THE FSA. ANNUAL REVIEW - 2018_2019 - The Dons Trust
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THE FSA. ANNUAL REVIEW 2018_2019
CONTENTS
04.
08.
ABOUT THE FSA
TV & THE FA CUP
12. COMMUNITY OWNED CLUBS
16. TICKET PRICES
18. CLUBS IN CRISIS
22. INTERNATIONAL
24. AWARDS 2018
26. AWAY FANS SURVEY
28. SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICERS
29. SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT
30. FANS FOR DIVERSITY
34. STAND UP FOR CHOICE
36. CASEWORK: FAIRCOP
40. NON-LEAGUE
42. FSA NETWORKS
44. EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE
46. #ICYMI
Editor – Michael Brunskill
Editorial team – Liam Thompson, Garreth Cummins
STRENGTH COMES IN NUMBERS... The FSA’s Annual Review 2018-19 has benefited from the contributions of Amanda Jacks, Andy Walsh, Anwar Uddin,
JOIN THE FSA AT THEFSA.ORG.UK Ashley Brown, Christine Seddon, Dave Pennington, Debs Dilworth, Jane Hughes, Kat Law, Kevin Miles, James Boyes,
Lily Brunskill (and The Crystal Gems), Malcolm Clarke, Maria Horner, Martin Cloake, Matt Walder, Nicola Hudson, Nina
Donkin, Paul Corkrey, Peter Daykin, Richard Irving, Roger Ellis, Tom Greatrex, Vicki Haddock, and many others who
we should have remembered, some of whom probably even deserved a namecheck. Oh, and all at Solution Group
including the work experience kids (even the feral ones). All images via PA Images unless otherwise stated.
2 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 3ABOUT THE FSA.
GET INVOLVED
The FSA is by fans, for fans - we
couldn’t deliver results without
the countless hours invested by
our volunteers across the country,
throughout the leagues. If you
are passionate about one of our
campaigns, lead a fans’ group, or
think you have skills we can put to
use, then get in touch.
Malcolm Clarke, Chair Tom Greatrex, Vice chair Kevin Miles, Chief executive
ON THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER Malcolm Clarke (Chair, the FSA) - Tom Greatrex (Vice chair, the FSA) - Kevin Miles (Chief executive, the
Malcolm is a Stoke City and York Tom co-founded Fulham Supporters’ FSA) - Kevin was appointed FSA chief
SUPPORTERS MET IN CENTRAL
City fan who is one of our two fan Trust and was chair of Supporters executive having previously held the
LONDON TO FINALISE THE MERGER representatives on the FA Council. Direct. He was a Labour/Co-op MP and same position at the FSF. He oversees
OF THE FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ Malcolm was chair of the FSF is chief exec of the Nuclear Industry our staff team, the long-running
FEDERATION AND SUPPORTERS DIRECT throughout its existence and has Association. Tom is also a fan rep on England Fans’ Embassy service, and
INTO ONE ORGANISATION - AND THE a big interest in reforming football the FA Council with special interest in sits on Kick It Out’s Professional
governance and power structures. good governance and fan ownership. Game Guidance Group.
FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION
(FSA) WAS BORN.
THE FSA IS THE NATIONAL, League, the EFL, National League, As secretariat to the All Party
OUR CONSTITUTION MISSION STATEMENT:
and the FA, as well as a whole host Parliamentary Football Supporters
DEMOCRATIC, REPRESENTATIVE
of other organisations within football Group, we have strengthened the voice
BODY FOR SUPPORTERS IN such as the Professional Footballers’ of fans within Parliament in
We are an inclusive, independent,
ENGLAND AND WALES. Association (PFA). recent years.
democratic organisation working with
supporters, governing bodies, leagues
We are the leading advocates for Football is for all and we work closely Our casework helps hundreds of fans
and clubs to drive positive change in
supporter ownership, better fan with organisations such as Kick It every year who feel they’ve been
football through supporter engagement
engagement, cheaper ticket prices, Out and Level Playing Field to ensure poorly treated by their clubs, stewards,
at every level of the game. We nurture
the choice to stand at the match, that core belief is happening in the or police. We give those fans a voice,
and develop supporter networks at
protecting fan rights, good governance, real world. We have supported the the best possible advice, and even
local, national and international levels,
diversity, and all types of supporter establishment of scores of BAME and legal support.
working with supporters’ trusts, clubs
empowerment. LGBT fans’ groups over the past few
and individuals to initiate and support
seasons. We pioneered the concept of Fans’
campaigns on issues of concern to
The breadth of work is huge and Embassies and have helped fans of
football supporters, encouraging good
difficult to sum up in a paragraph or We are founder-members of Football both the England and Wales men’s
governance, supporter representation
two, so we hope this Annual Review fills Supporters Europe (FSE) who national teams at tournaments across
on club boards, community-ownership
that role in showcasing our work across represent supporters across the the planet. We are proud to have
and sustainable stewardship of football
the football season. continent and heavily involved in the replicated this service, for the first time,
clubs. A commitment to diversity
organisation, with two members who at the Women’s World Cup 2019.
underpins all of our activity and we
As the national organisation we have sit on FSE’s Committee (Kevin Miles
oppose all forms of discrimination or
regular contact with the Premier and Paul Corkrey).
violence in relation to football.
You can download our constitution:
www.bit.ly/fsa-constitution
4 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 5OUR STRUCTURE NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Chair Malcolm Clarke
Vice chair Tom Greatrex
Premier League Katrina Law (Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust), Dave Pennington
AGM (Manchester United Supporters’ Trust) and Dave Kelly (The Blue Union).
Championship Geoff Bielby (Hull City Supporters’ Trust), Rick Duniec
(Leeds United Supporters’ Trust), and Teddy Bellamy (Millwall Supporters’ Club).
EFL 1 & EFL 2 Antony Wilkinson (Blackpool Supporters’ Trust) and Roger Ellis (Sky Blue Trust).
National Game Rob Street (Billericay Town Supporters Society),
Richard Tomkins (Hereford United), Simon Cope (Scarborough Athletic).
Supporter-owned clubs Neil Le Milliere (Exeter City Supporters’ Trust),
Tim Hillyer (Dons Trust), Nick Duckett (FC United of Manchester).
CHAIR AND
VICE CHAIR Fans for Diversity Chris Paouros (Proud Lilywhites), Malcolm Hirst (Port Vale Supporters’ Club)
and Shin Aujla (Apna Albion).
PREMIER CHAMPION- Associate organisations Ally Simcock (Pint of Vale), David Michael (My Old Man Said),
LEAGUE SHIP and Dave Tomlinson (Sandbach Travelling Alex).
