2025/26 Meeting One - 1 April 2026

Meeting Notes

Introduction

The meeting opened with a welcome to all Junior Supporters Board members. The Club welcomed both new and returning members, explained the purpose and role of the JSB in supporting young fans and shaping matchday experiences and went through key meeting rules to ensure everyone could participate safely and respectfully throughout the session.

The group also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of London Stadium and had a group photo.

Terms of Reference

The Club shared the Terms of Reference with the group and confirmed that it would share the document with members via email.

Achievements from Last Season

The Club highlighted what the Junior Supporters Board achieved in the previous season:

Introduction of regular matchday locations for Hammerhead and Bubbles mascots

Reintroduction of Hammer Collectables

Introduction of Junior Hammer fan competitions

Introduction of Junior Hammer Matchday Guide

Creation of Junior Hammer Programme Pull-Out Guide

Junior Hammer branding on whufc.com

Junior Hammer workbooks

Match-specific Junior Hammer Guide

JSB Members asked about the JSB flag. The Club confirmed it should be displayed on a rotational basis and advised members to check its location at the next game.

Outstanding Actions

Pre-Match Quiz – Child Friendly Version

The Club confirmed that it had trialled a new quiz at the Foundation charity fixture on 21 February 2026 and that this could be adapted to be junior-focused. Members also suggested head-to-head quizzes could be run as a web form for half-time participation separate from the QR code, and that junior competitions could be run for Kids for a Quid fixtures. The Club agreed to review the new quiz format, either by creating a dedicated quiz for junior supporters or by including questions that are accessible to them.

Ticket Access for Under-13s

Members were advised that under-13s require adult supervision to add tickets to mobile wallets. One member confirmed parental permission allowed her to add their ticket successfully. This action was closed.

Family Security Fast-Track / Accessible Lanes

The Club confirmed that accessible search lanes may be used with pushchairs and the action was closed. The JSB noted that some areas near Hackney Wick are particularly crowded in certain areas on the approach to the Station, which the Club noted.

QR Codes and Junior Quizzes

The Club confirmed that recent pitch side quizzes had included history questions to engage junior members. The Club asked the group which areas of West Ham United history they most enjoy, to better understand what content appeals to younger supporters. The Club also suggested that history QR codes could be explored later down the line as part of the new heritage project, allowing the Club to develop more age-appropriate and engaging historical content in the future. This action was marked as ongoing and carried over to the next meeting.

Agenda Points

Champions Place

The Club updated the group and explained that the final Champions Place panel was installed between Turnstiles J and K, with the new panel positioned on the top left of the existing panel. Members were then invited to think of ways to continue remembering loved ones or commemorating special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, through similar initiatives in the future. The group agreed to follow up on this at the next meeting.

Improving Matchday Experience for Younger Fans

Members suggested music, competitions, meet-the-mascot opportunities outside the stadium, pitch-side activations and web notifications for updates. The Club shared some of the process and work behind these initiatives and agreed to review the suggestions and include any changes on the Hammers Help FAQs under the Junior Matchday Guide.

Pathways for Young Supporters

Members requested more voluntary work and work experience opportunities. Junior takeover experiences at the QPR fixture this season were highlighted as a successful example of junior engagement. The Club agreed to share these suggestions with the HR Department.

Family Entertainment

Members suggested West Ham United Bubble Pots for sale at SLO tents, pre-match activities, and age-appropriate notifications. The Club welcomed these suggestions, discussed some of the logistics behind them and agreed to look into feasibility.

Sensory Room Awareness

Members raised concerns about awareness and signage of the sensory room. The Club confirmed the location of the sensory room and confirmed that the Club would look at new ways to promote the space available to supporters on a matchday.

Junior Fan Zones on Kids for a Quid Days

Members suggested versatile areas instead of the new external BrewDog Bar area for younger supporters. Members also proposed the community track as a potential option, noting it had been used for activities a couple of years ago. The Club agreed to look into this with London Stadium colleagues.

Welcome Packs for Junior Supporters

The JSB raised a request for welcome packs to be introduced for Junior Season Ticket Holders. A JSB member noted that this could be costly and may lead to an increase in season ticket prices, which would be unpopular with supporters. The Club confirmed that welcome packs will remain exclusive to Claret memberships due to renewal timelines and logistical constraints.

Player Q&As

JSB Members would like a way to ask questions to first team players, with the opportunity for responses to potentially be shared on a monthly basis. Members suggested paper submission options for questions to ensure accessibility for all children on a matchday. The Club confirmed this could occur monthly, with potential for video messages to be shared on screen or on Club channels.

Accessible Junior Content

Members requested YouTube short videos as an alternative to Instagram posts to ensure content reaches younger supporters, who enjoy short-form content. The Club agreed to share this with the content team.

Family / Pre-Match Area for Under-16s

Members suggested DJ and entertainment sessions before selected games. The Club explained that player availability is limited and ex-players could potentially engage more with younger supporters on a matchday. The Club agreed to look into this.

Matchday Merchandise

Members requested discounts on merchandise for young supporters and suggested including flags and scarves to help enhance the matchday experience and bring even more claret and blue inside the stadium. They also asked about the possibility of repeating Claret and Blue Day. The Club agreed to look into this as a possibility.

JSB Video Guide

Members suggested opportunities to show junior supporters their full matchday experience. The Club proposed that the JSB could take part in a video, highlighting key areas of the stadium and matchday activities, to share their experiences with other junior supporters.

Follow-Up Online Training Sessions

Members suggested player-led online sessions. The Club noted logistical challenges but will consider feasibility with the Player Care and Appearance teams.