The minutes from the second meeting in November 2011 can be found by clicking here>>
The minutes from the third meeting in March 2012 can be found by clicking here>>
To find out more about the Liverpool FC Supporters' Committee and its members, click here>>
AUGUST 2011 SUPPORTERS' COMMITTEE MEETING - MINUTES:
Question 1 from Jonathan Hooks representing LFC Official Membership
How does the Club see the role of the Committee going forward and what assurances can we have that these meetings will be productive and result in real change for the benefit of all fans?
Points raised: The Committee was created to represent all the constituent parts of the fan-base. It's about giving the Committee the opportunity to ask questions and for the Club to respond appropriately. The Club wishes to share ideas and receive feedback from a group representing a cross-section of the fan-base, as we want the fans to have a voice within the Club.
Actions agreed: None.
Status: Completed
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Question 2 from Damien Moore representing International Fans
Do you see certain countries as offering significant opportunity to develop and enhance our fan base, e.g. Canada, United States and China? If so, do you envision organic growth through community involvement, new soccer centers and being a leader of special needs clinics?
Points raised: We haven't ruled anywhere out in terms of our effort, but Asia, and particularly SE Asia, remains a priority. We have seven soccer school franchises, with Northern Ireland being the latest. Our digital media effort is allowing us to reach new markets. Our merchandising team is looking at local delivery, to save items being shipped direct from Liverpool, and taking transactions in local currencies.
Actions agreed: Announce destination for 2012 pre-season tour when known.
Progress report: Club will ensure dates are announced once they know
Status: Ongoing
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Question 3 from Lewis Cubbin representing the under 18s
Is the Club satisfied with the process of buying tickets (bulk-buying) that those under the membership scheme have to carry out, and will this be reviewed before the next phase?
Points raised: We are satisfied to a point with how the sale went. We review everything and there are a few minor things to change before the next sale in November. We have made changes to the website to make it more robust. We are satisfied with the loyalty-based system giving fans the opportunity to make purchases with 13 games or more. We cannot stagger the sale further as we simply don't have enough tickets, it would result in a closed shop. Better liaison with visiting clubs and non-attending season ticket holders will potentially release more tickets for members.
Actions agreed: Investigate a queuing system; survey members after each sale; consider offering a day dedicated to the sale of adult/child tickets.
Progress report: A dedicated day for adult and child tickets has now been agreed. Further details will be posted on our website in due course. The club will also be hoping to implement a survey, assessing the new process.
Status: Ongoing
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Question 4 from Tore Hansen representing Official Supporters Clubs
Why do branch members of Official Supporters Clubs need to be members at a cost of £29 - to get tickets through their branch?
Points raised: It was not implemented as revenue generating exercise, but merely an opportunity to standardise the purchasing of tickets for all and for the Club to engage with and better understand our fans, including those members of official supporters clubs.
Actions agreed: Make the policy clearer to fans.
Progress report: updated FAQ's are now live on the website and a detailed and clearer policy discussed with supporters Club representative with a view to share with all branches.
Status: Complete
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Question 5 from Robert Humphries representing Season Ticket Holders
Can the Club explain why there is a charge of £23 when paying cash at the ticket office window for a season ticket when there is no charge via the internet?
Points raised: In the past we operated a system where discount was given based on when you renewed not how you renewed, so for example you might have paid £600 before a deadline and £650 afterwards. We have simply replaced this policy with one that gives a discount for online sales instead; this is not only the most efficient method for sales but also brings us into line with other industries that discount online. This is not a booking fee or a charge. This summer with some members unfamiliar with computers, the ticket office has shown flexibility by helping the season ticket holder make the online payment, thereby qualifying for the online discount.
Actions agreed: Review charging structure in light of some fans considering the offline cost as a punitive charge.
Progress report: Monthly meetings set up with the head of ticketing strategy to look at a clear process.
Status: Ongoing
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Question 6 from Les Wright representing the Away Fans
Can the Club approach the Premier League to investigate pricing structure at away games for supporters of LFC? If officials representing home clubs wish to raise their ticket prices for Category A clubs, then why should the away fans pay the same rate, effectively paying the same price to watch a category B or C game?
Points raised: The current rules allow host clubs to charge travelling fans the equivalent to the highest ticket price on offer, irrespective of where the away fan is seated. Clubs often take advantage of this rule and it needs addressing.
Actions agreed: Liverpool Football Club, probably along with the other clubs with large away support, will continue to raise the matter on an opportunity basis. The fact that the matter was discussed at this meeting will be mentioned at the next Premier League Meeting on 30 March to demonstrate that the current policy is of real concern to travelling fans of Liverpool Football Club.
