Monday 21 September 2026 - 7pm
Attendees: John Kukuc (Chair), Simon Clarkson (SLO), Claire Winder (Supporters’ Trust), Andrew George (South Cumbria Supporters Club), Claire Burgess (Away Travel & SLO), Dave Brown (London Branch/Minutes), Suzanne Kidd (CUFC), Keith Ward (Scottish Supporters’ rep), Tom Little (CUFC), Tom Lawrence (CUFC), Rebecca Cook (Heritage Group), George Peto (Supporters Trust Member)
Apologies: Teresa Mulholland (CUFC EDI & Mental Health Officer), Sonny Kirkwood (Section 4), David Gale (Disabled Group)
- Club Updates
Full club update attached HERE!
Fan’s Behaviour
Section 4 Pioneer Stand
SK reported that there has been verbal and physical abuse including to elderly and vulnerable fans by a small but significant number of fans in the singing area – Section 4 of the Pioneer Stand. This seems mostly restricted to young fans between 15-17. Others confirmed that they have seen and experienced this behaviour.
SK said that the club have been forced to add additional stewards and police to the area to counter this which adds substantial costs.
SK emphasised that the club were very much in favour of the singing section and did not want to move straight to banning orders, but the behaviour must improve quickly. Initially meetings will be held with the perpetrators and their parents.
ALL agreed that this behaviour should not be tolerated and that they would support club efforts to eradicate it.
TL will upload a webpage by Wednesday 23rd September outlining expected behaviour in the singing section modelled on one that has worked at Ipswich.
Paddock
There was also personal abuse aimed at players, coaches and officials from areas around the tunnel. Again, this was agreed as unacceptable although had improved between the Southend game and FGR.
ALL agreed to email SK with any suggestions re behaviour.
TL will look to promote the discrete reporting telephone/text number and investigate an easier name rather than long number.
Other key items from Club Update report not on agenda
Jacob Blain now confirmed as Recruitment Lead.
Kit – Sales going well. Top up orders arriving for Xmas. Discussion starting re 27/28 kit.
Club is planning a junior event during October half term. More details to follow.
Fan Zone has been well supported for the matches we have shown there. As weather changes we will look to stream in one of the lounges instead.
- Club answers to CUSG Questions
- Brightness of led advertising during evening matches. This has been noted and the commercial department are going to speak with the LED operators to ensure the brightness is adjusted in future evening matches.
- East Stand Wheelchair areas and LED boards. There are no plans to lower the LED’s – they are a fixed structure so we can’t lower the height of them. This area was approved by the SAG. We maybe need to be more mindful of which fans we put in there. WRE offers a much better viewing area and much better facilities than East Stand.
- Disabled Emergency Evacuation – we have SAG approved plans for such events. The Safety Officer is away but I will get a copy and forward to DG.
- When are the regular updates going to start? This has been raised multiple times in CUSG including 3 times by the Trust, with the feedback being "soon" - can there be a more definite answer. September
- What happens with the feedback questionnaire? Can we be told what has been actioned? – we get about 200-300 responses each week. Responses are shared with department heads and trends are monitored over the course of the season.
- There have been issues with the singing section e.g. people unable/not wanting to stand being in the standing area. Can it be advertised more who stands where? It was better organised for the trial of it. See above comments in ‘Game’ in full report.
- Would the club consider a sensory room with a view of the pitch? Unfortunately, we don’t have any such space in view of the pitch available although the club is looking at creating a sensory space as part of longer term plans.
- Concern regarding injuries, any thoughts about the slope up & down onto the training pitch? Nothing has been raised by first team – there are steps and a flat road to the training pitch also.
- Flexi Card no longer available- Alternative incentives, memberships and flexible ticketing options are being explored through the ticketing strategy.
- Lights in WRE seem bright – We can’t change the brightness on those lights – they are fixed and either on or off. I will need to speak with facilities and safety team to see if there is anything we can do on these.
- Can CUSG meeting minutes please continue to be published on the CUSG page of the Carlisle United website, including the outstanding minutes from the last meeting? Yes – we can sort this out.
- Club answers to additional CUSG Questions on the night
CW – will the monthly owners update definitely start in Sept? TL - Yes
SC – will the floodlights be upgraded? SK -long-term project agreed part-funded by Football Foundation.
