Attendees:

Club Staff

• Neill Blake – Chief Executive (NB)
• Jim Frevola – President of Business (JF)
• Nick Zombolas – Chief Ticketing Officer (NZ)
• Steve Cuss – Head of Community and Womens Team Manager (SC)
• Matt Payne – Vice President, Marketing and Brand (MP)
• Paul Fudge – Vice President, Business and Hospitality (PF)
• Ash Lord – Vice President, Media and Communications (AL)
• Hannah Powis – Head of EDI and Engagement (HP)
• John Jennings – Disability and Engagement Officer (JJ)

Supporter Representatives

• Chris Ashton (CA)
• Amy Orchard (AO)
• Amanda Williams (AW)
• Dominic Wong (DW)
• Cameron Covell (CC)
• Heather Hoggat (HH)
• Phil Culpan (PC)
• Jane Dudley (JD)

Minutes:

HP welcomed the group to the meeting and proceeded to run through the agenda and timeline for the evening. 

The first item on the agenda was raised by the FAB who asked for updates on the progression and future plans of AFC Bournemouth Women’s team.

SC discussed the direction of the women’s team and how this will look over the next few years. He went on to discuss with the FAB numerous off the pitch improvements. He described to the group improvements to the Ringwood Community Hub and detailed a new function area which will enhance the matchday experience for supporters.

He talked about ambition of the team being matched on and off the pitch and was delighted to have more than 6000 people attending games at Vitality. He noted that the fanbase is growing and attracting new fans along the way. He highlighted the increased media exposure which has been a driving force behind the success of the Women’s team.

A question was put to SC from the room to ask if there is likely to be a cost to attend the women’s team games in the future. SC explained that we are one of the only clubs at this level not charging. He noted there is a possibility of a small ticketing cost at games especially, if the team get promoted from the division. 

NB spoke to significant investment in the women’s team over the past season on and off the field with SC adding in details of the development of additional backroom staff attached to the women’s team.

A further question on the subject of the women’s team was put to SC asking if women’s games will continue at Vitality and if there was any scope for the women’s team to groundshare with the men’s team.

SC confirmed that there will likely be future women’s games held at Vitality Stadium next season. NB supported this but spoke of the additional considerations that need to be thought of when scheduling games, particularly the condition of the pitch.

AW asked for details on the safeguarding of the women’s team and what is currently in place to look after the safety and welfare of the players.

SC noted that the safety and security of the team is always paramount, he commented on social media training which is undertaken by the players and commended the work of the club’s media team for their work with the players over the season.

The group agreed that awareness and personal safety training should be an important consideration for the women’s team. JF discussed that the club’s emphasis on safeguarding is being advanced, he also spoke of the clubs recent Premier League Safeguarding Audit which was very successful. HP will invite the club’s Head of Safeguarding to an upcoming meeting for further discussion in this area.

JD asked for details on the club’s work around sexism and misogyny and noted that she felt this was the most heard form of discrimination at Vitality.

HP spoke to the group about reported discrimination at Vitality with Racism continuing to be the highest reported form of discrimination. She also discussed this season’s Hate Hurts Everyone campaign, which has a focus on sexism/misogyny and involves women coaches and players.

The FAB had a discussion with NB around standard of refereeing and VAR. They ask if there is anything the club can do from an entertainment standpoint whilst VAR decisions are being made. MP/NB both confirmed, at present there are restrictions within gametime which limits opportunities.

The meeting moves onto its second agenda item; ticketing.

NZ discusses two topics that he would like feedback from the group on; pricing and memberships;

NZ and JF discussed likely price increases which are still being finalised but would be announced at the end of the season.

JF spoke about Hospitality, NZ commented that currently at Vitality we are approximately 5% hospitality and league average is approximately 12-15%. NZ states how hospitality helps keep the pricing down for other tickets, with 33% of ticketing & hospitality revenue coming from the 5% of seats packaged with hospitality at Vitality Stadium.