Progress report: The issue of ticket pricing for travelling fans was raised at the Premier League Shareholders' Meeting in November. The constitution of the Premier League states that a two-thirds majority is needed to make any changes, and as most of the member clubs don't have the travelling away support that Liverpool Football Club enjoys; it's not in their financial interests to reduce ticket prices for away fans. The issue was also discussed at the 'ticketing sub-committee' before it came back to the 'full' meeting for review. The policy of being permitted to 'charge the highest price ticket for away fans that home fans pay for the same area of the stadium' still stands and there appears no appetite among the majority of members to change it.
Status: Completed
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Question 7 from Andrew Moran representing General Admission
Can the Club provide an explanation and breakdown of how all seats at Anfield are allocated to the different sections of support - including away fans - and the number of seats that would be unavailable due to fan segregation, and to then provide a full breakdown on a game by game basis, of how seats have been allocated so far for the current season, and then publish and maintain this information on the Club website, to be updated as necessary and when the allocation for future games is arranged?
Points raised: Ticket allocations change on a game-by-game basis. Tickets allocated to sponsors are commercially sensitive information. Any tickets not taken-up always become available for purchase by members. It would be easy to show the allocations prior to the game, but this information is often different once the game has been played and the seating plans are finalised.
Actions agreed: Publish a plan on the website showing the ticket allocation before a game and the final distribution after the game has been played.
Progress report: A break down of how the seats are allocated by game in the stadium has been pulled together and discussed with LFCSC member. This information will be posted on to the website in due course.
Status: Ongoing
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Question 8 from Laurence Whitehead representing Corporate Fans
Why have corporate season tickets increased despite there being no European games this coming season and will prices increase excessively next season assuming the team qualifies for European football?
Points raised: Ticket prices are not set dependent on whether the Club will be playing European football or not. Rather, they are based on other factors such as market trends and inflation. Over time it balances out, some years a corporate member may get 30 games (including cup games) other times they may get 21 or 22, they are not charged for the extra games. We are looking at the pricing policies deployed at other Clubs and will learn from their experiences.
Actions agreed: Continually review ticket-pricing structure.
Progress report: Corporate representative to meet with corporate sales manager in October 2011
Status: Completed
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Question 9 from Nasser Aboobakar representing International Supporters
Can the Club provide additional time for international fans to purchase tickets, as the current timescales are far too short?
Points raised: We work hard to try and accommodate as many requests from travelling fans and understand the commitment required from fans travelling from abroad. We appreciate that the timeframe in which international fans have to commit is very short and we will address this.
Actions agreed: Extend the time from when ticket availability is announced and when international fans need to make their purchases.
Progress report: Club went back to member to clarify the information requested. International member requested clarity around the policy. Please see below:
Independent supporters:
If an international supporter wishes to purchase tickets for a match at Anfield, we would recommend that they purchase LFC Official Adult Membership. This type of Membership gives the Member priority ticket access to all Barclays Premier League home games. This season, the tickets went on sale for all matches up till 31/12/2011 in July. Tickets for the second half of the season will be going on sale in November. There is sometimes late availability due to returns. LFC Official Adult Members are able to purchase tickets for as many matches as they wish (one ticket per Member)
Supporters travelling as part of a Supporters Club branch:
Supporters who may wish to travel to Anfield infrequently may prefer to access tickets through their local Supporters Club branch. Our Official Supporters Club branches have access to 2500 tickets per Barclays Premier League home match. Branches request tickets from the Club twice a year - once fixtures have been announced in the summer (for matched up until 31/12/2011) then again in November for tickets from 1/1/2012 for the rest for the season.
A membership card is still required for each person travelling to a match at Anfield in order to gain entry into the Stadium. However supporters who are travelling with a supporter's club branch have the option of purchasing LFC International Membership. This Membership is cheaper as it does not have the independent ticketing benefits and can only be used for entry where a supporter has purchased tickets through their supporters club.
Status: Completed
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Question 10 from Jeanette Dodd representing Disabled Supporters
Are there any plans to address the deficit of wheelchair spaces available at Anfield in order for the Club to meet its access duty in line with the government's minimum standards as described in the Accessible Stadia Guide?
Points raised: The challenge is the physical constraints of the current Stadium, we are aware we have a deficit of the minimum requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). There are no immediate plans to increase the number of disabled places from the current 101 to the minimum required under the Act to 221. However, we are prepared work creatively to address the problem.
