CUSG Minutes 01/09/2025
Attendees: John Kukuc (Chair), Simon Clarkson (SLO), Claire Burgess (Away SLO), Andrew George (CUSCSC), Dave Brown (London Branch), Claire Winder (Supporters’ Trust/Minutes), Dave Gale (Disabled Supporters’ rep), Kieth Ward (Scottish Supporters), Nigel Clibbens (CUFC), Theresa Mulholand (CST), Pete Dunn (CUFC), Tom Little (CUFC).
Apologies: Sonny Kirkwood (WRE).
1. Club Updates - Nigel Clibbens
This had been circulated amongst the group in advance of the meeting and can be viewed HERE.
Introductions made to Tom Little, the new Head of Marketing and Media. Rob Elder will be leaving his post this week and it is hoped the vacant post of Marketing and Media Officer will be filled soon to work alongside James Gates and Tom. Tom explained his background in marketing and media through his work with the Cumberland Building Society and his own business, as a CUFC fan as well he is excited about the role and eager to improve the department which will include working closely with the commercial and retail sides of the business. The team will be seeking fan feedback through a survey, and they will be trialling new approaches to look at what works and what does not. They will look at best practice examples from other football clubs.
Qu from SC – How will you be attracting more people to Brunton Park?
Discussion about reaching new audiences, advertising to people who have never been and to entice people to come to more matches who tend to visit 1-5 matches per season. It will include reaching out to the fans who live outside of Carlisle e.g. Workington, Kendal etc, and for families to come more often. There will be a longer-term fan engagement projects e.g. their story of being a fan, day in the life of a fan going to the matches. This was trialled by asking fans about their favourite away day at the Sutton match.
Qu from AG – There is a disconnect between fans and the players, how will this be addressed?
Discussion about getting to know players and staff more by content on roles, Q&As, day in the life etc. Ex-players v current players on their experiences would be good.
Qus from the Club update:
WRE lights had been a topic for discussion from most attendees. NC explained the error of the lights that stayed on too long at the Braintree match. It was recognised at the time and immediate attempts to turn them off was attempted; there was a fault that has now been fixed, so this will not happen again, the Club are sorry about what happened. Regarding having the lights, the intention is for them to be a fun addition when we score, but it is recognised they divide opinion.
A stand being used for away supporters. Feedback regarding some Braintree fans’ conduct was shared. This was temporary while the space was not being used for the Community Ticket Scheme which will be back in use from the Truro match. CW discussed a query from a Trust member about their group not being able to display flags, but the away fans had been. NC explained if flags are fire retardant and not covering advertising they are permitted, and stewards have been updated.
The Club are considering whether we will be using Waterworks for away fans, this is to allow for more Carlisle fans to make use of the East Stand to enhance the atmosphere of the ground. Opinions were divided during the discussion about this e.g. being a good idea to make use of the Waterworks, to it being a worse experience for away fans due to being open to the elements and having no seats for people who need one. Disabled away fans will continue to use the covered area next to the Waterworks.
New toilet facilities on the west side have been improved and are excellent. CW had a request from a Trust member about a lock being needed on the women’s toilet in the Paddock by the Waterworks – this will be fixed.
Discussion about DAZN. The quality of the highlights package is poorer compared to what SKY produced for the EFL, it was a query that they’re produced using AI. AG queried why some teams have local radio commentary – the BBC have a central contract with the National League so it is dependent on the contract they have with DAZN for the clubs. SC – will the Club be showing the England v Andorra match on 06/09/2025 - it is hoped so to make use of the fan zone after the match. CW shared a Trust member’s positive feedback about the camera placement and synced audio being an improvement.
SC queried why BBCRC had an 8 minute post-match interview with Mark Hughes where he was more forthcoming about injuries than he was in the 3 minute interview from the Club’s media team. The reasons were unclear, but it is the aim of the Club to be first for news and updates, that it is the best place to get Club news, and it is always consistent in getting it right. Discussion about agreements on scheduling and duration of interviews is being looked, and it will be managed more effectively going forward. SC added a post-match podcast would be good for the Club to do.
2. Hall of Fame – Simon Clarkson
Exciting new project was discussed for a CUFC Hall of Fame which will have both an online presence and physical display. It will be a celebration of all things Carlisle United including players, staff and prominent people through our history. An initial meeting has taken place between SC, NC and Matt Spooner. There will be an event each year to celebrate the chosen people.
3. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Teresa Mulholland
Teresa and the CST’s work was positively received by all. The Baton of Hope Tour is a national suicide prevention event which has a Cumbrian leg on 07/09/2025. Teresa has been working closely with the local organisers and organisations to plan what will be a successful event for Carlisle United and the wider community who may have been affected by bereavement related to suicide. It will be supported by a player appearance. People involved have been invited to be guests at the Truro match which is the Club’s In Memoriam match this season. There will be custom-made tags that people can use in the Fan Zone before the Truro match which will then be displayed in the memorial garden. The Cumbrian leg will finish with a large event at Carlisle Castle. The Club have a support group for people who have been bereaved by suicide on the last Tuesday of the month.
The Truro match will also be the foodbank collection game. Donations can be made to the CST gazebo in the Fan Zone (rather than the Study Centre where it has previously been).
4. Fans with disabilities – Dave Gale
Discussion about disabled parking facilities. It was acknowledged the ground where the parking on the east side is uneven and requires resurfacing in the longer term. SC reported due to it being first come first served means people have been arriving very early and sitting in their cars until they go in. There has been extra parking added to the west side this season. NC and PD will look into other options including the possibility of priority booking for season ticket holders.
Other comments not discussed elsewhere:
Issues at the Boreham Wood match where smokers obstructing the WRE disabledtoilets access, stewards have dealt with this since.
The level playing field survey did not had much response.
Dave will be using the away supporters’ disabled facilities to provide feedback. The gravel ground is difficult to manoeuvre for wheelchairs. Since becoming a wheelchair user at games, I have found it far more easier getting round to talk to people. So hopefully the more people see me buzzing around the more questions and queries will be asked. Which can only be a good thing.
5. Calendar of events and projects – see the EDI update for details HERE.
6. Finance update – prepared by Michelle Hall
Bank balance £1979.73 including £280.92 from the disabled supporters’ fund.
7. SLO update - Simon Clarkson & Claire Burgess
Sourcing away information is more challenging this season but ongoing. Claire is attending all away games this season and greeting the away mascots.
The new First Time Visitor Scheme has started this season for under 18’s who are attending their first match at Brunton Park. People are identified using the online ticketing system and a link on the Club website. This is different to the Community Ticketing Scheme. They are met and taken to the Blue Store pop-up gazebo to be presented with a certificate marking the occasion and a goody bag. So far 80 young fans have been able to take advantage of this scheme. All groups will share this info to their members.
CW queried the replacement of the “United” mural on the wall by the club shop being undertaken by the University of Cumbria. SC – as it is the same people working on the sculpture for the memorial garden it will be done after that. It is hoped both projects will be done this season. Permission sought and agreed by Dan MacLennan (who was part of the production and installation) for the old mural it to be taken down as it is sadly in a state of disrepair now.
8. Group updates:
Scottish Supporters – Keith Ward
• When is the next forum? NC – no plans for one yet.
• Great to see players out and about at events.
• Fanzone is great.
Supporters’ Trust – Claire Winder
• August newsletter: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/jiwWY6AiGVNYNK25?ref=Link
• Installation of the defibs will be completed soon. Chris, Riegan & Megan Stephenson from Northwest Ambulance Service have been working together to arrange a community drop in session “Restart A Heart” at Brunton Park on 16/10/2025. It will teach people the correct CPR techniques using QCPR manikins which give live feedback on how good the CPR is. It is also great opportunity for discussing any queries or concerns around CPR and the use of defibrillators. Megan will also be at the gazebo in the fan zone on 18/10/2025.
• Claire, Samantha & Riegan will be supporting the Brunton Park leg of the Baton OfHope.
• Queries/feedback received and not yet discussed:
1) Some people in the west stand raised concerns around the pitch side advertising showing the kits. It could confuse players and officials. NC – this is not something players and officials have raised as a problem.
2) Fan Zone - Con: The container bar in the fan zone was woefully understaffed at the first match. The wastage on beer must've been huge due to the amount of over-frothing - probably a combination of the gas being set too high and the temperature in the container. Staff were clearly stressed about the situation and inevitably there were long queues. NC & PD – the Fan Zone had its most successful day yet in terms of use and revenue, this beats the Bradford Playoff match. Pro: Indian food stand Punjabi street food was excellent. SC – The Fan Zone is now busy at half-times too. NC – looking to keep the Fan Zone open for a period after matches where possible.
