The Oxford United Supporters Panel has now been in existence for a year and are looking to build on a fantastic first 12 months as we move in to 2022/23.
The panel exists to be an independent fan voice in regular, structured dialogue with the club.
The OUSP has reviewed its first few months (read more below) and feels that much of the groundwork is now in place to become an even more effective supporter voice in the coming season.
As part of the Panel’s preparations they are asking all supporters to let them know how they can best represent you and have produced a short survey which will help the Panel assess fan priorities.
Please click to access the survey.
You can also access the form here
Supporters, with advice from the FSA and other clubs, set up the OUSP in summer 2021, to be a supporter-led channel for regular, structured dialogue with the football club.
Following the inaugural meeting in October 2021, a further seven meetings took place between the supporters and club staff. See https://www.oufc.co.uk/club/supporters-panel/
Key Achievements:
· From a standing start there is now regular dialogue between supporters and club in a way that has not happened before
· A number of fan-raised queries and suggestions have been looked into with the club, covering issues including stadium cleanliness, ticketing, parking, and accessibility
· OUSP is establishing its reputation as a safe place for fans from minority groups to bring concerns including over discriminatory or intimidating language
· New pedestrian route through car park by the away coach area was put in place in February after OUSP had highlighted that pedestrians were being forced into roadway
· OUSP worked with the club to agree one-off compensation following the Wigan postponement
· OUSP was instrumental in working with Level Playing Field to ensure the club held a match raising awareness of disabled fans
· Following OUSP proposal, the club has now applied for Access Card status, recognising the reasonable adjustments which can help disabled supporters attend our matches
· OUSP has obtained associate membership of the Football Supporters’ Association, and partnered with #HerGameToo – establishing key links such as these paves the way for us to access resources to better represent our fanbase
· OUSP worked closely with the club to set up partnership with #HerGameToo and to promote the dedicated #HerGameToo match
· Publishing minutes is delivering greater transparency from the club
· Club staff are becoming more aware of the need to engage with fans early in relevant decision making
Andy Taylor, the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer, said
“I love the fact that the OUSP challenges the club in all aspects of its operation. From my point of view it keeps us accountable and helps us to improve our service to all supporters”.