Individual representatives Christine Seddon, Fiona McGee, Kristine Green, Martin O’Hara,
Peter Daykin, and Steve Powell.
Networks are entitled to three elected representatives and the responsibility is with those networks to fill the positions.
See more on FSA networks under Network Engagement. Nine members are elected from the NC to make up the board
ASSOCIATE INDIVIDUAL alongside the chair and vice chair. The Board: Ally Simcock, Chris Paouros, Dave Pennington, Fiona McGee, Malcolm Clarke,
MEMBER MEMBER
Martin O’Hara, Peter Daykin, Roger Ellis, Tim Hartley, Tim Hillyer, and Tom Greatrex.
REPS REPS
NATIONAL
COUNCIL
MEMBERSHIP INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP All tiers of membership are embedded
Open to all fans. in our structure, weighted towards
affiliate members who receive more
LEAGUE 1 NATIONAL
& LEAGUE 2 GAME positions on our National Council and
THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
more votes at the AGM - five per group
For supporters’ groups who fulfil
OF MEMBERSHIP FOR THE FSA key criteria relating to constitution,
as opposed to one vote per individual
FAN/ AND THEY ARE ALL FREE: affordability, independence,
member or associate group.
COMMUNITY FANS FOR democratic structure, annual
OWNED DIVERSITY accounts and diversity policy.
Policy is set primarily at the AGM
CLUBS following democratic processes
JOIN THE FSA:
although the National Council can
WWW.THEFSA.ORG.UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP make interim policy if required during
For entities such as regional or non-
the gap between AGMs. While the
democratic supporters’ groups such
networks can set up campaigns they
as atmosphere groups, club-based
can’t unilaterally set policy - that must
fan forums, fanzines, or digitally
be done at the AGM or via the
based collectives.
National Council.
BOARD
CONTACT:
FSA Board: Nine members elected by the Email: info@thefsa.org.uk
National Council plus the chair and vice chair Phone: 0330 44 000 44
Address: 1 Ashmore Terrace, Stockton Road,
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7DE
Elected at AGM Selected by networks
6 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 7TV
& THE THIS SEASON’S FA CUP WAS
THE FIRST UNDER A NEW SIX
YEAR INTERNATIONAL TV DEAL
traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off time.
The remaining 22 games were spread
across the weekend, starting with
“THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR AND IT IS
TAKING AWAY SOME OF THE MAGIC
OF THE FA CUP.
FA CUP
Tranmere Rovers vs Tottenham on
REPORTEDLY WORTH £820M TO Friday evening and ending up
THE FA - AND ITS EFFECTS BECAME with Liverpool away to Wolves on THE FA CUP THIRD ROUND ON
CLEAR IN THE THIRD ROUND. the Monday night.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON IS ONE OF
TV selections were compounded by
THE ENDURING TRADITIONS OF A
compressed timescales between the WONDERFUL COMPETITION. TO HAVE
Normally one of the highlights of the
footballing calendar, the third round draws - for example, Grimsby Town FEWER THAN A THIRD OF THE 32
was fragmented to meet the needs fans were unable to get back from MATCHES KICKING OFF AT 3PM ON
their late-Saturday kick-off against
of broadcasters in various territories SATURDAY IS BOTH EXTRAORDINARY
across the world. Crystal Palace. This denied many
Mariners the chance to see their team AND VERY SAD.”
The headline result was that only in what could have been the biggest FSA chair Malcolm Clarke
10 of the 32 ties were played at the game of their season.
8 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 9TV HELL 2018-19
TV: GOING TO GET WORSE
BEFORE IT GETS BETTER
ONE STEP FORWARD,
TWO STEPS BACK
Spurs were initially picked by Sky
Sports to play Manchester City at home
on Sunday 27th October. Tottenham
were unable to fulfil the fixture on this
date due to the build issues and a clash
“THIS REGRETTABLE, BUT SADLY MISSING: LAST HOME GAMES Similarly, Spurs’ game against
OF THE SEASON
Bournemouth, which was due to be
In recent seasons the relationship Back in 2017, the big issue with TV was
with an NFL game at Wembley - so the PREDICTABLE, BUCK PASSING AND
between match-going fans and TV the Premier League failing to meet played on the Monday night, was
game was moved to the Monday IMPASSE IGNORES THE VALID CLAIMS shuffled back to a Saturday kick-off.
has deteriorated significantly - and its own deadlines on releasing the
night slot.
next season it could get a whole lot TV fixtures. The Premier League has OF SUPPORTERS WHO REMAIN Manchester City against Leicester City,
The penultimate weekend of the season
worse as the number of televised committed to giving fans six weeks
However, Sky Sports were unwilling
SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF POCKET.” originally picked for an early Saturday
was carved up not once but twice by
games is set to increase once more. notice of changes, but over the 2017-18 kick-off off, was transferred into that
to give up the now-vacated TV slot broadcasters who sought to secure
season, more than half of the division’s Not to be outdone by Sky, BT Sport empty Monday night slot.
so transferred the Manchester United the most lucrative fixtures possible -
Saturday 3pm kick-offs will become TV fixtures were announced late. also got in on the conditional picks
vs Everton game, originally slated for regardless of the impact it would have
a rarity for many fans as 200 of the show by somehow putting fans of four Ray from Man City Fan TV said:
early-Saturday, into the late- on fans looking to see their teams at
380 Premier League games will be Rafts of TV fixtures often came weeks Premier League clubs out with their “Two weeks notice is absolutely
Sunday slot. home for the final time.
broadcast across the 2019-20 season. late, leaving fans to gamble on train selections around the League Cup final scandalous.”
tickets and accommodation for away weekend. The broadcaster inexplicably
The move meant that the With Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur
games causing supporters to, rightly, chose Manchester City as it’s number
inconvenience that should have been proceeding to the semi-finals of the
kick up a fuss. We released numerous
limited to Spurs and Manchester
one pick for the mid-week games 48 “THIS GOES BEYOND WHO YOU
Champions League, Sky Sports decided
statements calling on the Premier
City fans left thousands more out of
hours after the final (despite City being
to change their original selections SUPPORT, IT GOES BEYOND THE TRIBAL
League to get its act together and 9-0 up on aggregate in the semi-final
pocket. Manchester United Supporters’ made for the penultimate game of the NATURE OF FOOTBALL, WE SHOULD ALL
raised the issue with former-chief at the time).
Trust (MUST) described Sky Sports’
executive Richard Scudamore directly.
season. Liverpool’s trip to St James’ BE STANDING TOGETHER BECAUSE IT’S
behaviour as “naked commercial Park to play Newcastle United, chosen
opportunism”.
