Posted on 6th August 2024
Supporter engagement: Liverpool Supporters Board two years on
The FSA is the leading proponent of supporter engagement nationally as, when done well, it gives supporters a real chance to raise their voice and ensure they are heard on critical issues related to the running and ownership of their clubs.
Over the coming weeks and months we’ll be sharing case studies of supporter engagement at club level, hearing from supporter groups first hand about their experiences.
This week, Joe Blott from Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly supporters’ union and chair of the Liverpool FC Supporters Board talks to us about the work they’ve been undertaking at Anfield to build meaningful supporter engagement…
The Liverpool FC Supporters Board is almost two years old now having launched in August 2022 – the catalyst was the proposed European Super League which instigated a backlash from fans and subsequent withdrawal of the proposals.
Liverpool FC and Spirit of Shankly wanted to ensure a stronger fan engagement model which led to the creation of our Supporters Board, which is enshrined in the Club’s Articles of Association.
Our approach significantly shaped the Premier League’s Fan Engagement Standard.
Supporters are the lifeblood of any football club and we’ve witnessed all too many clubs ignoring fans in their decision-making processes.
Our Supporters Board provides for real opportunities for strategic engagement as well as accountability for our off-field activities.
There are challenges ahead and we will embark on a major strategic look at ticketing but it is also important we don’t lose the opportunities to develop in other key areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, away allocations and matchday experience.
We want the Anfield Road development to enhance our world famous atmosphere.
It’s not easy – match-by-match issues can cloud long-term thinking and there is a great expectation on our volunteers. Tensions can exist around issues such as ticket pricing but by having independence from the club we can influence the present and future.
Joe Blott
Liverpool FC Supporters Board chair
FSA Board and National Council member
