2024/25 Meeting One - 5 October 2024

Meeting Notes

Introduction

The JSB members were each provided with a West Ham branded pen, a personalized notebook and their new JSB polo shirt. After a short icebreaker and welcome Lee Woodcock (LW) led a discussion on the purpose and goals of the Junior Supporters Board (JSB). He highlighted the accomplishments of the previous JSB members during their term and the projects they had completed:

• Created a new JSB logo

• Monthly Junior Hammer competitions

• Created a flag which is placed in the West Stand at each match

• Junior Hammer Takeover

• Junior Christmas Wishes

• Open training days and signing sessions

• Junior Hammer programme fold-out

• Junior half-time quizzes and activations

Terms of Reference

LW distributed the new Terms of Reference to the JSB members, which can be accessed here. LW confirmed that he would share the Terms of Reference after the meeting to ensure everyone remains satisfied with the details.

RK said goodbye to the group and left the meeting.

Summary of previous Actions

JSB 1/4-23-24 - Look at ways to share the Club’s history in a way that resonates with younger fans.

One topic from the previous JSB meetings was finding ways to share the Club's history in a way that younger fans can understand and enjoy. The JSB members discussed ways that this could be highlighted on the Junior Hammers website page, including via a video. LW agreed that the Club would review this.

JSB 1/5-23-24 - Review Hammerhead and Bubbles locations and timings

The JSB suggested additional spaces for Bubbles and Hammerhead to appear on matchdays. LW confirmed that positions have been changed and that the Club will continue to review throughout the season.

JSB 2/1-23-24 - Junior Hammer lunch box

One exciting idea from last season was the Junior Hammer Lunch Box, which would include content such as quizzes and word searches. LW confirmed that this idea had been passed over to the stadium catering providers.

JSB 2/6-23-24 - Pre-match and half-time activities for junior supporters

Megan Carruthers (MC) joined the meeting to update on fan engagement and creating special experiences for juniors during pre-match and half-time.

JSB 2/8-23-24 - Special school holiday programme / booklet

The JSB had suggested that creating a special school holiday programme and booklet would be an excellent way to engage junior supporters during their time off. The Club confirmed that they were looking into this and encouraged the JSB members to submit ideas on what to include in the programme.

JSB 2/10-23-24 - Flags - For when WHU score a goal

The Club updated on the status of flags in the stadium. JSB members discussed the possibility of distributing honesty flags in specific areas of the stadium, which would be handed out before the match and returned afterward. The Club agreed to look into this suggestion.

JSB 3/1-23-24 - Ensure seating accessible within the lower tiers of the Stadium

LW confirmed that concessionary seats are available within the lower tiers of the stadium and that the Club has committed to reviewing the concession policies with the Fan Advisory Board, of which there is a JSB representative.

JSB 3/2-23-24 - Review away ticket allocation process

The JSB expressed the need for a review of the away ticket allocation process to make it more accessible for junior supporters and new fans attending away matches. LW agreed that they would share this with the Ticket Office.

JSB 3/3-23-24 - Create a monthly Junior Hammer magazine

The JSB last season had discussed the exciting possibility of launching a Junior Hammer monthly magazine. The Club confirmed that there is now a Junior Hammers pullout in the programme and that the new JSB ideas would be shared with the magazine team. LW agreed to raise this idea with the Editorial Team to gather feedback and explore the feasibility of bringing the magazine to life.

New Actions

Junior Hammers Section on whufc.com

The group brainstormed ideas for enhancing the Junior Hammers section on the WHUFC.com website including a virtual tour, matchday posters and guides. The Club and JSB agreed to add this to the agenda for the next meeting.

Supporter Services Giveaways

The JSB discussed the return of Hammer Collectable cards. The Club clarified there is a new collectible item for junior members through the Junior Hammers passport and welcomed feedback on what alternative collectible items there might be.

Booster Seats for Junior Supporters

The group suggested the idea of providing booster seats for children who may have difficulty seeing the match. LW agreed that the Club would look in to this.

Junior Hammer Day

The JSB proposed the idea of creating a Junior Hammer Day, which would feature a variety of exciting activities on the stadium Island to engage young fans. MC agreed that the Club would consider this.

Ticket Prices for Category AA Matches

The JSB asked for clarification on Category AA ticket prices. Members expressed concerns about the affordability of these tickets for families and younger fans, regardless of the category. LW agreed to share this feedback with the wider Club and bring an update to the next meeting.

Pictures / Final words

The JSB members then went pitch side to take profile and group pictures.