- Fan Engagement Strategy - TL
TL will publish “Fan Engagement Strategy” in October. This will have 5 pillars:
- Consolidating existing initiatives
- Year-round engagement
- Coherent cross-club experience
- Targeting underrepresented groups (e.g., women)
- Rewarding loyalty more cohesively.
There will be a communications calendar to accompany it, showing fans all engagement touchpoints in one timeline.
SC and CW suggested to better communicate the "we listened, we acted" loop — TL acknowledged this is an area where successes are undersold.
CW asked if there was still a “Her Game Too” rep. KW confirmed that Natalie is still there. SK/TL to check if this can be improved with Natalie.
- Fan’s Forums
TL confirmed there will be two fans’ forums per year going forward
KW and AG requested that one of these should be outside Carlisle e.g. South Cumbria, South Scotland, West Cumbria.
Tom Law – He had assumed 2 in Carlisle, but now will consider rotating locations outside Carlisle.
DB – requested that there is online streaming for London Branch members and for all fans who can’t make it to Cumbria.
- Hall of Fame
TL - Not disbanded, but stalled.
ALL – expressed disappointment that it hasn’t progressed in two seasons.
ALL– Flagged as a priority to move forward this year.
7. Equality, Diversity and Disabled
Full EDI report from TM attached HERE!
TM was unable to attend but will be re-arranging her commitments to attend to future meetings. DG was also unable to attend due to illness but sent in the below report.
Lighting Issues
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the FGR match, but I have seen numerous comments on social media regarding the stadium lighting, particularly the brightness of the digital advertising hoardings. Several supporters reported that the lights were distracting and, in some cases, so bright that they affected their ability to watch the game comfortably.
Has the club received any feedback or complaints regarding this issue, and if so, is anything being done to address it?
In addition, during the match coverage, Paul Huntington mentioned that the floodlights are due to be upgraded. Can the club confirm whether any floodlight improvements are planned and, if so, provide an update on the proposed timescales?
Warwick Road End Access
Following concerns about wheelchair users accessing the Warwick Road End from the Paddock side, I raised the issue with Tim, our Safety Officer. The problem came to a head on one matchday when Nigel (SLO) and I had to ask stewards to use discretion and allow access via an alternative route. A solution has now been agreed whereby disabled supporters can use the gate at the rear of the Warwick Road End and ask a steward for entry. This worked well at the Southend game and should prevent further issues.
East Stand Wheelchair Viewing Area
At the Scunthorpe match, a young wheelchair user left at half-time due to poor visibility from the East Stand wheelchair area. Given her age, she struggled to see the match and understandably became upset. Her mother raised the issue with both Teresa and me.
The club responded quickly by providing complimentary tickets in the Warwick Road End for the Southend game. I sat with the family and spoke to them directly. They had a much better experience and will likely purchase a half-season ticket in that area when available. It was disappointing to hear about the original issue, especially as the young supporter had been so excited and engaged at the opening game of the season.
Wheelchair Area Improvements
I have heard discussions about potentially lowering or adjusting the advertising hoardings to improve sightlines. Can this be confirmed?
During the Southend game, I also spoke with a wheelchair user and former member of staff who highlighted concerns about the narrow access route and poor condition of the paving in this area. As someone using a relatively small wheelchair, I found access difficult myself. It would be worth reviewing whether the access width and surface meet recommended accessibility standards and whether improvements can be considered in the future.
Emergency Evacuation
Nigel (SLO) raised an important question regarding emergency evacuation from the Warwick Road End wheelchair area. If a fire or other incident occurred near the main access point, such as around the catering kiosk, how would wheelchair users evacuate safely? It would be useful to understand what provisions are currently in place.
Positive Feedback
Prior to the Southend game, a supporter contacted Teresa regarding mobility difficulties and concerns about standing on the terrace. The club was able to reserve seating for them, and they later sent a very positive email praising the assistance provided and the support from the stewarding team.
“Just wanted to say had an absolutely amazing experience in Carlisle. Seats were reserved (I note it wasn’t just me that had asked as there were others too) and to a man every member of staff were incredible. Parking team were great with Blue Badges, the guys round the outside of the ground signposting and welcoming us after long drives, the chaps doing the searches going in were good humoured and then inside the ground the stewards I noticed offering to help (including me) for those less abled as well as staff coming round acknowledging the long trip up.
