Date
Thursday, 8th August 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Chadwell Heath Training Ground
Attendees
Club Staff:
Lee Woodcock (LW), Supporter Engagement Manager
Ruth Kennedy (RK), Matchday Safeguarding Manager
Charley Burgess (CB), Supporter Liaison Officer
JSB Members:
Richie
Grace
Lenny
Fraser
Mae
Kora
Apologies:
Club Staff:
Megan Carruthers, Events & Fan Engagement Executive
JSB Members:
Rose
Austin
George
Zach
Agenda
LW took JSB members through the agenda for the day, including:
Chadwell Heath Training Ground Tour
Introduction
Icebreaker Activity
Review of Actions from Meeting 2
New Actions, Agenda Items, Recruitment
Lunch
Meeting Notes
Chadwell Heath Training Ground Tour
The Junior Supporters' Board (JSB) kicked off the meeting with a tour of the Chadwell Heath Training Ground. Led by Academy Secretary, Trevor Lewin (TL), this was a special experience for the JSB members as they got to explore the facilities where West Ham United's future football stars train.
During the tour, TL explained how the Academy operates and introduced the JSB members to important Academy staff and coaches. They got to see the training pitches, gyms and the working areas. The staff talked about how the Academy helps young players grow both on and off the field, focusing on creating athletes who not only perform well in football but also embody the club's values.
The JSB members were especially curious about the player development programs. They learned about how the Academy balances physical training with teaching game strategies and providing mental support to the players. The coaches stressed the importance of teamwork, discipline, and respect, which are key values at the Academy of Football.
The members asked questions about how the players train, what they eat, and what their daily lives are like. Thes tour gave the JSB members a better understanding of what it takes to become a professional footballer and showcased the e hard work and dedication of the young players at West Ham.
1. Introduction
After the tour, everyone gathered for the official part of the meeting. Lee Woodcock (LW) welcomed the JSB members and highlighted how important the JSB’s ideas are in helping the club create fun and engaging experiences for young supporters. He encouraged everyone to speak up and share their thoughts during the meeting.
2. Icebreaker Activity
To help everyone feel comfortable and get to know each other better, Ruth Kennedy (RK) led an icebreaker activity. JSB members paired up and took turns talking about what they’ve been doing since the last meeting. They discussed their summer holidays, any football activities they participated in, and other exciting things they had done. The members switched partners several times, allowing them to chat with different people and build connections.
3. Review of Actions from Previous Meetings
JSB 1/4-23-24 - Club History for Younger Fans: The group continued discussing how to make the club’s history interesting and accessible to younger fans. The focus was on creating fun and educational content for the club’s website and app. Ideas included:
Group 1:
Suggested quizzes about important trophies, mini-games related to the club’s history, colouring activities featuring the club’s crest and kit, and a design-your-own-kit feature where fans could create their own versions of the team’s kit.
Group 2:
Proposed a junior fan guide with easy-to-understand historical facts, match info, and printable guides that fans could use during games or keep as souvenirs.
JSB 1/5-23-24 - Mascot Timing and Locations:
The group discussed ways to improve the routes and timing of the mascots on match days, especially to make them more accessible to fans sitting in the upper tiers. The goal is to give more young fans a chance to meet the mascots and enhance their overall matchday experience.
JSB 1/9-23-24 - Junior Web/App Experience:
There was a lively discussion about how to improve the junior section of the club’s app and website. The JSB members suggested adding more interactive features, like video clips, quizzes about the club’s history and players, and matchday guides specifically designed for younger fans.
JSB 2/1-23-24 - Junior Hammer Lunch Box:
The idea of a Junior Hammer lunch box was discussed, with a focus on encouraging healthy eating. The lunch box might include collectible cards, possibly in partnership with Topps, to make it even more appealing to young fans and promote healthier food choices. It was discussed that the lunchbox would include a sandwich, crisps, fruit, snack and a juice box. This action will remain to be discussed throughout the 2024/25 season.
JSB 2/4-23-24 - Junior Mascots:
It was confirmed that junior mascots will continue to be announced closer to kick-off to build excitement. The JSB members agreed with this approach.
JSB 2/5-23-24 - West Ham App - Interactive Games:
The group came up with creative ideas for new games on the West Ham app. Suggestions included a colouring game where fans can customize West Ham kits, a free-kick flick game to practice set-pieces, and a West Ham-themed dinosaur game, combining fun gameplay with club branding. The Club's digital team will evaluate the JSB's suggestions for future App content.
JSB 2/6-23-24 - Pre-Match Activities for Junior Supporters:
JSB members brainstormed ideas for activities to keep junior supporters entertained before the match. They suggested interactive quizzes, player-themed puzzles, and match prediction games, all designed to make the pre-match time more fun and exciting. The Club's Marketing and Events team will review the JSB's suggestions ahead of the new season to assess which activities are achievable.
JSB 2/7-23-24 - Half-Time Pitch Side Activities:
Members proposed several fun half-time activities, like dribbling challenges, target practice, and dizzy penalties (where players spin around before trying to score a goal). These activities would entertain both the participants and the crowd, adding some light-hearted fun during the half-time break. The Club's Marketing and Events team will consider the JSB's suggestions before the new season to determine which activities are feasible.
4. New Actions
Ticket Concessions (More Information: https://bit.ly/46CdjxE):
The discussion moved to how tickets for away games are distributed. The JSB members felt that the process could be clearer, especially for younger fans. They talked about the idea of giving junior supporters priority access or discounts to make it easier for them to attend away games.
Disabled Access:
JSB members expressed concerns about seating for disabled fans, particularly in the upper tiers. They asked the Club to ensure accessible seating in the lower tiers to ensure that all fans, regardless of their mobility, can enjoy the game comfortably. The Club can confirm this is does already happen.
Furry Mascot Routes:
The group briefly revisited the topic of mascot routes. There were no new suggestions, but the members agreed that the current routes are working well, with only minor tweaks needed to improve fan engagement.
Access to Away Tickets:
There was further discussion about the fairness of the away ticket allocation process. Some members suggested new processes to allow younger fans to have access to away tickets throughout the season which would be discussed at the Fan Advisory Board meetings
Monthly Junior Hammer Magazine:
A new idea was proposed for a monthly magazine aimed at junior supporters. The magazine could include contributions from JSB members, such as activities, word searches, player fact-files, and other fun content. The JSB members were excited about this idea and eager to help create the magazine, seeing it as a great way to share their love for the club with other young fans. The Club will now work in collaboration with the JSB to create a monthly Junior Hammers magazine.
5. Final Comments
As the meeting came to an end, Lee Woodcock (LW) thanked all the JSB members for their hard work and great ideas. He emphasized how important their contributions are in helping the club create better experiences for young fans. LW also reminded everyone that recruitment for the 2024/25 season would be starting soon and encouraged those who are interested to reapply and continue being a part of the Junior Supporters’ Board.