City predictably went through to the RIDICULOUS. THE PREMIER LEAGUE
for a Sunday 4pm kick-off on May 5th
This season, the situation has improved. final but rather than lose the TV game
existed in limbo for a few weeks before SHOULD NOT BE PUNISHING OTHER
TV selections have been released to their own short-sightedness, BT
MUST pushed the Premier League and ending up as a Saturday 7.45pm FANS BY FORCING THEM TO BUY NEW
on time for the most part - but Sport simply brought in other teams
one problem has been replaced by
Sky Sports to compensate supporters,
off the bench to fill the slot vacated
kick-off. FLIGHTS, NEW HOTEL BOOKINGS, OR
but the broadcaster was unmoved -
another: the rise of conditional picks. by Manchester City’s League Cup final GETTING MORE TIME OFF WORK.”
telling the Trust that the move was a
Broadcasters are now releasing TV clash - Burnley, Crystal Palace, Leicester
commercial decision to preserve their
Similarly, in the EFL Sky’s new five year selections on time, but completely City and Newcastle United fans were
“Super Sunday” brand.
deal allows them to broadcast 138 disregarding them further down the the victims - bringing their games
league matches a season - with the line and carving up weekends long forward with just four weeks notice.
“While expressing sympathy for
option to increase that to 158 games in after the initial selections have
affected supporters however they have
the final two years of the deal. been made.
sought to shift responsibility for any
compensation to the Premier League
This all adds up to more and more The first taste of this in the 2018-19
and ultimately to our own club that did
inconvenience for fans trying to plan season came as a result of the delays
not instigate the fixture change,”
their travel to games - more days to the construction of Tottenham
MUST said.
off work, more time spent travelling Hotspur’s new stadium.
through the early hours and more time
away from family and friends.
10 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 11COMMUNITY-OWNED CLUBS
SINCE 2000 SUPPORTERS DIRECT
HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN
BRINGING DOZENS OF FOOTBALL
CLUBS INTO COMMUNITY
SUCCESS STORIES
Community-owned clubs were led
this season by title winners City of
Tonbridge Angels navigated their way
through Isthmian Premier League play-
off matches against Haringey Borough,
Merstham, and Metropolitan Police
to elevate themselves to the National
THE EFL
OUR HIGHEST RANKED CLUB,
WYCOMBE WANDERERS, IN THEIR
A run of just one defeat in their final 12
games secured their safety in a season
also made memorable by a superb 4-2
win over West Ham United in the FA
Cup fourth round before eventually
minute winner at the national stadium.
Their season had many other highlights
as, once again, they beat higher level
opposition in the FA Cup, defeating
Premier League Leicester City and
OWNERSHIP THROUGHOUT Liverpool FC, who won promotion
League South next season. All this being knocked out by Millwall. With Championship side Middlesbrough
ENGLAND AND WALES. THE to the Northern Premier League
came after a fourth place finish some FIRST SEASON BACK IN LEAGUE ONE, just one more season to go before their before finally succumbing to
23 points behind champions
FSA’S RICHARD IRVING GIVES North West Division. They were run FINISHED IN 17TH PLACE. IN THE move to a new ground back at Plough Manchester City at Rodney Parade in
Dorking Wanderers. Lane in Wimbledon these are exciting the fifth round, despite holding the
US A RUNDOWN ON HOW OUR
incredibly close by Bootle FC who SAME DIVISION AFC WIMBLEDON
times for the club. Premier League champions until the
managed a superb winning streak of
COMMUNITY-OWNED CLUBS Club chair Dave Netherstreet told us: FACED AN UPHILL STRUGGLE TO AVOID 51st minute.
20 consecutive games to finish just two
FARED IN 2018-19. points behind.
“It is great for all the people who have RELEGATION BACK TO LEAGUE TWO, In League Two, Exeter City were in
supported the club over the years and
HAVING SPENT MUCH OF THE EARLY with a chance of reaching the play-offs
who have helped the club through with just a handful of games to go, but
Unfortunately for City of Liverpool
some of the really tricky moments of
PART OF THE YEAR IN THE
a poor run of two wins in eight games
FC they couldn’t make it a league and
the last five years. RELEGATION ZONE. put paid to their hopes.
cup double as they were defeated by
fellow community-owned club 1874
Following a solid 2017-18 season,
Northwich in the League Cup final.
“IT IS HOPED THAT THE PROMOTION Newport County put together an
astonishing campaign that led them to
AND THE COVERAGE PROVIDED BY BT
Wembley and a League Two play-off
SPORT OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE WILL final against Tranmere Rovers which,
PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BOOST FOR ultimately, saw them defeated by a last-
THE COMMUNITY TO GET BEHIND US
AND HOPEFULLY PUSH ON.”
(CC) James Boyes
(CC) James Boyes
12 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 13COMMUNITY-
OWNED
NON-LEAGUE
play-offs only to be defeated in the in a division containing Manchester
(CC) James Boyes
Our other Northern Premier League
CLUBS
Fisher were another of our teams to In their first season of competition,
qualifying round by Wealdstone in United, Tottenham Hotspur, and clubs, Hyde United and Bamber steadily improve and finish third in Clapton Community Football Club
front of more than 2,200 fans at Crystal Palace. Bridge, finished in 10th and 16th places the Southern Counties League East took the Middlesex County Football
Twerton Park. respectively, with Hyde attracting a Division, while our two remaining Step League Division 1 (Central and East)
In the National League, Wrexham will
In the Isthmian League North, at Step crowd of nearly 800 for their final day Five clubs, Peacehaven and Telscombe title pipping Stonewall FC by one point
have to spend at least another year
In the Southern League Premier Four, Grays Athletic improved on their clash against Stalybridge Celtic. in the Southern Combination Premier and gaining promotion in front of 1,200
outside the EFL as the strength in the
Division South, Merthyr Town, 16th place finish last season by finishing and Saffron Walden Town in the Essex fans. A league and league cup double
league of Leyton Orient and Salford
Dorchester Town, and Hendon all seventh, despite still ground sharing Our two teams in the Northern Premier Senior League finished tenth and follows an incredibly successful year
City prevailed, and the club fell to
finished in mid-table, whilst in the at Aveley. They will look to push for League First Division West, Runcorn fourth respectively. which, amongst many other things in
defeat at the hands of Eastleigh in
Southern League Premier Division promotion back up to Step Three Linnets and Prescot Cables, both their community, saw them sell more
the play-offs.
