CUSG Minutes 13/10/2025
Venue: Zoom
Chair: Simon Clarkson
Minute Taker: Andrew George
Attendees:
- Simon Clarkson (SLO)
- Claire Burgess (Away SLO)
- Andrew George (CUSCSC)
- Dave Brown (London Branch)
- Claire Winder (Supporters’ Trust)
- Keith Ward (Scottish Supporters)
- Nigel Clibbens (CUFC)
- Teresa Mulholland (CUFC/CST)
- Pete Dunn (CUFC)
- Tom Little (CUFC)
- Derek Paterson (Heritage Group)
- Sonny Kirkwood (WRE)
Apologies:
- John Kukuc (Chair)
- Dave Gale (Disabled Supporters’ Rep)
- Dave Walsh (Former Players)
Opening of the Meeting
Derek Paterson introduced himself as a new member of the Carlisle United Heritage Group (CUHG) and will represent the group within CUSG.
The Chair welcomed him on behalf of all attendees.
1. Club Updates
Marketing & Media Department Review – Progress Update
Following the review and restructuring of the Marketing & Media department, the Club has made significant progress across five key areas:
1. Strategic Direction
- Introduced clear business objectives across media, marketing, and communications.
- Implemented a short-term “quick win” strategy to deliver early impact and build momentum.
- Driven cultural change through vision, values, and motivation to foster a marketing-led culture.
2. Matchday Enhancements
- Delivered a structured matchday plan with improved scheduling, new content features, and post-match review process.
- Enhanced fan engagement through interactive videos, post-match polls, behind-the-scenes content, and player celebration clips.
- Introduced a new club photographer to elevate visual quality.
- Improved post-match interviews for greater insight and engagement.
3. Team Growth & Resourcing
- Recruitment drive added Ben Pitkeathly and new intern support.
- Engaged third-party specialists to enhance creative production.
- Reviewed and upgraded equipment and resources.
4. Content Highlights
- Baton of Hope feature, CCC signing video, hospitality promotions, Goal/Player of the Month.
- Expanded off-field player content and fan interaction.
5. Media Relations & Engagement
- Strengthened media relationships and improved internal collaboration.
- Worked directly with supporter groups.
- Trialled paid social-media advertising.
- Added a dedicated Community role for faster engagement.
Next Steps
- Player Q&A series, CUTV documentaries, podcast, fan segmentation project, TikTok strategy, PR campaign, and integrated activity calendar.
Meeting Discussion
- TL (Media) reported collaboration with the Commercial Team to showcase hospitality, community, and supporter engagement work.
- CW noted positive response to the Jon Colman presentation and praised the improved professionalism of output.
- TL confirmed that the media team are working closely with the University of Cumbria on the new mural.
Operational / Club Update – Nigel Clibbens (NC)
- Additional seating installed in the Waterworks Stand; Club has planned to add amenities for away supporters in the near future.
- Not opening additional stands for the FA Cup fixture saved the club approximately £10,000.
- Brunton Park Open Day announced for Thursday 30 October 2025, featuring open training and player meet-and-greets.
- Season ticket priority: NC explained all Season Ticket holders had equal access to FA Cup tickets to maintain fairness.
- Eastleigh Match: £10-for-10k attendance promotion launched.
- Halifax Game: Designated as the Game of Remembrance.
- NC raised concern about fan behaviour on social media and encouraged groups to set positive examples.
- Travel (3 Jan 2026): SC asked about disruption; NC aware. AG confirmed trains will operate via Settle–Carlisle line.
- TL invited groups to provide any feedback and suggestions for future fan forums. Also TL invited any members or supporters that would be suitable and keen to appear in upcoming media as good representatives of the club. Get in touch with TL direct.
Actions / Owner / Due Date
- All Groups – Promote positive supporter conduct online – Continuous
2. Memory Garden
The Memory Garden continues to be a tremendous success. Phase 2 is nearing completion, with a centrepiece sculpture designed by the University of Cumbria. A matched funding proposal was presented by the Club to CUSG members.
Meeting Discussion
- SC proposed a £500 CUSG donation towards completion of the sculpture.
- All members voted in favour.
- AG to approach South Cumbria Supporters’ Club about a further donation.
- DB suggested exploring online fundraising options.
Actions / Owner / Due Date
- SC / Treasurer – Process £500 donation – Oct 2025
- AG – Discuss South Cumbria contribution – Nov 2025
- Group – Explore online fundraising options – Nov 2025
3. Equality, Diversity & Disabled
EDI Report – Teresa Mullholland
- Baton of Hope event (7 Sept 2025) – strong community turnout and player support. Messages displayed in the Memory Garden.
- Foodbank collections successful; next one 6 Dec (v Woking).
- Alzheimer’s Awareness Day raised £116.
- Play Safe & Cumbria Pride promoted inclusion with University of Cumbria banner in concourse.
- Forthcoming Events
- Saturday 18th Menopause Awareness
- Tuesday 4th November Remembrance event
- Saturday 15th November International Men's Day
- Saturday 29th November International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Disabled Supporters Report – David Gale
- Aldershot game oversubscription resolved with new seating; Lucy in the ticket office commended.
- Ongoing parking issues – proposal for separate disabled and hospitality areas.
- Blue badge allocations complete for FGR match.
- Accessibility concerns about East Stand closure for Boston FA Cup tie.
- Thanks extended to Teresa, EDI team, Nigel, Lucy, and Simon.
In-Meeting Update
- TM confirmed more CUFC staff will receive Ask Angela training.
- The Walk Safe App continues to be promoted on matchdays.
