Our Fans’ Embassy service is long-established, having been active for the best part of three decades, producing more than 200 editions of our Free Lions fanzine.
The principle behind what we’re doing today remains unchanged. Travelling away to support England remains one of the finest “hobbies” anyone could have, but we still need an independent voice to speak up for us, to provide accurate and reliable information, and offer practical advice and help should it be needed.
Behind-the-scenes
Our Fans’ Embassy service isn’t just about handing out fanzines: crucial behind-the-scenes work goes on to make sure supporters have safe and pleasant trips following the national team.
Supporter representatives travel to the relevant venue in advance of each fixture along with FA security staff and the UK police delegation – gathering information to pass on to fans and lobbying host authorities for the best treatment of visiting supporters.
Much of the preparatory work is therefore a well-trodden path: liaison with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), various UK policing agencies and the FA, the production of the Free Lions Guide Book, and the recruitment of the Fans’ Embassy volunteer team with the range of skills required to deliver a comprehensive service.
That multi-agency approach continues to pay dividends in terms of ensuring a warm and accommodating welcome when England fans arrive in town. Nonetheless, the FSA remains prepared to challenge our “partners” in this work whenever it is felt that the interests of fans demand it.
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