I think I had a perception it wasn’t going to be great and I’m adult enough to say that couldn’t have been more wrong and it was nothing other than outstanding.”
This is excellent feedback and reflects well on everyone involved.
The club has also supported a supporter undergoing cancer treatment who, due to a weakened immune system, is unable to sit within the general crowd. The supporter and her son have been accommodated in the away wheelchair area, allowing them to attend matches while maintaining a degree of separation from others. This is another positive example of the club putting supporters first.
Parking
Finally, while not strictly a disability issue, I would like to highlight a parking concern.
At the Southend game, a supporter with a £200 parking pass found another pass holder parked in their allocated space. This resulted in a complaint and, from what I understand, a request for a refund. It appears the other supporter chose a different space for convenience rather than using their allocated bay. This issue has been resolved, and the supporter now has their pass and bay.
8. Calendar of Events and Projects
KW – United in memories this Friday 24th Sept. They had 42 attending last month.
CW – we should look to commit to the 1st home game in 27/28 being “in memoriam” and the 2nd home game “Retro Shirts”. Commitment in advance would enable better promotion.
9. Memory Garden Funding
The final piece for the memory garden has been designed and ordered. This will go in the top left corner of the upper level. A 5’ natural monolith commemorative stone engraved with a veterans’ themed logo has been ordered from Honister Slate at a cost of £1500, which is a heavily discounted price. The Veterans Group will be fundraising but may not reach the target in the two months available before the planned unveiling at the Remembrance Day fixture on 14 November.
This briefing note is merely to act as a discussion point for CUSG to consider helping financially, should as is likely, the Veterans Group need assistance.
SC – asked for CUSG to support if the Veterans were unable to reach the £1500 target.
CW – asked if the Veterans had a “Go Fund Me “account.
DB – said that the London Branch, and I am sure other groups, would be happy to support the group but also, and possibly more important, promote a “Go funding page” to our members.
SC – will talk to the Veterans’ group and provide details to CUSG.
10. Finance
Full accounts attached provided by Michelle Hall.
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| £1,596.73 |
11. SLO Update
Simon Clarkson and Claire Burgess
The SLO team of meeters and greeters at Brunton Park all provide a warm welcome and support any fans who have any queries on a matchday. The visiting community groups in A stand are given a mini pitchside tour by the SLO team where they answer questions from the 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.
Away from home, Claire Burgess provides tremendous support on matchdays to our fans, ranging from excellent quality pre-match information, an at stadium visibility, liaison with our hosts and being the family liaison for the away mascot scheme. Claire is again working with London Branch to facilitate the away mascots this season. It is great to see the young supporters having a fab matchday. A special shout out to staff at Yeovil who really pulled the stops out.
This season, fan information regarding away fixtures is on Microsoft sway and the feedback is extremely positive. Claire will be contacting clubs throughout the season to see if the ground will be segregated for those that are unable to stand. Keith Elliott continues to provide great support with social media.
Most away clubs have replied with good quality information that is also readily available on their website and sometimes additional information is provided. For example, we were able to advise our fans that Eastleigh were opening up a fan zone for all fans as a trial and providing some free pints as well.
The SLO team can be contacted on X at @CUFC_SLO
CB – Said that Eastleigh had loved our fanzone and decided to copy it. They opened it at our away match there.
12. Group Updates
Heritage Group
Provided by Derek Paterson
The Carlisle United Heritage Group (CUHG) maintain display cabinets outside the ticket office and at the Brampton Road UoC campus where the archive is based.
We aspire to install displays at Brunton Park and in other locations across the city. Discussions are taking place regarding a display in the library.
We receive many requests for information from the public, and this aspect is a real joy as we regularly provide information and photos. We also work with other heritage groups with one interesting project being the collaboration with the Catholic Heritage Group, to look at the history of the Devonshire Park site.
To help promote our work, we had a presence in the Trust’s gazebo at the Retro Shirt Day at Brunton Park, where we showcased a selection of shirts from the archive.
We will be contributing to the United in Memories sessions going forward and this season we will have a page in the programme featuring former players.