Central, AFC Rushden and Diamonds next season. missed out on the play-offs, finishing At Step Six, AFC Liverpool finished than 12,000 of their famous second
and Banbury United finished in in sixth and seventh place – with the third in the North West Counties First strip shirts to owners across the world.
Near neighbours Chester finished three
ninth and 17th places respectively. Scarborough Athletic’s hopes of former missing out on goal difference Division North, Hinckley AFC 16th in Finally, in the Welsh Football League,
points short of the National League
At the same level in the Isthmian reaching the Northern Premier Division to Ramsbottom United. In the Southern the Midland League First Division. In Ton Pentre endured a difficult season
North play-offs while Darlington, in
Premier Division, Enfield Town and play-offs were dashed with just one League Division One Central Kempston the Wessex League Premier Division, finishing bottom of Division One.
their first year back in the division,
Lewes couldn’t reach the heady heights game to go following eight league Rovers finished 13th. Newport (IOW) finished sixth,
finished a creditable 16th.
of Tonbridge Angels but finished in defeats since New Year’s Day. The club Wythenshawe Amateurs took fourth Here’s hoping for a successful 2019-
10th and 11th places respectively, the ended their first season at the new level At Step Five, City of Liverpool aside, place in the North West Counties 2020 season for all our clubs!
Unfortunately, after four seasons in the
latter in their first season back at with an eighth place finish. Boro also our other three teams in the North League Division One South, and
National League North, FC United of
Step Three. reached the North Riding Senior Cup West Counties Premier Division Newark Town achieved ninth place Design Note
Manchester were relegated back to the
final for the second successive year, endured mixed fortunes. Congleton in the Central Midlands League.
Northern Premier League.
A special mention should also be beating Marske United 3-2 on penalties Town were some way behind City of
made of the Lewes Women’s team, after a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough’s Liverpool in third, 1874 Northwich
Our representatives in the National
who in their own first season in the FA Riverside Stadium. finished 10th, but did win the League
League South, Bath City, reached the
Women’s Championship finished ninth Cup, and Litherland REMYCA
finished 15th.
14 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 15FA CUP TICKET PRICES MORE TO DO
BACK IN FEBRUARY IT WAS EFL AWAY PRICES UNDER EUROPEAN PRICES: FANS
CONFIRMED THAT THE POPULAR AND THE MICROSCOPE CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
SUCCESSFUL £30 AWAY TICKET PRICE
CAP IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WOULD
Beyond the success of the £30 price You may have noticed some English
RUN FOR ANOTHER THREE SEASONS.
cap in the Premier League, ticket prices teams did very well in European
remain a thorny issue in the EFL. competitions this season, but that
The current competition-wide cap
success has made for some (very)
was introduced at the start of the
With other leagues such as France’s expensive seasons for fans following
2016-17 season, following sustained
Ligue 1 also introducing competition- their teams.
campaigning by supporters across the
wide price caps for away tickets (€10)
country led by the then-FSF under the
the EFL Championship has suddenly Too many big clubs in Europe charge
“Twenty’s Plenty” banner.
become one of the most expensive visiting supporters far too much.
places in the world to be an away fan. Barcelona were one of the main
THE FA AGREED A REDUCTION IN The FA’s decision to reduce the ticket Last season, the FA was criticised for Since its introduction three years ago,
offenders this year, charging Liverpool
prices followed concerted lobbying introducing inflation-busting price hikes
TICKET PRICES FOR 3,000 TICKETS AT the £30 cap on away prices in the
and Manchester United fans €119 to
and discussions with supporters, led without consulting supporters – the Premier League has saved millions of
THIS YEAR’S FA CUP FINAL FOLLOWING by supporter organisations around FA responded by meeting fans and
see their teams from the top tier of
pounds for away fans.
LOBBYING EFFORTS BY SUPPORTER the country and our supporter increasing the concessionary saving on
Camp Nou.
REPRESENTATIVES – BUT MANY representatives on the FA Council. the most expensive tickets (from £10 to FSA chief executive Kevin Miles said:
Both clubs stepped in to subsidise
FANS REMAIN UNHAPPY WITH THIS £25) and committed to not increasing “We have always argued that away
the price, and said they would be
Tom Greatrex, our FA Council supporter the price of semi-final and final tickets supporter attendance needs to be
SEASON’S PRICING. representative said: “Fans have beyond the rate of inflation until 2022
charging Barcelona fans more to make
encouraged if the atmosphere and
up the difference in the return legs -
rightfully raised concerns about the at the earliest. spectacle of a live football match is to
1,500 tickets in the lower band behind something we’ve been describing as
ticket prices we’ve seen at Wembley be sustained.
both goals (3,000 total) at Wembley “revenge pricing”.
for the semi-finals and finals – some Tom said: “While this is a step in the
Stadium were reduced from £115 to According to analysis by journalist
of the highest for national cup finals in right direction, we feel the FA could go
£70, a total saving for supporters in Dubas Fischer published this year, Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly group
European football. further in making the Wembley fixtures
those areas of around £135,000. “WE STILL BELIEVE MORE CAN BE 80% of Championship matches had said: “Success comes with expense, but
more affordable for match-going fans.
DONE AND WE CALL ON THE PREMIER standard, advanced, adult tickets priced that does not have to mean extortion
Fans are still unhappy with the high at £30 or less - with 77 fixtures coming – Barcelona’s pricing structure for this
“Supporters are integral to the success LEAGUE TO LOOK AT WAYS TO
costs of attending the Wembley “THE FA NEEDS TO in above that. stage of the Champions League is an
of the competition – a competition FURTHER REDUCE CONCESSIONARY
fixtures – particularly the thousands REMEMBER THAT WITHOUT which the FA markets on its tradition,
elitist joke.”
TICKET COSTS AND SUBSIDISE FANS’
paying in excess of £100. Manchester
DEDICATED SUPPORTERS FILLING authenticity and atmosphere.”
The average cost of an away ticket
City’s 1894 Group said: “This year’s TRAVEL COSTS WHEN GAMES ARE in the division stands at £27.04. The
WEMBLEY FOR THE CUP FINAL IT
final prices have been dressed up as
Alongside supporter organisations MOVED FOR TV.” worst offenders included Leeds United,
price freezes whereas in reality they WOULDN’T BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF who charged visiting fans an average
at club level, the FSA will continue
are massively out of step with the THE FOOTBALLING CALENDAR THAT to push the FA for a fundamental
of £37.82 per ticket; Birmingham,
cup final prices in other major WE KNOW AND LOVE.” review of ticket pricing at the FA Cup’s
meanwhile, charged £19.12.
European countries.
