan feedback received on the notes.

Last meeting held at the Attis Arena on 8 June 26 – notes published on the SUFC VoF webpage. In general constructive comments received on the agenda items discussed and resolutions obtained. Good discussion held with clarity provided on VP activities, and the proposal for collaborative working across fan groups.

2. VoF to request SUFC to nominate Director for enabling regular VoF interaction and planning.

SUFC advised that a Director will always be nominated to suit availability for attendance at SUFC VoF meetings. First choice would be Michelle Harness and if unavailable will be passed along to other Directors to attend.. It was advised that Lee Collinson (pending his career retirement) may provide opportunity to review the designation of a particular Director to VoF (also see Agenda item 6)

3. How to be a proactive VoF - to be informed and trusted.
VoF advised that all representatives were very keen to be more proactive on pushing out for fan engagement and had the contacts, time and enthusiasm to help SUFC communicate across all fan groups. A year on from VoF inception it was hoped that the VoF representatives had demonstrated their sincerity, fairness and communication capabilities to SUFC Directors. SUFC advised it was comfortable with continuing with the VoF initiative and whilst welcoming incoming (Voice) feedback it was important to appreciate that as far as outgoing communications for fan discourse there would always be some operational decisions, which would be released at the discretion of the Club for receiving fan “Voice”.

It was agreed to ease admin duties on the Club that VoF could lead on the set up and running of future SUFC VoF meetings.

4. Development of Fan Zone - seeking out fan opinion

SUFC advised it had taken up research on Fan Zone ideas for some time but other operational matters had taken precedence. However, now time seemed right to pursue what could be achieved within budget limits that would be established as more information is gathered and developed. Any experiences from other football stadia or other sporting events would be welcomed. In particular videos showing the Fan Zone in operation. VoF advised it would be very willing to lead the gathering, collating and reporting of fan feedback. SUFC advised feedback was best presented via survey and studied responses. Future discussion between SUFC – VoF (and possibly VPs) on how to move this forward as an important initiative was next step. VoF proposed this planning be major part of next discussion with James Moody, meeting scheduled before end July 26

5. Community(Gala) day on 2 August - supporting activities.

SUFC advised James was leading the organisation of this event and follow up meeting with him on what could be done in support was encouraged. VoF advised such discussion was already being planned with James.

6. Fan group collaboration activities - the future push for collaborative advantage.

VoF advised that good developing contacts were held with the fan Group representatives. Getting all together under one banner for various project initiatives without disrupting their own initiatives or operational rules was gaining some traction. In fact, VoF advised Iron Trust have pushed out an initiative to have a piece (or pieces) of merchandise with the “United we Stand” logo as main theme but with fan group logos in surround. (VoF logo is included in this). Subject to all fan group approvals this had gathered good momentum with a mug being first merchandise proposed.

VoF advised in the previous meeting it had tabled a discussion paper on Fan Collaborative Advantage, which sought to pursue fan group alliance for various initiatives to the benefit of SUFC. Agreed this paper be circulated to all SUFC Directors for info and future discussion.

7. Update on Football Regulator requirements from SUFC contact and support actions needed

SUFC advised there had been contact with the IFR local representative for some time, and the club was considered as as prototype example for the Licence process. Lee Collinson was to be the SUFC main lead on IFR requirements and development of such in the club.

VoF advised it could provide good example evidence of fan engagement via first year activities: VoF email communication point; Log of all queries received and answered for 25/26 season; minuted meetings between SUFC and VoF. The SUFC VoF webpage was also an easily accessible communications point. It was hoped that VoF contact could be made with Lee to discuss how this evidence, and future fan engagement requirements can be supported by VoF (and the fanbase).

8. Recent Fan feedback asking why no communications:
- new kit (no design idea shared)
Commercial issues stymied the design process. More time given to third shirt which due out soon. Next year will be more organised and fan participative.
-inner circle
SUFC business decision for increasing income but to also provide a more informative insight to football team and player activities and game analysis.
-cost for name on season ticket seats
SUFC business decision

9. AOB

Recognised the SUFC Vice Presidents profile was very much improved due to activities led by Sue Rands. Ongoing VoF association with Sue Rands for sharing in initiatives was encouraged where it helped develop opportunities for fan engagement and feedback.

SUFC advised the Club is keen to listen to fan communications and build on feedback even though at times that there are always some regular negative commentators. However, the Club does thrive on positive feedback too, which is always appreciated.

10. Next Meeting.

Date dependent on outcome from follow on meeting with James Moody to discuss the Community Day (Gala) and Fan Zone project.