Welcome back everyone, have you ever wondered what goes into being the chairman of the supporters association for your Non-League football club?
Well even if you haven't don't stop reading!
I met with Steve who, you guessed it, ensures that his team fans of Boston United are listened to. He is not a paid member of staff but a volunteer who does this all in his own time.
Enjoy!
Name – Steve Slater
Age – 66
Favourite team – Boston United
Occupation – Retired
Thing I love about football – Visiting new grounds and meeting away fans that visit the jakemans community stadium
My football pet hate – My pet hates are those fans that turn on their team one week and then all over them the following week
What inspired you to get involved with the Boston United Supporters Association in the first place?
I was on the committee and thought that the Association could do so much more for the supporters and the club.
How did you become chairman, and what does the role involve day-to-day?
I was voted into the role at an AGM. We have a committee of 15 volunteers, we meet one a month. We plan away travel to all away games, we do that for just £15 a seat on our coach/ coaches. We plan fund raising events, work with the club to do joint events like community day, kids for a quid games, sponsorship of the clubs mascot which is run by the Association, Busa bear visits schools, as party's for our junior members.
What are the main goals and responsibilities of the Supporters Association?
Put on away travel, raise money for our club, be a voice for the supporters and link to the board of directors, improve the match day experience for all supporters.
How would you describe the relationship between the fans and the club?
You will never please everyone but the relationship is improving year on year. Must supporters are behind the board and appreciate what we have got at Boston Utd.
What are you most proud of achieving during your time as chairman?
Being able to give the supporters the opportunity to visit any away game for £15 on our coaches ( all but Truro) this season.
How important do you feel organised supporter groups are to non-league football clubs?
Clubs that play in lower levels of the pyramid need to look after their supporters because they will be the backbone of any club, they help to grow loyalty within the supporters, help fund expenses and help to grow the next generation of supporters. Clubs need to be open and honest with its fan base and listen to its supporters and supporters associations can be that link.
What projects or initiatives has the Supporters Association delivered recently?
Last season we donated around £30,000 worth of goods to our club, got involved with raising money for our pitch renovation, gym equipment, hand rails for the main stand to help supporters up and down the stairs, purchased a new mascot costume, giveaways at Christmas and Easter to our young fans, paid for a overnight stop for the first team. Just to name a few.
How do you work with the club to represent the views and needs of supporters?
We meet every two months with club representatives, we do a fans survey and share the results with the club.
What makes the Boston United fanbase unique compared to other clubs you've seen?
We are not unique and i dont think any fans are, we are all committed to our clubs and what the best for our club. I do think we have a great away travel numbers compared to some clubs with the same average home attendances.
How do you encourage new supporters, especially younger fans, to get involved?
We offer free membership to the Association for three children 0-12 years old with every paying adult. We also have a junior pilgrims page in the matchday programme, we did the give away days, donate money to our community teams, visit schools using the mascot to showcase Boston Utd. We also have young adult membership for 12 to 21 years old at £5 per year. We have 10 monthly draws for both of these age groups.
What challenges have you faced in your role, and how have you overcome them?
The main challenge as been what we charge for membership and what do the supporters want for that money, i am now in my third year as chair and we are now close to understanding this more. The Association as been on the go for 21 years and was left behind and was more of a travel club. We have increased visibility of Association members, been more open and honest to our members and non members. The liaison meetings with the club is a big step in the right direction.
How has fan engagement evolved at the club over the years?
Since we moved to the new ground numbers have grown, we have improved communication using social media, quarterly news letters, and using the data details we now have from our members. We still have a way to go but we continue to improve in this area. But a example is the average Association members before my chairman ship was around 150 a year, we are now up to a average of 500.
What’s your favourite memory following Boston United?
I am a relative new or returning fan due to work and playing local football, but the promotion back to the national league is maybe closely followed by our great escape last season.
What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the Supporters Association in the future?
Finding a way to get our membership numbers up to 1,000 plus and continue the work to become United For Our Club
What advice would you give to someone who wants to join or help their club’s supporters group?
Get involved with your clubs supporters group but work on being united for your club and work together, be patient and listen to others views and don't judge.
Once again I am blown away by the amount of work and kindness people in Non-League Football continue to show week in and week out, all for their own reasons.
A massive well done to Steve and all of the other volunteers who carry out such important roles at their respective clubs.
Until next time!
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