Actions agreed: Arrange a meeting with the Committee, DLO and Stadium Manager and work together to identify a workable solution.
Progress report: Meeting took place between Jeanette Dodd, DLO, Stadium Manager and Director of Communications. The legislative difficulties in increasing wheelchair bays were explained and the issues with implementing any increase in the current stadium. All agreed that the deficit would be reduced in the event of the club announcing either a new stadium or the refurbishment of the current stadium. The club will endeavour to find a workable solution in the meantime and consult Supporters Committee member and the Liverpool disabled Supporters Association if it is found that an increase can be made.
Status: Ongoing
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Question 11 from Janet Brown representing Family Supporters
How is LFC going to make the club more family friendly?
Points raised: This is an area of focus for us this year, and we do want to explore what can be done within the constraints of the current Stadium and provision of family tickets and provision of family area. We started to trail match day initiatives such as lunch packs, 'my first visit to Anfield' promotion and photo opportunities in front of life-size images of popular players. We are also keen link with Clubs who have made great progress in engaging families, and we do work with industry experts. We have a very active community department who work with families to bring football, education and social initiatives together and there is much more we can do to engage and make the Club more family friendly.
Agreed actions: Work with the Committee Member, families and community priorities and act upon new opportunities.
Progress report: The Club agreed with Jan Brown to have dedicated Adult/Child sales. As part of the system review we are also looking at how best to process them online. Committee member met with Head of Community department to further understand what is currently in place.
Status: Ongoing
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Question 12 from Paul Amann representing LGBT Supporters
What is the club's LGBT/Equality policy for fans employees and players and how is this monitored and what action is taken, if and when necessary?
Points raised: The Club is working on a policy but doesn't have a policy in place at present. Brighton and Manchester City have made progress and could provide useful insights into what can be achieved in this area.
Actions agreed: Meet with the Committee Member, HR and Social Inclusion Officer and identify a practical plan of action. Assess current industry best practice.
Progress report: Committee member, Paul Amann met with Club representatives and discussed the various ideas. Paul mentioned "Charter for Action" government scheme stamping out LGBT in sport. Suggestion made for educating of our stewards in recognising homophobic chanting. The Club will look to progress further. Club to look into arranging an event for football versus homophobia. Plans in place to assess possibilities of linking with Mersey Marauders FC. Paul Amann agreed to support the Club Equality and Diversity training programme.
Status: Ongoing
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Question 13 from James Benson representing Anfield and Breckfield Supporters, Aaron Cardoso representing UK Supporters and Samantha Armstrong representing Female Fans
What new information can be provided regarding the stadium and what dialogue has been had with the local community regards the changes and regeneration of the area and do you have any timescales regarding the future of Anfield?
Points raised: The status quo is not what anyone would want. Mistakes were made in the past and money was wasted. We are in continuous discussions about refurbishment of Anfield and building a new stadium in Stanley Park. Both options are not without their challenges, risks and complications. One way of making the new stadium a viable option is to secure a naming rights partner. However, what is certain is that there is now a real commitment to do the right thing for the Club, its fans and local residents.
Actions agreed: None.
Status: Completed
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Question 14 from Stephen Kelly representing the Over 60s
Is there any possibility of parking close to the ground specifically for the over 70s?
Points raised: We have car park facilities in Stanley Park, Anfield Road and St Domingo's. A review of the problem would give a clearer indication of the number of elderly fans affected and we will try to help out.
Actions agreed: Work with the Committee Member to clarify the problem and identify a workable solution.
Progress report: Car parking for the over 65's - several spaces have now been allocated in Anfield Road car park on first come first serve ST / Members. A drop off zone seems more difficult to achieve but will still be considered.
Status: Completed
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Question 15 from Abu Nasir representing the Ethnic Minority Supporters
Will the Club have a policy or strategy for BME (black and minority ethnic) engagement? For example, opportunities to attend matches, recruit players with an Asian heritage, employment within the Club?
Points raised: The Club runs a successful Equality 4 All project and our Social Inclusion Officer works with Kick it out and Show Racism the Red Card. We run soccer camps with different ethnic communities within Liverpool. Player recruitment has always been based on whether the player is good enough and not on his ethnicity. During the pre-season tour to Asia, we used the opportunity to attend local trials and our Academy Head of Player Recruitment is travelling to China shortly to conduct a series of scouting missions.
Actions agreed: None
Status: Completed
This summary has been compiled by William Montgomery, who facilitated the meeting, and has been accepted as a true record by the Club and the Chair.