JF discussed concession prices with the FAB, he mentioned that currently we have 6 different price zones. Concession ticket holders in four of the six receive a 20% discount and the other two currently receive a larger discount. Conversation moved on to discuss the challenge in narrowing the gap for those two zones that do not match the 20%, to keep pricing consistent.

PC noted that his season ticket rate is very cheap especially compared to ambulant disabled supporters. HP discussed differences between the ambulant rate and W/C concession as they stand and the challenges that this presents. JF spoke about the possibility of season tickets on the platform and potential changes to this pricing structure.

CA commented that fans would like consistency and transparency when making decisions and suggested the fairest approach should be considered.

A further discussion on ticket pricing took place relating to pricing tiers across different areas of Vitality Stadium. NZ described how the Vitality East Stand has only one block priced as ‘centre,’ as compared to the three in the Main Stand. The group discussed affordability and hardship and how we can give season ticket holders more flexibility. NZ explained the interest free instalment plan for season tickets will continue, he also spoke to the ticket exchange and the ability to resell games from their package to supporters with home points. The club will also continue to offer relocation opportunities to renewing season ticket holders.

NZ updated the group on digital ticketing. He noted that we will not be going live with digital tickets for now until the club can be secure in knowledge it can be run successfully alongside the ticketing provider.

DW commended JF for his transparency and openness with the fans and mentioned that this is helping to develop a good connection with the fanbase. The FAB asks if he regrets being so public and JF said he is happy to speak to supporters.

The FAB discussed being more open with the consultation process with other supporters to allow for more understanding of the consultation process. JF explained that after SEG one of our fans was targeted online and he wanted to ensure this does not happen again. HP supported this and will continue to consult with the FAB on how this is managed.

NZ moved on to speak about membership options, he informed the FAB that currently we are the only Premier League club without a membership scheme. NZ and JF asked the FAB to consider membership packages of other clubs and provide feedback at the next meeting on the benefits they would look to see included.

Co-Chair, CA updated the FAB following a recent Premier League meeting with other FAB Chairs. He noted that the club’s FAB is in a good position culturally but needs to consider how it will connect to the wider fan base. He also noted that our FAB has the opportunity to meet with more senior leaders than is seen at other clubs. Further to this the FAB all agreed that there is work to be done in understanding the purpose of the FAB and how this is achieved.

CA discussed with the FAB having more regular meetings, some of which will be closed meetings for supporter representatives. All agreed this would be a positive step, HP will arrange 6-weekly meetings from this point.

CA led a wider conversation about the position of the FAB throughout other supporter groups, HP will share details of supporter group meetings with the FAB and encourage FAB members to attend. It was agreed that a member of the FAB will sit on the SEG to ensure information is being cascaded between the groups.

HP asked the room for any additional questions;

CC asked for more information on the clubs’ position with the EFL deal – JF stated there was not a vote and club were not ready to make a decision. He noted the club supports in concept, funding down the pyramid the clubs needed more details to make a more informed decision.

PC discussed with the FAB about the shirt Newcastle United created for deaf supporters and if the club would be following anything like that. HP speaks about the Give vision trial and how successful it was, noting that the club are keen to explore new technologies which enhance the matchday experience for all.

JF asked about the perimeter licence trial, the FAB states how positive and successful it was. He mentioned that ideally, long term, we do not have to do soft ticket checks, but we had to do so to follow requirements initially. He also spoke about the opportunities that the licence gives to fan engagement which ultimately helps to create a better atmosphere ahead of kick off. PF noted the club are working towards having something in place ahead of next season around the licensing.

The FAB commended the positioning of the band by the Great Sscape, HH noted that the license extension provides an opportunity for pop up stalls around the ground to be linked into matchday themes.

JF spoke about Bill Foleys deep sense of community and passion for growth of the club.

HP brings meeting to a close.