Actions / Owner / Due Date
- EDI Team – Schedule next Ask Angela session – Before Nov 2025
4. Calendar of Events & Projects
Hall of Fame
- NC confirmed a Hall of Fame will be launched later this season.
- Inductions to include: individual players/staff, team of the decade, key historical moments, and academy roll of honors.
- Panel composition: 2 × Club reps, 1 × Chair, 1 × Former player, 1 × Historian, 1 × Trust rep, 2 × CUSG reps.
- AG and SK volunteered; CW nominated JK.
Actions / Owner / Due Date
- NC / CUSG – Confirm panel membership and terms – Next meeting
5. Finance
Report by Michelle Hall
- Balance: £2,120.73
- £280.92 – Disabled Supporters’ Fund
- £80.50 – CUSG prediction competition prizes
- No additional expenditure noted.
Action / Owner / Due Date
- Treasurer – Report updates at next meeting – Nov 2025
6. SLO Update
- Claire Burgess joined as new Away SLO, continuing Keith Elliott’s work.
- Carlisle United ranked 2nd nationally for fan engagement.
- Meet & Greeters enhance matchdays; First-Time Visitor Scheme embedded.
- Volunteers encouraged (receive complimentary match tickets).
Action / Owner / Due Date
- SLO Team – Recruit new volunteers – Ongoing
7. Group Updates
Scottish Supporters
Pre-Meeting Update – Keith Ward
Queries raised:
- Season Ticket Priority – Why was early access not available for the FA Cup game?
- FA Cup Fixture – Only the West Stand open; noted for discussion.
- Fans Forum – When will the next forum take place?
- Kit Supplier – Has next season’s manufacturer been confirmed?
- Sheepmount – Any progress update?
Meeting Discussion
- NC confirmed FA Cup ticketing was structured for equality across ST holders.
Supporters’ Trust
- September newsletter available. https://sway.cloud.microsoft/jiwWY6AiGVNYNK25?ref=Link&loc=play
Defibrillators have been installed and available for use if required. A Restart The Heart event is being held in the Cumbrian Lounge from 1030-4pm on 16/10/2025 https://www.resus.org.uk/get-involved/restart-heart-day . North West Ambulance Service will also be with us at the Gazebo before the Forest Green Rovers match.
As part of the trial to gauge interest, we’ve ran a bus to three games. All were well supported and we’re looking at next games. Feedback has been very positive from both members and non-members.
Several members have asked when a Fans Forum will be arranged.
We received feedback from a member on behalf of a group of friends, 13 of who are ST holders in the B stand. They would like to know why ST holders weren't given priority for the FA Cup match given it is one of the benefits of being a ST holder.
London Branch
- DAZN screenings at Civil Service Club, London (open to all fans).
- Sponsoring Ladies’ training hoodies/shirts.
- £500 donation towards Memory Garden sculpture.
- United Lounge hospitality for Tamworth game sold out (42 seats).
Travel
- CB reported that CUFC Travel has been operating smoothly with no major issues.
- A small increase in dropouts has been observed, likely linked to supporters struggling to secure away match tickets.
South Lakes
- Awaiting ticket update for Peter Beardsley event.
- No recent buses; possible coach for Boston or Gateshead.
- Membership steady.
- Members raised questions on kit supplier, ponchos, Wealdstone travel disruption, and FA Cup prioritisation.
- Meeting: AG queried lack of hot water in Paddock North; NC confirmed club will upgrade all toilet facilities in phases.
Warwick Road End
- Group supported club’s decision to close Warwick for Boston Utd game.
- Discussion continues online about moving the drum and group to the old away end; trials could be explored.
Heritage Group
- Plans to create a CUHG Facebook page.
- 2004/05 season reunion event scheduled 18/10/2025 with Kev Grey, Lee Andrews, and Simon Hackney just some of the former players to attend.
Actions / Owner / Due Date
8. Any Other Business & Next Meeting
CUSG seeking a volunteer minute-taker for future meetings; interested individuals should contact the SLO team.
Next Meeting: Monday 24 November 2025 – 7:00pm (Zoom)
Summary of Minutes Taken
The Carlisle United Supporters Group (CUSG) held a meeting on 13 October 2025 via Zoom, covering club updates, supporter group activities, equality and diversity initiatives, and upcoming events. Key discussions included marketing progress, operational improvements, and community engagement efforts.
- Marketing & Media Progress: The club's Marketing & Media department has advanced in strategic direction, matchday enhancements, team growth, content creation, and media relations, with plans for new player Q&A series, documentaries, and social media strategies.
- Operational Updates: Additional seating was installed, an Open Day was scheduled for 30 October, and the club saved costs by limiting stand openings for an FA Cup fixture. Concerns about fan behavior on social media were raised.
- Memory Garden Support: Phase 2 of the Memory Garden is near completion with a centerpiece sculpture. CUSG approved a £500 donation, and further fundraising efforts are planned.
- Equality, Diversity & Disabled Initiatives: Successful community events like Baton of Hope and foodbank collections were reported. Accessibility improvements and Ask Angela training for staff continue.
- Hall of Fame Launch: Hall of Fame will be introduced this season, with a panel comprising club representatives, former players, historians, and supporter group members.
- Financial Status: The CUSG balance stood at £2,120.73 with designated funds for disabled supporters and competition prizes.
- Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) Update: New Away SLO Claire Burgess joined, fan engagement ranked second nationally, and volunteer recruitment is ongoing.
- Group Updates: Various supporter branches reported on activities including ticketing, events, travel, and community support, with ongoing discussions about matchday arrangements and facilities.
- Next Meeting and Administrative Notes: The group seeks a volunteer minute-taker, with the next meeting scheduled for 24 November 2025 on Zoom.
