Oxford United are always keen to explore new ways for fans to talk directly to the club and we are looking at forming a new ‘Fans Council’ which will allow all supporters to have a voice and direct communication with the Management and Board at the club.
The Fans Council - the name may change as it evolves - will be a flexible group that meets with staff and board members on a regular basis. Working alongside Supporters Trust Oxvox, the Council will be made up of every section of the fanbase.
Managing Director Niall McWilliams explains:
“It’s something we have been planning for a while and obviously like the rest of the country for over a year we have had to adapt and find new ways of communicating. That has helped us really focus on how we can structure the way that fans help us build better links between them and the club.
“For example we have been talking for a while about a disabled fans group: can we give them a direct way of talking to us so we can ensure that what we offer them is even better? We have hundreds of ‘senior’ fans, people whose experience we should be listening to. The same for junior fans; wouldn’t it be nice to have a ‘Junior President’ to represent our younger fans? There is already a LBGT group who should have a voice. Can we have a BAME group within a proper structure, or maybe fans from each stand?
“The precise structure is still open for discussion but the idea is for one initial meeting with all groups sitting down with new SLO Andy Taylor and key staff; Karl has told us he’d like to be at that first meeting. Then to meet regularly and for each of them to bring ideas and thoughts from the group they represent.
“Initially we are asking for feedback and ideas from fans on how they see the group being structured. We will work with Oxvox and the Yellow Army and I am delighted that Andy has already built strong links with both of those groups.
“So now it’s over to supporters. Email us with thoughts and ideas and if people want to step forward and be the voice for a particular group then let us know. Then by the end of the season we will report back and have a much clearer idea on how fans want it to work.”
The club welcomes feedback on this idea. Email ataylor@oufc.co.uk
Initial thoughts are that the council will represent the following groups
- Disabled
- Female fans
- BAME
- LGBT
- 65+
- Students/Teens
- Juniors (14-16 years to represent all junior fans)
- Armed Forces
- OxVox
- Yellow Army
- Corporate/Executive Members
- Family Stand
- East Stand – Season Ticket Holder
- North Stand – Season Ticket Holder
- South Stand Lower – Season Ticket Holder
- South Stand Upper – Season Ticket Holder
- Membership
- Women’s Team
If you believe another group should be added to the proposal, or wish to be considered to represent any of the groups then email ataylor@oufc.co.uk