Wembley fixtures, as well as other
We continue to lobby UEFA on
issues impacting the competition this
“How many true fans who have been such extreme price gouging and the
season – such as kick-off times, travel
going for decades have had to miss out pressure is beginning to tell - president
difficulties and disruption caused by
because of the prices? Once you price Aleksander Čeferin conceded earlier
broadcasting selections.
traditional fans out, who will this year they would have to consider
replace them?” competition-wide price caps.
16 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 17CLUBS IN
CRISIS
There’s no set definition of a club in
crisis but fans know it when they see
it - if it looks like a duck, swims like a
We see an unscrupulous owner running
our beloved club into the ground. The
law sees a business owner making his
The problem is tightening up rules
which are written by owners with a
vested interest. The EFL sees itself
Secondly, massive conflicts of interest
exist within the game and they must
be removed. The Premier League, EFL,
The Code of Practice on the
Stewardship of Football Clubs would
set out new guidance for clubs (and
If our proposals are put into force and
implemented there’d be a significant
reduction in the number of clubs
duck, and quacks like a duck, then it or her own decisions about their own primarily as a members club not and National League are effectively owners) on a range of issues which in crisis. Without real action the
probably is a duck. investment and won’t intervene, as long a regulator. member bodies for football clubs and have caused problems over the years supporters of those clubs will
as they follow the laws of the land and supporters don’t accept that self- - name changes, playing colours and continue to suffer.
Clubs with an endless stream of unpaid pay tax. Meanwhile the FA has never fully regulation works. badges, stadium location, and
creditors and fall outs with HMRC. grasped its own role as regulator, training facilities. The damaging actions of a small
Owners who react to fan protests with The Conservative Party sees itself as instead shifting its focus to the Regulatory decisions should be taken handful of rogue owners overshadows
self-defeating threats. Media calls for the party of business so there’s been national teams, disciplinary issues, and by people with a suitable level of Prospective owners should outline the good work at the majority of clubs
FA action. Player wages going unpaid. no legislative movement and the past grassroots administrative matters. independence, with support from business plans that demonstrate and reflects poorly on the game’s
few years have hardly been ideal terrain external expertise where needed, to their capability to run a football club commitment to good governance.
Even within a club’s own fanbase not for that anyway, given the enormous WHAT THE FA NEEDS TO DO avoid the conflicts of interest which sustainably, in accordance with the
every single supporter will comfortably focus on Brexit. currently exist. Code of Practice and its requirements Good owners must stand up, be
accept the label but there comes a Our proposals to the FA rest on to engage with the club’s supporters counted, and make their case
point when everybody knows, including THE EFL two key principles. Firstly, that the The FA is the best placed organisation and other stakeholders. alongside supporters. It’s in all of
the football authorities. significance of football clubs is properly to do this and should be the our best interests.
The EFL has in recent years prided recognised. These are not just ordinary game’s regulator. Crucially, proposed owners shouldn’t be
The easy part is identifying the clubs in itself on how few administrations have businesses, whatever the law might say, allowed to use shares in a club to raise FSA ACTION
crisis and analysing their problems but actually occurred, although that has and if you are involved in the football FA PROPOSALS funds to complete their purchase. This
the tricky bit is finding ways to fix changed now with Bolton Wanderers industry you must recognise that. restriction would avoid repetition of
the problem. going into administration. Beneath these core principles we have recent examples where new ownership Our proposals presented to a meeting
Clubs are cultural commodities, the made a series of proposals to the FA has seen significant new debt loaded of the FA Board, a first for a supporters’
As supporters we see football clubs Of course the scarcity of clubs in biggest expression of community including a new Code of Practice on onto a club, rather than the new owner. group. The Board welcomed the
for the uniquely special entities they administration was hardly consolation identity in our country, with loyalty built the Stewardship of Football Clubs. proposals and asked us develop a more
are: history, importance to the local to supporters of Blackpool, Charlton up over generations. They should be Owners should also have to deliver focussed package to take forward for
community, decades spent going to Athletic, Coventry City, Hull City, Leyton afforded levels of protection in keeping While the FA, Premier League, EFL, a bond to the FA which the owner implementation, with the FA, Premier
games with friends and family or Orient, Morecambe, or others who have with listed buildings or conservation and National League have all taken forfeits if the club failed to honour League, EFL and National League.
taking your own kids. all fallen out with owners at various areas. It is not appropriate to treat steps in recent years to protect clubs, wages, tax commitments and so on. Further meetings with the FA and the
points in recent seasons. them as if they were supermarket or their actions are too often undermined Proposed owners would continue to be leagues are scheduled. The FSA AGM in
But legally they are businesses and mobile provider. by the actions of a small number of subject to current checks and directors June 2019 will be asked to endorse
they exist within the laws of the land. renegade owners. should face their own separate checks. the proposals.
18 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 19CLUBS IN FURTHER READING CORE PRINCIPLES:
CRISIS
If you’d like further details on our 1. CLUBS MUST BE RECOGNISED
proposals - 10,627 words of further
FOR THEIR CULTURAL IMPORTANCE.
detail! - we’re happy to send the full set
of proposals with supporting appendix THEY ARE NOT NORMAL BUSINESSES.
to members. Get in touch.
2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST HAVE
The work has been coordinated by
TO BE REMOVED. CLUBS CANNOT
FSA chair Malcolm Clarke and special
thanks should go to Roger Ellis (Sky REGULATE THEMSELVES AND THE
Blues Trust) whose expertise has FA MUST STEP IN.
proven invaluable.
FROM THE GROUND...
On 13th June 2019 it was announced to colleagues at Coventry City, Bury,
that the Oystons were finally out of Bolton Wanderers, and all the other
Blackpool FC with lifelong fan Simon clubs who have been failed to make
Sadler taking a 96% shareholding. sure that their plight continues to
Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST) said be highlighted.”
they were “delighted” with the news
that the Oyston’s 31-year reign was For BST chair and FSA National Council
finally over. member Christine Seddon the hard
work begins now. “Everything needs
“For years, we as supporters have rebuilding, from the training ground
campaigned with vigour and with and the Bloomfield Road pitch through
decency to see the regime change at the academy system, the managerial
Bloomfield Road, with little support set-up, the squad,” said Christine. “It’s a
from the football authorities,” said BST. new start that lies ahead – new owners,
new infrastructure, new staff, new kit,
“We will continue to campaign with new sponsors, new ambitions. The only
energy for wholesale regulatory real constant, as at any great club, is
reform of English football. We owe it the fan base.”
