CUSG meeting on Monday 24 November 2025 at 7pm
Present:
John Kukuc; Simon Clarkson: Nigel Clibbens; Claire Winder; Andrew George;
Keith Ward; Derek Paterson
Apologies: Claire Burgess; David Gale; Sonny Kirkwood; Dave Brown;
Teresa Mulholland
1. Reports and minute format
Discussion took place on the subject and it was agreed that the minutes would include reports submitted in advance by reps.
2. Club Update – Nigel Clibbens
This had been circulated amongst the group in advance of the meeting and is included as a separate download.
To read the full club update, click HERE!
The club update had been read by attendees in advance. Discussions took place on the following:
• Atmosphere – Nigel said the club would welcome suggestions from the wider fanbase to improve the atmosphere at Brunton Park:
a. The club is interested in working with CUSG and other fans to look at ways to improve, ground noise, and also use of the WRE FZ pre match, West fan zone post match
b. Every £ fans spend with the club pre or post match goes straight back into the club. Every additional drink of food item purchased matters and is gratefully received. Fan support continues to rise and the FZ is now a really vibrant and great place to be – we see that in the atmosphere
c. Thanks for the support and hopefully more fans will support it too.
• Ticket sales - release of away tickets are dictated by the home club the notice period of sales, timings of release and methods of sale were all examined and options explored
• Fan behaviour – Nigel said the FA have issued a reminder to the club as to the responsibilities for fan conduct following shouts and chants versus Forest Green Rovers. Fans are reminded and asked not to engage in offensive chants and shouts. This includes using, abusive, homophobic or racist language.
• A discussion was held regarding the circumstances of the exit of the Academy Manager. Nigel said specific details could not be provided. For any member of staff the club would not detail personal employment matters in public. This is the same for any employer not just CUFC.
• A further general discussion was held regarding safeguarding. Nigel said the club has a top-level commitment to safeguarding which promotes practice and behaviours that value children and adults at risk, this creates a culture of accountability and drives continual improvement. This includes behaviour outside the club. Carlisle United is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young players and staff. We expect all staff, volunteers, parents/carers, young players, the people we deal with to share this commitment.Where this is not the case action will be taken in accordance with club policies and procedures.
3. Memory Garden – Simon Clarkson
• The memory garden has been a tremendous success, with the space being used to host community-based events and an area for quiet reflection by fans. The plaques allow families and friends to have a memorial to loved ones.
• Phase 2 on the upper level was officially opened before the Eastleigh game and including the unveiling of a new sculpture that was the product of a partnership with the University of Cumbria, who were commissioned to create a design for the centre piece that was a sculpture that embodies the football club and acts as a commemoration to former players. The approved matched funding proposal presented by the Club to CUSG members on 13 October has yielded the following:
• CUSG Donation £500
• CUST Donation £500
• London Branch donation £500
• South Cumbria Branch £100 donation
• Bucket collection on 15 November £266.65
• The Crowdfunder appeal is open until 1 December and has so far generated £413 after fees.
4. Hall of Fame
Launch will be announced around 5th December 2025. Sonny Kirkwood and Claire Burgess will sit on the selection panel, following a vote by CUSG.
5. Equality, Diversity
Saturday 29 November - Carlisle United v Tamworth
We will have Guide Dogs UK and Carlisle Sight support attending to educate fans/community on support for blind and partially sighted, they will also be carrying out a bucket collection.
Carlisle Dance Academy - will be showcasing their Christmas themed routine showcase from 2:50pm. I am arranging an opportunity for local dance groups to showcase their provision with CDA being the first in the schedule, we will be looking at forming our own CUFC Cheerleading/dance squad next season with auditions taking place at the end of this season.
