There are many levels of supporter engagement and, close to the top, is the inclusion of suitably skilled fan-elected directors on the boards of football clubs.

Fan-elected directors (which you might see being referred to as “FEDs”) are individuals democratically elected by supporters’ trusts, or similar organisations, to represent the interests of supporters on club boards.

“My responsibility is to represent the opinions and aspirations of the fans when decisions are being made at board level,” Dave Beesley, Cheltenham Town

But what does that mean exactly? And why is the role so important? In this video fan-elected directors from Cambridge United, Cheltenham Town, Crewe Alexandra and Exeter City explain more.

Fan-elected directors – who are they and what do they do?

Further reading:

• You can find out more about the FSA’s work in the sphere of supporter engagement here.
• Read more about the FSA’s submission to the Fan-Led Review here – including details proposals on fan-elected directors.