20 | The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 | 21FREE LIONS
INTERNATIONAL
After a (perhaps) longer-than-expected Free Lions continues to go from that little bit further, before rounding
stay in Russia last summer, the Free strength to strength as we’ve now off this season’s activities with a match
Lions fans’ embassy team could have racked up 167 issues, and we’re already in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
been forgiven for looking forward to a looking forward to autumn trips to
little break. Prague, Sofia, as well as a first fixture Our colleagues at FSA Cymru provided
away in Kosovo, on our route to the their fans’ embassy services at each
Given the unusual situation of England’s Euro 2020 finals. game, along with fundraising efforts
Nations League match against Croatia for local orphanages with their partners
in Rijeka being played behind closed
doors, they got a few extra days off
FSA CYMRU Gôl Cymru.
before travelling to Seville in October Unfortunately defeats in both June
for England’s excellent 3-2 away victory fixtures leaves Ryan Giggs’ men with
Following last year’s trips to the USA
against Spain, securing England’s an uphill task of qualifying for next
and China things were ‘back to normal’
qualification for the Nations League summer’s tournament.
FREE LIONESSES finals this summer.
for the Welsh fans’ embassy team this
year, finishing off their Nations League
FSA Cymru will continue to work with
campaigns with games in Denmark
There they joined hosts Portugal along the FA of Wales, with particular focus
and Ireland.
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR WE Offering our usual mix of behind the women’s game more generally.
with Switzerland and the Netherlands, on the issues of ticket harvesting and
scenes advice and assistance along At the time of going to press England
HAVE EXTENDED OUR FANS’ EMBASSY who likewise topped their Nations
While Dublin and Aarhus are not too
issues around providing ID at matches
with a presence in each host city had qualified for the last 16 through
SERVICE TO FOLLOWERS OF THE around every game that England victories in their opening three group
League groups.
far off the beaten track, their trips
to ensure that named ticket holders
get in.
WOMEN’S GAME, WITH THE LAUNCH play, we hope that this will mark stage games. We will hopefully be with to Elbasan in Albania for a friendly
The disappointment in the performance
OF FREE LIONESSES, OUR FANZINE the beginning of a long-running them all the way to Lyon for the final on
on the pitch in Guimarães in the semi-
in November 2018, and a Euro 2020
qualifier in Osijek in Croatia (June 2019)
FOR FANS OF THE ENGLAND WOMEN’S relationship following the women’s Sunday 7th July.
final against the Netherlands didn’t
team at major tournaments, which tested the limits of their preparation
TEAM ATTENDING THE 2019 WORLD highlights our ongoing work in the You can follow the team on Twitter
detract from another great trip, and
another surprising penalty shoot-out
CUP IN FRANCE. @FreeLionesses
victory, this time against Switzerland.
We’re almost beginning to make a habit
of them.
22 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 23FSF AWARDS 2018
MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR COMMENTATOR OF THE YEAR PODCAST OF THE YEAR
MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool) MARTIN TYLER THE GUARDIAN FOOTBALL WEEKLY
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR FANS FOR DIVERSITY AWARD PUNDIT OF THE YEAR
BETH MEAD (Arsenal) PROUD LILYWHITES (Spurs) GARY NEVILLE
AWAY DAY OF THE YEAR FANZINE OF THE YEAR RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR
PRESTON NORTH END POPULARSTAND (Doncaster Rovers) 606
Arsenal’s Beth Mead picked up “Usually I share any awards NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR
FAN MEDIA OF THE YEAR
WITH MORE THAN 366,000 the trophy for the Women’s with my teammates and all the THE GUARDIAN TONY BARRETT (Liverpool)
ARSEBLOG
Player of the Year, with staff at Liverpool, but on this
VOTES CAST, THE FSF AWARDS IN
Mohamed Salah topping the occasion I would like also to ONLINE MEDIA OF THE YEAR WRITER OF THE YEAR
PARTNERSHIP WITH VIRGIN MEDIA fans’ vote for the Men’s Player dedicate it to the Liverpool fans CLUB PODCAST OF THE YEAR
FOOTBALL365.COM BARNEY RONAY
ARE THE LARGEST SUPPORTER-LED of the Year award, holding off for their incredible support. FROM THE ROOKERY END (Watford)
AWARDS IN THE UK, AND THE 2018 competition from runner-up Thank you. ”
NATIONAL GAME COMMUNITY AWARD
Eden Hazard.
EVENT RETURNED TO THE TOWER OF CURZON ASHTON FC
Other winners on the night
LONDON TO CROWN THE BEST IN Salah said: “Thank you for this included Sky Sports duo
THE GAME. award, it means so much to Gary Neville and Martin Tyler,
me because it was voted for Football365.com and the
by supporters. Guardian, who picked up a
hat-trick of awards for best
newspaper, best podcast, and
best writer.
FOR THE FULL SHORTLISTS IN EACH CATEGORY, HEAD TO WWW.BIT.LY/FSF-SHORTLISTS
24 | The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 | 25AWAY FANS SURVEY
THE GOOD
• I really appreciated the welcome • It’s the stewards that make it for whoever was in charge on
that the [Club]’s fans and club put me. Been a couple of times now and realising that none were needed
on for us, it was relaxed, friendly and they’re one of the best. The fact that for this fixture.
welcoming - which definitely didn’t they are happy to let you out to have
prepare us for just how dirty their a smoke at half time is brilliant. Just • A lovely gesture at the end of the
team was! shows what intelligent people you match to hand out the pastries that
have as stewards. hadn’t been sold.
• Great vibe at the outside bar - police
on horseback really friendly too, • For once in away end plenty of ladies • Excellent leg room. Excellent fanzone
stewards in the away end sensible toilets! It was a community day and with band playing, food outlets and
and relaxed about standing and goal [Club] had organised very good real ale outside of ground. Very
celebrations. Impressive. events for children including those friendly atmosphere. Good pricing
visiting and with learning disabilities at £20.
THERE WAS FREE COLD WATER
• The ability to use contactless cards • [Club] bring a bit of what is good
IN THE CONCOURSE TO DRINK about non-League to the match day
is very good and other clubs
- A GOOD TOUCH. should copy. experience. They are friendly from
the off and treat away fans as adults.