Christmas Foodbank Collection - We are collecting items for local foodbanks to support families this Christmas. Recommended donations include long-life tins, tubs of sweets, tubes of crisps and selection boxes. Donations can be made at the club ticket office, Tesco Express in Carlisle City Centre and the Penrith Tesco store.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal - 8 to 19 December. We are supporting the Christmas Shoebox Appeal and are asking for complete shoeboxes or individual items including hats, gloves, socks, biscuits, wipes, torches, fold-up bags, sweets, sanitary products, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant. Shoeboxes and items can be dropped at the same collection points listed above. Enquiries can be directed to EDI Lead Teresa Mulholland on 07923 244854.
Festive Film - Carlisle United Football Club and Community Sports Trust are bringing the magic of Christmas to Brunton Park on Saturday 20 December with the screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the Fan Zone.
6. Disabled Supporters Rep - David Gale
• Here is an updated on all disabled matters, unfortunately I have missed the last few games at home due to a bout of sciatica. But will be back on Saturday.
Due to my absence, I have only had the following two queries: -
• On the “Be Just and Follow Not” Facebook page there was a query from a supporter who sadly had a serious accident and is now a wheelchair user. They were asking on the group regarding what options are available for seating and they were also able to transfer from chair to a seat if need be. I private messaged him with contact details at the club and info about suitable areas in the stadium. The only issue was this was asked within days of the Eastleigh game offer so I did suggest he may have struggled to get tickets for that game but from then on, he should be ok. He thanked me for the help and info although I never got to hear the outcome. One positive of this is quite a few people tagged me into the question, so it shows people know I exist.
• Regarding the Eastleigh game there has been a complaint from a supporter about his view being impeded in the East Stand wheelchair area. He complained about the height of the sponsor boards but also a position of a steward at the end of the wheelchair area towards the halfway line. Tim the Safety officer confirmed however, that the position of the steward was correct and will have to remain there, although the possibility of a stool was mention. I think this supporter is planning on coming to the Tamworth game so I have included Lucy in the ticket office in these emails so we can try and get him in a different area so he can’t complain and see us in a better light. If I can find the individual on Saturday I will try to speak to them in person.
7. Calendar of events and Projects
No change at present (see question in Club update on fans forum)
8. Finance provided by Michelle Hall
Balance in bank account is currently £2,776.42
including ...
• £280.92 from disabled account
• £80.50 ringfenced for LB prediction competition
• £679.69 for memory garden sculpture (made up of £413.04 fromcrowdfunding & £266.65 from bucket collection)
Michelle’s, behind the scenes, key Treasurer role for CUSG was highlighted and praised by Simon. She also managed the counting and banking of the bucket-collection cash, a time-consuming task. Her contribution was appreciated by everyone present.
9. SLO update – Simon Clarkson
• The first-time visitor (FTV) scheme is now embedded and utilises pre match ticket sales as well as on the day direct engagement from the meeters and greeters to identify fans making their debut at Brunton Park. At the pop-up Blues Store in the fan zone, we then help with the writing of the certificate that is given to the first-time visitor as part of a goody bag.
• The SLO team of meeters and greeters at Brunton Park provide a key supporting role to enhance the matchday experience for fans, including our visiting community groups in A stand. The popular Cumberland Building Society sponsored activity sees the team of volunteers provide a mini ground tour and answer questions from young visitors.
• We are always on the lookout for more meeters and greeters, so please get in touch if you would like to join the team. As a thank you for helping you will receive a complimentary match ticket.
10. Away SLO - Claire Burgess
I would like to say thank you for the groups that nominated myself and Sonny to be part of the panel for the Hall of fame. My statement was short compared to the other two nominations and didn’t think I would be in with a chance.
A couple of supporters were unhappy regarding the recent Southend trip as a majority of supporters were standing up throughout the game. Some Supporters spoke to the stewards explaining why they can’t stand throughout the game. Southend Football Club have responded quickly via email to the supporters who have shared the email to myself and I’ve forwarded to SLO Simon. They’ve mentioned that for future games they would remind stewards about supporters standing in a seating area and stairs.