We are supporting upcoming events at the Harraby Catholic Club on 26 September (Reeves and Wadsworth) and at the Box Arena on 13 November (Walling and Bridges) by putting on a display of material.
We are developing a website and now have over 1100 followers of our Facebook page where details of both events can be found:
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, need any information held or can help with any aspect of this project, please contact archives@carlisleunited.co.uk
RC added-
Retro Shirt Day held recently — well received, but pre-event media coverage was considered insufficient; suggestion to use CUTV/YouTube with former players discussing shirts next year.
2005–06 season footage shown pre-match received strong fan feedback; plan to repeat for the 12.30 Kidderminster fixture.
Mugs with heritage logo now on sale to begin generating income for the group.
University of Cumbria collaboration progressing — students to assist with digitisation and player interview recordings.
Section 4
No representative available
Scottish Supporters – Keith Ward
There has been a few comments regarding the lights being on in the Warwick Road end affecting vision due to how bright they shine .
Likewise on Tuesday night there were numerous reports that it was hard to differentiate between the teams when play was in front of the East Stand when watching from the West Stand, and to be honest, I was one of them and initially thought it was just me. Particularly when the yellow display was on.
Others have said that they are too bright at the Waterworks end and you can just see silhouettes from the Warwick Road End .
Someone is querying the owner/ leadership monthly bulletin which was initially due to start in February. Bearing in mind we got a lower fan engagement mark recently this may help.
Supporters’ Trust – Claire Winder
Our latest newsletter: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/EdGWAFKD2OwgI6QG?ref=Link&loc=play
There was missing detail from last meeting minutes regarding the Trust involvement in the walk out music. We were asked to gauge opinion from fans last summer, we did this & the information was then passed, as requested to the football department which didn't use it.
We have a small number of bus seats available for the trip to Fylde - https://www.cust.org.uk/shop/
London Branch – Dave Brown
It has been a lively time football-wise in the south (deliberately not mentioning results) with busy meeting places at Yeovil, Wealdstone, Boreham Wood and Eastleigh. We also watched the Southend and Forest Green games together at the Civil Service Club.
We are looking forward to games coming up at Aldershot, Solihull and Altrincham in October. We have also booked rooms at the Civil Service Club for the Woking home game and the Fylde away game over the next week or so. Remember to let any southern-based members or fans that you know that these TV games are open to ALL Carlisle fans. Email chairman@cusclb.com to book places.
We have agreed and are planning an interview with a very recent ex-player. The last interview we did was with Paul Huntington, which seemed to be well received.
Questions from Branch members
Andy Slee and brother Paul Slee
Although we follow the Blues none of us live close enough to come to every home game (Paul gets to as many Saturday home games as he can) so a Season Ticket is out of the question.
Over recent years, the club ran a flexi-ticket scheme which involved an up-front payment but gave reduced admission to six home games a season. It wasn’t marketed that well, but it was perfect for long distance supporters as it made you feel part of the club and afforded higher status for high demand match tickets.
Sadly, the flexi card is not running this season, for a reason that hasn’t really been explained. Nothing has been put in place to replace it.
Can anything be done to reinstate and relaunch the flexi card for many long-distance supporters who can’t make every match. It seems the perfect way to engage them at a time when support has never been more needed.
South Cumbria Supporters Club – Andrew George
Travel:
Since the previous CUSG meeting,
- Ran a minibus to the home match against Southend United.
- Ran a small people carrier travelling to Eastleigh.
- Has planned coach travel to AFC Fylde and Solihull Moors.
CUTV – Supporter Feedback
CUTV continues to generate a number of comments from supporters rather than specific questions.
One comment which we felt was particularly relevant was that the longer CUTV remains an underdeveloped product which is largely used as a dumping ground for uncategorised videos, the harder it may become to persuade previous subscribers to return if Carlisle United does eventually introduce new or improved content.
From a personal perspective, I have now cancelled my own CUTV subscription because I no longer feel it offers sufficient value to justify continuing it.
13. AOB and Date of Next Meeting
- Next meeting Monday 2 November
- CB to take minutes at next meeting
- JK to start looking for secretary for the group and report progress back to November meeting. All representatives present to invite expressions of interest for this role from members of their respective Groups.