• Nice to see the local police be
• Excellent DJ playing before the game Not all away fans will respect that
proactive and helpful with respect but on the night I went it worked
in the away end. Played songs that
to away supporters on social media very well.
were for the away fans.
they’re probably up with the best
policing I’ve seen on my travels. • Police at [Club] are excellent. Pre
• Didn’t see any police, even outside
South Yorkshire Police take note. match Twitter and face to face.
the ground. Congratulations to
SINCE IT BEGAN BACK IN 2012, MORE THAN 20,000 OF YOU HAVE TAKEN
THE TIME TO GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS AS PART OF OUR AWAY FANS SURVEY. MUST DO BETTER THE UGLY
We collate ratings on everything Because of the work we’ve done over Some of the comments are well • The half-time “entertainment” was • As with every ground, get more • If there is ever a competition for
from the price of matchday pies to the past eight years, clubs are able thought out, well constructed pieces by far the worst I’ve ever seen in a staff serving at the bars. It’s not most mean minded but complacent
the position of the away sector and to see where they are, whether the of feedback highlighting specific areas sporting arena of any description, rocket science. club in the entire universe, [Club] can
everything in-between. changes they are making have had an of concern that need to be addressed. utterly dreadful. count on my vote.
effect, and the areas in which they still Others, not so much. Judge for yourself • I’d like there to be more TVs for
All your feedback (good and bad) gets need to improve. which is which. • My son was picked out by a sniffer away fans so that they can watch an • Their clappers used by the home
passed to clubs via their Supporter dog and IMMEDIATELY treated like a earlier game which is being televised fans are a total embarrassment
Liaison Officers. We also share our Data is all well and good but we also We’ve also anonymised some clubs criminal. The reality was that the dog live and it would encourage fans to and should be banned from
datasets with each of our affiliate give people the opportunity to offer as we find they’re more likely to act wanted his used McDonalds wrapper get in the stadium earlier and buy football completely.
supporter groups, so they can see the specific comments which the survey on criticism when they’re informed in his pocket. No apologies from the refreshments.
concerns away fans have about their might not cover. privately - public shaming often leads security staff. Very embarrassing to • Can’t fault the stadium. Refreshments
ground, and can take them up with to them digging their heels in. be searched in front of big queues • Before kick off the home team was poor, cocky, arrogant, fawning PA at
their own club. who automatically think you announced but not the away team half time. It’s [Club], wouldn’t expect
are guilty. which I found disrespectful. anything different.
• PA system far too loud and intrusive • When leaving the match, the lighting • Many seats were very dirty. Pigeons!
- completely destroyed the ability for was not particularly good and
either home or away fans to create this combined with the poor car [GROUND] IS A S**T HOLE,
any kind of atmosphere despite parking surface, positioning of the
FLATTEN IT AND START AGAIN.
best efforts. away coaches and damaged street
furniture was not good, and could
• This ground needs demolishing.
have been dangerous.
26 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 27SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER SUPPORTER
and/or senior executives. This is up
MEMORANDUMS
OF UNDERSTANDING
8% from the previous year.
• 39% of respondents said their club
ENGAGEMENT
either misunderstands or doesn’t act
A Memorandum of Understanding
upon the guidelines, although this is
(MoU) is a public document signed
an improvement as almost half (48%)
between two parties, such as a fan
TONY BARRETT RIP JONATHAN of fan representatives said the same
last year.
group and a club. The MoU isn’t legally
binding, but it does commit both
parties to certain practices, such as a
local support and its growing Sadly at the tail end of 2018 Jonathan Premier League and EFL clubs are
• 86% didn’t believe, or were unsure,
commitment to open dialogue. Think
that clubs would be sanctioned
international audience? Waite, the respected and well-liked mandated by their respective leagues financial analysis, stadium issues, and
by a league for not conforming to
Supporter Liaison Officer at Tottenham to meet with fans twice per season, at a ownership of the club.
regulations.
“A major challenge for Liverpool, Hotspur, died suddenly at the age minimum, and no issue should be “off-
like any big Premier League club is of 48. the-table”.
Deborah Dilworth our EFL network
retaining that local connection as the
manager, said: “The survey shows
Premier League goes global – because Jonathan was a genuine advocate of The Department for Digital, Culture,
dialogue is in a healthy state, but
like it or not it has become global. fans within the game and his work at Media and Sport (DCMS) guidelines
unfortunately there remains a handful
THIS YEAR’S SUPPORTER LIAISON Spurs led him to win the SLO of the are in place and the leagues have
of clubs where this isn’t the case.
“Traditionally you had a dressing room Year Award at our awards in 2016. “It incorporated versions of these into
OFFICER OF THE YEAR WINNER
to community connection, but when was impossible not to like, respect and their rulebooks.
(P24-25) WAS LIVERPOOL’S TONY the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven get on with Jonathan,” said Katrina “THERE’S DEFINITELY ROOM FOR
BARRETT, WHO HAS HELPED Gerrard move on, how do you maintain Law and Martin Cloake, co-chairs of Last year we surveyed fan groups
IMPROVEMENT AND WE’LL CONTINUE
TRANSFORM SUPPORTER that link?” Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust. to find out how their clubs were It’s an attempt to move away from club
implementing supporter engagement
TO SUPPORT FANS AT CLUBS WHERE
RELATIONS ON MERSEYSIDE. v fan dynamic to a more constructive
Liverpool have launched numerous and to asses the picture was across- THE GOVERNMENT’S GUIDELINES relationship.
“I don’t think the club was out of touch
community initiatives, such as Red the-board - afterwards, feeding that AREN’T BEING MET.”
Neighbours in the L4 postcode to information back to the sports minister. Doncaster Rovers, Fulham, Grimsby
necessarily,” Tony says about the state
bolster its presence in the immediate Seventy three clubs were covered in The research also showed that fans Town, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest,
of play when he came into the role.
neighbourhoods around Anfield. the results. want a clear distinction between and Rochdale AFC have already signed
“But the relationship between the
club and supporters had definitely promotional or social fans forum-style MoUs with their own club’s
become strained.”
“We all want what’s best for the club,” HERE’S WHAT SUPPORTER events and engagement meetings - supporters’ trusts.
Tony says. “But at any big institution
GROUPS TOLD US: where 52% of fans wanted to hear from
Before Tony joined discontent had been
there’s going to be competing interests, “HE DEALT WITH EVERY CHALLENGE CEOs on more difficult topics such as
competing ambitions - you just have to
rising and things came to a head in - AND THERE WERE MANY - WITH • 84% of clubs are meeting with ownership and financial data.
try to do what’s right for the club. And
2016 when the club published planned
not everyone’s always going to agree PATIENCE AND GOOD HUMOUR. supporters at least twice per season.
ticket price hikes, leading to protest in This matches previous survey’s FSA ACTION We will continue to raise
with you or the club’s position.”
the stands and walkouts led by Spirit of “HE LISTENED AND HE ADVISED AND results which reported 85%. cases where engagement guidelines
Shankly and Spion Kop 1906. The club
Compared to the nadir of the 2016 GUIDED, AND WE LEARNED SO MUCH aren’t being met with DCMS, the EFL,
listened and backed down. • 94% of clubs are fielding appropriate and Premier League.
walkouts, relations on Merseyside are FROM HIM. SIMPLY PUT, HE JUST
people – either owners, directors
“I was approached by Liverpool
now much warmer. GOT IT.” THST
several months before I took the role,”
“The biggest improvement over the last
said Tony, who has a background in
12 months has been the embracing of
journalism, becoming a respected voice
supporter culture. You’ve got to listen
amongst Scousers along the way.
to supporters and have that network
to draw on but there needs to be more
“It was a special moment for me and
understanding of the role.
a huge honour - and it would be a
fundamental change in career,” he said.