• AG – Can the Trust Bus for Altrincham make a pick-up and drop-off at J36 for South Cumbrian travellers? CW - Yes, provisionally at noon for pick-up. AG to confirm details with Dan/Martin at the Trust gazebo at the Truro match. SC – the online booking system is easy to use. Online booking link: Shop – Carlisle United Supporters Trust
London Branch – Dave Brown
• Tom Piatak Q&A held on zoom on 24th July. Thanks to Tom for agreeing to take part and for his full and interesting responses. The full recording can be viewed on the London Branch youtube channel - https://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/piatakzoom. We were also pleased to welcome Tom, Patty and their friends Val and Duane to the JJ Moons meeting pub before the Wealdstone game.
• Meeting Pubs re away games – We have been pleased to have good crowds at the meeting pubs organised before Woking, Wealdstone and Sutton. These are open to all Carlisle fans even when a private venue such as Sutton Cricket Club.
• Ticket office help – we were happy to arrange for 7 Carlisle based members to help the ticket office with sending out season tickets over 2 days.
• Away mascots – Anna Jenson is supporting Simon Clarkson with coordinating the mascots for away games which really do “make a memory for life” for 5 - 13 year olds. We are also paying for the goody bags that are given to every mascot.
• First Time Visitors scheme – offer of sponsorship discussed. NC – Club unsure of the demand currently so unclear on costs. DB, SC & NC to discuss further.
• Community Sports Trust – we were pleased to present a cheque to CST Chief Executive James Toser on the pitch before Borehamwood from profits made from the sale of 74-75 t-shirts. James tells us that this will be used to renew sports equipment for use in the schools’ delivery programme.
• Information Team – We are delighted that Andy Hall and Anna Jenson have massively ramped up our communications activities and we have seen major increases of social engagement across all of our channels including the website, youtube, x and instagram. This has been supplemented by members content including Graeme’s “Blue Army on Manoeuvres” fact pack prior to away games and his first podcast that included interviews with Tobi Sho-Silva and Tim Vine (comedian). Editor John also published a bumper Hit The Bar! fanzine just before the Woking game. CW – positive feedback provided as it has been noticeable the increase in content and information from the London Branch. DB – The hits on the website have seen a significant increase.
• Membership – We are delighted that our membership is currently at an all-time high and that member retention is in excess of 98%.
South Cumbria Supporters Club - Andrew George
• Away Day Travel. Next planned trip: Altrincham. Numbers are struggling due to the decision not to source tickets for members this season (caused by uncertainty around CUFC allocations). Reflection: this may stem from the supporter's club previously taking responsibility for tickets rather than focusing solely on travel. NC – offer of support by the Club, AG to discuss with Lucy Weston.
• Membership - current membership: approx. 80. Numbers are close to last year’s totals.
• Events. Peter Beardsley Evening scheduled for November. Organisation being led by others due myself having employment project commitments.
• Member Questions & Remarks not yet discussed:
1) CUTV Concerns: Perceived decline in quality despite subscription support. Lack of creative content – current format feels repetitive. Suggested new features to improve fan engagement: The Friendship Test, Player vs Player Cook-off, “A Day in the Life” of staff or players (e.g. David Mitchell, Mark Hughes, Nigel Clibbens, Marc Tierney), Club podcast with current/former players (audible and/or visual), Matchday experience with a fan, Where Are They Now” series. NC – CUTV improvement is a priority.
2) Social Media: Content also felt to have declined this season; one Wealdstone video was highlighted as “embarrassing.”
3) Pop-Up Shop: The new fan zone club shop received positive feedback – seen as a great idea.
Warwick Road End - Sonny Kirkwood
• Comments not yet discussed:
1) First off from us, there hasn’t been any trouble (that we know of) caused for the opening three home games - hopefully it will stay that way.
2) The atmosphere has been a lot better than last season, but there is still room for improvement. Encouraging people to join in when the game is ‘boring’ or the players aren’t performing at 100% is the hardest part.
3) We also moved the drum to the left of the goal instead and think that this is has helped the atmosphere as people (who have stayed on the right) still join in as well as now the people on the left side too.
Any other business:
• JK remarked and welcomed the improved engagement he has noticed within CUSG in the past year. NC – It is important the groups are as strong as they can be and welcomed the joint working. We look forward to the Heritage Group coming on board too.
Next meeting: 13/10/2025 at 7pm.
