The FA and FSA announces new supporter engagement plans

Supporters’ groups and the Football Association will meet twice per season under new supporter engagement protocols created by the Football Supporters’ Association and the FA.

The meetings will give supporters’ groups in the women’s game the opportunity to discuss key issues across all relevant FA-run leagues and teams – from the Women’s Super League to the Championship, National League levels and the national team.

The FA and the FSA, along with supporters’ groups from its Women’s Game Network, will identify the most important and topical issues in the women’s game with all parties contributing to the agenda. The minutes will be published along with any jointly agreed actions.

Both the Premier League and EFL have held “structured dialogue” – formally organised supporter engagement meetings – with FSA-affiliates and associates since 2016/17.

Recent discussions in the men’s game have revolved around the Fan-led Review of Football Governance, COVID-19 measures, opposition to the proposed European Super League, broadcast issues and safe standing.

Kelly Simmons, FA director of Women’s Professional Game, said: “This is an important step forward to formalise the work we do with the FSA to embed the supporter voice within the decision making process. We look forward to working with the FSA and its members in the season’s ahead.”

Deborah Dilworth, FSA Women’s Game Network manager, said: “After a stunning summer of football this is a great time to announce this new level of supporter engagement between the FSA and FA. This was a key aim of our recent Women’s Game Strategy so we’re really pleased to have got to this point – and there’s still plenty of work ahead.”

• You can see all FSA supporters’ groups here and we’d encourage all fans to join their local group and join the FSA. If there’s not a group at your club, and you’re interested in setting one up, please contact the FSA.