“Fans need to know that the SLO is
“But it was a chance to influence the
often the one fighting their corner in
club and make a positive contribution.”
meetings. There’s a real person behind
that role that just wants what’s best for
So how can a club the size of Liverpool
you and the club.”
balance the interests of its traditional
28 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 29FANS FOR DIVERSITY
FANS FOR DIVERSITY
It’s been another busy year for the Fans
for Diversity campaign as we continue
GUIDANCE GROUP
The 2018-19 season has been the first
year where the Fans for Diversity
CLUB FORUMS
It’s been a privilege for Fans for
Diversity to take part in many club
AWARD WINNERS:
PROUD LILYWHITES
The Fans for Diversity award is now in
its third year and the winners of 2018-19
to grow and develop our work across Guidance Group has been in full swing. forums this season - events which give prize were Proud Lilywhites for their
all strands of diversity. supporters a direct path to talk about fantastic work on LGBT issues.
The group is a small network of like- diversity issues with their players,
Almost every weekend somewhere in minded individuals from across football coaches and senior management. Established in 2014, the Proud
the country there will be a Fans for who provide valuable feedback on the Lilywhites have become a well-
Diversity event, and we’re extremely current work of our campaign, as well Our most recent club forum at the time established and respected group within
proud of the work we’ve done helping as suggesting and exploring new areas of writing was at Griffin Park with Fans the supporters’ movement - in the last
supporters over the last five years. of work. for Diversity’s Anwar Uddin, Brentford’s 12 months they’ve helped Tottenham
manager, players, and Liam Rosenior on Hotspur Foundation appoint a
Our work has expanded rapidly to The Guidance Group is a great way a panel answering fans’ questions. We dedicated LGBT co-ordinator and
cover all diversity strands - covering for supporters to get involved in the covered some big topics such as ‘would embed LGBT inclusion in the
LGBT, black and ethnic minority Fans for Diversity campaign and help you pull your players off the pitch if club’s work.
backgrounds, disability - so that fans promote diversity at the match. We’re they received racist abuse?’ which
from all walks of life feel confident extremely grateful for the advice and showed how valuable these events are Co-chair Chris Paouros said: “We were
coming to us for help with support the group has given to the - we look forward to rolling out more delighted, we weren’t expecting it at
their initiatives. FSA already. club forums in the 2019-20 season. all. There’s so much brilliant work that
goes on in this area. So the fact that
we’ve been recognised for the work
we’ve been doing over the last four
years is wonderful.”
30 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 31WHEN
FOOTBALL
UNITES
NON-LEAGUE: into the landscape of the football decisions - often a bigger club will
community. This in turn should have a single point of contact and
PROMOTING INCLUSION encourage more people to attend some resources too, which can help.
matches, support their club With smaller clubs it can be harder
and community. because the people involved are
There are huge numbers of people who very much focussed on week to
haven’t experienced a match but who • To educate and challenge the week survival and ensuring the
carry misconceptions and fears; some narrative around discrimination match goes on!
based on negative media coverage, and abuse. One way we do this
which hasn’t until more recently begun by bringing people of different This leaves less time for the ‘nice to do’
to balance out with the reality of the backgrounds together in solidarity projects, but where there is a will, we
match going experience. – football is for everyone and if you find a way to help.
share the same team even more so!
THIS SEASON THE BURGEONING The two groups made contact through Fans for Diversity campaigns officer So over my first year with the FSA it’s There is a lot to love about non-
the Fans for Diversity network back in Maria Horner said: “This was an been a pleasure to extend the Fans for And the elephant in the room? Yes, league - those in it, know it. It survives
FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN FANS OF
the autumn of 2018, meeting for the opportunity to bring two very different Diversity campaign’s ground-breaking there are still problems with racist and and is cherished thanks to dedicated
BRADFORD AND LINCOLN CITY first time at Valley Parade in October. groups together through football to work into non-league football – homophobic abuse and all manner individuals, supporters and volunteers,
WAS THE SUBJECT OF A NEW The Bradford City hosts taught the meet and learn about each other. showing people that there is great live of other abuses. There is no quick yet sometimes it’s invisible in its own
FILM CELEBRATING THEIR visiting Lincoln City fans how to make football on their doorstep, and helping fix, but as individuals we can make wider community – I’d like to see
those who wouldn’t normally consider
RELATIONSHIP VIA THE FANS pakora, took them round the Bantams’ a difference; visible support for our that change.
ground and visited the Bradford City it get into the matchday habit. campaign partner Kick it Out – wear a
FOR DIVERSITY CAMPAIGN. “TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO
Fire Memorial. sticker, re-tweet the message against
ORDINARILY WOULD NEVER HAVE OUR IMPORTANT WORK discrimination, help your fellow
When Football Unites is a short
Then in November the Lady Imps MET - BUILDING UNDERSTANDING HAS THREE KEY AIMS: supporters by endorsing or getting
documentary by film-maker Liam
returned the favour - hosting a group AND FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH THE involved in projects which bring people
Sullivan that documents the
of Bradford City fans at Sincil Bank together - and find a way to make a
blossoming relationship, and cultural POWER OF FOOTBALL.” • To communicate with people who
and taking them to the RAF’s Battle of matchday welcome for those who may
exchange, between the Lady Imps may not think football is for them
Britain Memorial centre in Lincoln. be different to you, even if it’s just
Supporters Association and the (which includes underrepresented
groups and marginalised a smile.
Bangla Bantams. The film debuted back in January at the
Natural Science and Media Museum in communities), and to build bridges
between those people, existing In non-league we’re encouraging clubs
Bradford and is set to be shown again
supporters and football clubs to to start somewhere, to reach out into Maria Horner,
in July during the Bradford Festival.
create space for a welcome to their different communities and to try Fans for Diversity campaigns officer
everyone at football. to engage supporters in that process.
While you may think it’s easier to work
with a small club - fewer departments
• To help support those groups to
become more visible and accepted or individuals to be involved in making
32 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 33You can also read
