Voice of the Fans: October 2026 Club Meeting

PRESENT:
SUFC – George Aitkenhead; James Moody; Julie Taylor, Esther Rands (on behalf of Vice President, Sue Rands)
Voice of the Fans (VoF) - Ryan Ashmore; David Cross

Apologies - Sue Rands and Lee Collinson

1. Last meeting notes 21 Sept 26

No further comments raised following finalisation and publication on the SUFC – VoF webpage

2. Replacement of Eloise - process to be arranged

SUFC advised a request for applicants had been posted on the SUFC News webpage on 24 Sept 26. There had been 5 applicants to date of meeting. It was agreed to re-publicise the request for applications.

Agreed VoF would join with SUFC in the candidate review process and SUFC said it would share all of the candidates applications received. Review and selection process to be discussed outside the meeting.

3. Fan Zone Survey - interim summary

It was noted that the survey was made live on 24 Sept 26 and was still in progress with next steps for all Season Ticket holders yet to be contacted directly.

VoF shared an interim summary of the data received so far:-

• Respondents selecting yes that they would like to see a Fan Zone totalled 89% of the respondents and 58% of the respondents voted they would like to see the Fan Zone introduced as a priority.

• Most popular activities for a Fan Zone were: a fast efficient bar 28%; Variety of food with table seating 16.3%; Big Screen for showing sports 14%. Games and activities were split evenly - voting 12% for children activities and 12 % for Adult activities. Live music 10% and pre game player meet 8%

• The most popular best example so far of Fan Zone was at Carlisle United.
  SUFC advised it would re publish the link to the Fan Zone Survey on the Club website. VoF confirmed it would continue to administer the responses and collate for Club review.

4. Season 26/27 shirts Survey - interim summary

Survey went live on 24 Sept 26 and was still in progress with all Season Ticket holders yet to be contacted directly.

VoF shared an interim summary of the data received so far:

• Home shirt main colour to be claret was selected by 76.5 % of respondents. Regular stripes preferred by 59%

• Away shirt main colour of white was top selection by 37.3%. Green, yellow and black were joint second selection with 17.6% each.

• Third kit main colour of black preferred by 19.5%, red selected by 17.6% and pink by 14%.

• Ring collar top design preference with V neck preferred by 22%.

VoF advised that over 50% of the respondents had also offered thoughts and opinion on the shirt designs and quality. All very well received and informative for future consideration.

SUFC advised it would re publish the link to the Shirt Survey on the Club website. VoF confirmed it would continue to administer the responses and collate for Club review.

5. Update of IFR meeting with club - in particular Fan engagement part of Licence.

SUFC advised that there had not been further contact with the IFR since that reported at the last SUFC VoF meeting. However, it was expected that the IFR would be releasing information on the launch of the Licence application process for all clubs in the top 5 divisions of English football in early November 26.

Related to fan engagement SUFC advised it had been in contact with other Fanbase Index organisations who had gathered specific National League and League 2 data. SUFC was scoring well in those surveys and advised it expected to release more information relating to the measuring criteria and scores in the next month.

6. Kevin Keegan Memorial progress

VoF advised that the Kevin Keegan Memorial Steering Group had requested, via the VoF, to enquire after future SUFC representation at the next (and subsequent SG meetings). Participation would enable a more efficient and effective discussion on ideas being considered for the memorial.

SUFC advised it was aware of the progress being made in the SG; but did consider it useful to be be invited to join future SG meetings.

SUFC /VoF discussed there being various Memorial related ideas to be brought to the SG Agenda. In particular to bring into discussion for the memorial to include for other SUFC players who have passed away, and whether the KK Memorial could also extend into an annual young player development award or similar. VoF confirmed this would be raised within the SG.

7. Fan Community - reaching out and ways to encourage positive feedback

VoF advised that reaching out with the Fan Zone and Shirt surveys had provided good impetus to fan engagement and in turn created some very useful feedback. VoF proposed an initial message of thanks should be communicated into the fan base, for their enthusiasm and ideas shared so far. Thereafter, when the surveys are complete a more comprehensive summary of comments provided should be publicised.

8. Update on Vice President activities and plans

Esther Rands (on behalf of Sue Rands) advised the VPs met on a regular basis and had future activities being planned:-

• After the success of the Vice Presidential Ball in June 26 there was planning for one in 2027. Aiming for larger attendance of 120 persons with a theme of “Forged in Iron”.

• A Bingo night to be held at the Club in early 2027

• Meet the VPs event(s) to improve visibility to the fan base. Opportunity to enable fan participation and share ideas. This to be accompanied by having VP short biography's published on SUFC website.

9. AoB

a) VoF shared feedback on recent “Beamback” events held at the Club was that fan opinon was very positive on weekday night events but not so keen on Saturdays.

b) Fan feedback on away coach arrangements. SUFC confirmed they would look into it, but affirmed that the coach travel is organised by external supporters on a voluntary basis. Further discussion to be held outside the meeting to investigate actions.

10. Next meeting

Proposed for 16th November 5 – 6pm. VoF to issue out Teams Meeting invites.