WSB Meeting 1 Date: Tuesday 16 December 6-8pm, Location: Virtual
On 16 December 2025, West Ham United held the first Women’s Team Supporters Board meeting for the 2025/26 season. The WSB welcomed new members, John, Georgia and Lesley at the start of the meeting. The Club thanked attendees for their continued support and feedback, highlighting the positive and collaborative approach from the group.
Women’s Team Supporters Board representatives:
Trevor Bright
Zahra Haleem
Allie Heppell
John Martin
Hannah-Louise Newson
Georgia Whitney
Lesley Hayes
Club Representatives:
Nicola Keye, Director of Ticketing, Executive Director of the Women’s Team
Philippa Cartwright, Projects and Operations Director and Head of Women’s Football
Catherine Smith, Head of Supporter Services and Fan Engagement
Kerry O’Shea, Fan Engagement Lead
Agenda
Welcome and introductions
Vote for Co-Chair / Vice-Chair
Ticket pricing (NK)
League-wide pricing compared to WHU
Trial of match bundles and future plans
League discussion
Matchday experience
Signing sessions update
Discussion around home / away segregation approach
Away matches
Positioning of fans at away matches
Coach travel and selecting a fixture for this
AOB
Panini sticker swaps on matchday
WSB positioning on matchday and marketing materials
Potential community ticketing plans
Vote for Co-Chair and Vice-Chair
Following a vote, Allie Heppell was re-elected as Co-Chair and joined by Georgia Whitney as the other Co-Chair. Both will be in position for 12 months.
Ticket pricing
Supporter Representatives commented that they felt the VIP offering was a good experience for fans, and suitably priced, but queried the cost for VIP experience at cup games, priced at £20. Supporter Representatives added that it may be preferable for some fans to pay a higher price at the start of the season, with all games included. The Club was pleased to note the positive feedback on the experience, and clarified that cup fixtures are not included in the total price as the number of cup fixtures can vary each season, and revenue sharing rules between the Clubs differ for Cup games.
The Club added they would like to work with Victoria Road to look at additional experiences, such as a brunch on a Sunday. A Supporter Representative added they would like to see more vegetarian options at Victoria Road.
Supporter Representatives asked if a ‘Cup scheme’ or similar could be considered for the women’s game. The Club shared they no longer run an ‘auto scheme’ for the men’s team due to the amount of displacement that can occur for home Cup fixtures. Instead, the option to purchase a ticket and obtain loyalty points is offered for the men’s team.
The Supporter Representative added that further marketing of cup fixtures would be beneficial to encourage attendance. The Club asked for any specific examples of where communications had not been received so the Club can investigate.
A Supporter Representative asked if the VIP area at Victoria Road was to move, or be closed for a fixture, what would happen to those currently in the seats. The Club clarified that if any areas move or change, supporters impacted are always given priority relocation, but there were no current plans to change the VIP Lounge, and it would remain open for Cup games.
League Discussion
The Club acknowledged that there had been feedback on the early kick-off times, recognising clashes between the women’s and men’s fixtures, grassroots football and other concerns raised by supporters. Supporter Representatives shared the impact on physical attendances, for both home and away fixtures. The Club committed to share this feedback with the League and stated they would continue to support the growth of away travel through piloting of coach services and work was continuing to identify a suitable fixture to offer this service.
Discussion around home / away segregation approach
Supporter Representatives shared their experiences sitting close next to the away end at Victoria Road, and suggested they could be moved to another stand, including the SD Samuels Stand.
The Club stated that their intention was to make sure West Ham fans have the best areas to enjoy the game and will always consider relocation on a case-by-case basis if a supporter wants to sit in another area. The Club added that it would be hard to change where the away supporters are due to the cost implications of opening another stand, which include increased stewarding, alongside the impact on the wider matchday experience, including cleaning, catering, atmosphere and added that they felt the SD Samuels stand would not be suitable for away fans. The Club stated they could add more information onto the ticketing maps to given supporters an idea of where the away supporters would be located.
Supporter Representatives commented on the away sections at other Clubs, stating that they were often in poor locations within the Stadiums. The Club shared that it was up to the host Stadium to decide where away fans would sit, but they would share that feedback with other Clubs. A Supporter Representative added they always shared feedback with the host Clubs and urged other supporters to do the same.
Matchday experience
The Club stated that signing sessions received positive feedback and that supporters and players enjoy these interactions and Supporter Representatives agreed. The Club shared positive feedback so far, with four sessions taking place, and 76 fans taking part through the ballot, joining the child mascots for these sessions. Feedback had already been actioned including players now bringing player cards to sign and an increase in the number of tables in the room. The Club agreed to increase promotion and add printed signage at games.
Supporter Representatives suggested half-time activities could be offered to a broader audience to increase engagement, including quizzes and competitions for adults. Supporter Representatives also discussed the option of returning the handing out of song sheets, offering to provide the songs which the Club would print and distribute. Supporter Representatives added they had received positive feedback related to the on-screen content.
AOB
Supporter Representatives suggested running sticker swaps on matchday. The Club shared they have a partnership with Topps and also give out Hammer Collectible cards, but would be happy to support on hosting generic swap stations
Supporter Representatives asked for support in growing the WSB social channel. The Club asked for what type of content they felt might help and Supporter Representatives agreed to consider this and come back to the Club with ideas. The Club shared they would like to do some programme content related to the WSB.
The Club shared suggestions of a potential community ticket scheme to encourage residents in the local area to join a game. Supporter Representatives were positive about this idea, suggesting having Club ambassadors, including from the men’s game, could help raise further awareness.
Actions
The Club to survey VIP members on enhancements and pricing (Due: ahead of 2025/26 season ticketing announcement)
The Club and Supporter Representatives to add ticket pricing to next meeting agenda (Due: ahead of next WSB meeting)
Supporter Representatives to send examples of any communications not received (Due: January 2026)
The Club to update seat map signage to make clearer where the away end is (Due: February 2026)
Supporter Representatives to provide song sheets to the Club; the Club to print (Due: January 2026)
Supporter Representatives to consider what social media support the Club can offer (Due: February 2026)
The Club to continue to develop community ticketing scheme (Due: ahead of 2025/26 season ticketing announcement)