Family of mascots are delighted of their child’s experience of walking out with their favourite player and team. Meeting up and handing over the goodie bag, seeing their faces light up is lovely to see. Also, credit to the visiting clubs, for making the mascot and their family feel welcome.
11. Group updates
- Scottish Supporters
Nothing really to report or enquire about from this end . However one of the most talked about things probably like most fans is the comments from the Peterborough chairman about CCC . As January is just round the corner I imagine that we will see a few more in the near future.
- Supporters’ Trust – Claire Winder
AGM 14/12/2025 in the Cumbrian Lounge at BP, members will be able to join online.
Gateshead bus available to book, discounted for members:
https://www.cust.org.uk/product/away-travel-gateshead-26-12-25/
No member questions this month.
- London Branch – Dave Brown
We have booked tables in the Three Lanterns Pub in 5 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BG (2 minutes from Leicester Square) to watch the Blackpool FA Cup game on Sunday 7th December. Tables available from 4pm ko 5.30pm. ALL Carlisle fans are welcome so please let your members know.
We were delighted that the London Branch fanzine – Hit The Bar! was recognised as the longest running fanzine in the UK (51year) by the Football Fanzine Culture Blog(https://footballfanzineculture.blog/2025/06/19/the-list-statto-edition/) and in the fanzine exhibition that was held at Leeds Library.
We were very impressed with the unveiling of the Memory Garden sculpture and the accompanying video.
- Travel
No Report
- South Cumbria – Andrew George
Membership
• The South Cumbria branch currently has 71 active members.
Travel / Coaches
• A 30-seater coach has been organised for the FA Cup Second Round trip to Blackpool, Sold Out.
Events
• We hosted an Evening with Peter Beardsley on Friday night, attended by around 60 supporters, including fans from across the county.
• The event was very well received and supported.
Hall of Fame Panel
• I would like to congratulate both Claire and Sonny on their nomination to the Hall of Fame panel. It is reassuring to see these roles given to two passionate supporters of the club.
• I am happy to be on standby to cover any illness or unexpected situations where either panel member is unable to attend.
Memory Garden Donation
• Our committee would like to offer a £100 donation towards the Memory Garden.
General Update
• No questions raised this month so far.
Warwick Road End
No Report
Heritage Group
Carlisle United Heritage Group (CUHG) continues to receive donations from fans and former players families of photos, programmes and memorabilia. We respond to enquiries regarding former players/managers and directors from family members and continues to forge great working partnerships with organisations including the Cumberland Archives, Tullie Museum and The University of Cumbria (UoC).
Some enquiries culminate with visits to the archive where exchanges take place of photos, stories and souvenirs. Display cabinets are maintained outside the ticket office and at the Brampton Road UoC campus.
CUHG played a big part in the successful reunion event of players and staff from the 2005/06 squad. We also assist with the upkeep of the Memory Garden which continues to receive positive feedback from visitors.
Finally, the highlight of the year was gaining official recognition from Sporting Heritage by winning the Celebrating Community Sporting Heritage award, at Headingley, Leeds for our exhibition last year at Tullie and our work in the community.
We are grateful to have received a huge amount of donations, but items can still be donated for the archive. If you would like to donate any items or help with any aspect of this project, please contact archives@carlisleunited.co.uk
12. AOB and agree date of next meeting
Claire Burgess had submitted two points:
Would like to add what a fantastic job the staff from the media department are doing throughout the week. The contents they are producing is wonderful to watch. I’ve had feedback about the questions asked before the game that they watch back on the coach and laugh back to their answers. I feel you are getting fans more involved which is brilliant. Loved the hat questions, getting an insight to the players.
Just an idea after reading the comments from the Halifax game regarding the remembrance before kick off. The video where it showed the men and woman standing near the dugout as the last post is played moved a lot of supporters. I’m just wondering next year (if possible) to have an interview with one explaining why wearing poppies is important, why we remember, show the group during the week of veterans and how important CUFC play a part alongside the group, also highlight ptsd.
Date of Next Meeting - 5 Jan 2026