# FAB Meeting Minutes - 20 November 2024 Date: 2024-11-20 Location: Premier Lounge, Oakwell Stadium PDF: https://images.gc.barnsleyfcservices.co.uk/8fdc9f60-bd62-11ef-9962-afabe92d70b0.pdf 1 Barnsley FC Fan Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Date of Meeting Wednesday 20th November 2024 Location Premier Lounge, Oakwell Stadium Time 6 pm Meeting Objective(s) Attendance Present Apologies John Bird - JB Phil Hall - PH Heather Linney - HL Steve Brain - SB Robin Harris - RH Claire Calton - CC Darren Hayes – DH (departed prior to Agenda Item 7) Kelly Drury - KD Curtis Ledger – CL (Online) Jon Flatman - JF Martin Wilson - MW Paul Gallagher – PG (Online) Dominic Wood - DW Andy Gaskell – AG (Minutes) Rob Zuk - RZ Agenda, Discussions, Issues Topic / Discussion Notes Discussion led by Chair’s Welcome KD KD welcomed everyone to the meeting. Agenda Item 1. - Actions from previous meeting (October 2024) RAG Rated (Red, Amber, Green) KD Double check catering offers raised with Cameron. There is currently an issue with offers on the till system. Cameron has raised this with the system providers, and they are looking for a solution. JB Next Meeting: Ongoing Speak to JF about putting a piece in the Chronicle with regards the financial standing of BFC after the financial results are release. JB ASAP: Ongoing Find the financial framework discussed in The Price of Football that simplifies club finances for the average fan. PG Next Meeting: Ongoing Session to show form/ Issue Tracker. PG Teams Meeting: Ongoing Create website and demo to FAB. PG ASAP: Ongoing Reach out to Wrexham CAB (Club Advisory Board) regarding links to NYD Fixture, Wrexham AFC rather than CAB responded, so parked this action for foreseeable. AG: Complete Safety query that was raised by supporter Daniel Simms addressed comprehensively. JF: Complete Come up with ideas for videos and send them to John ALL: Complete Agenda Item 2. - Previous minutes ALL The Minutes of the September and October FAB Meetings have now been signed off pending publication on BFC Website. SB highlighted an admin error in the order of Minutes as presented on the website, JB rectified the error during the meeting. No Specific Actions for the log recorded for Agenda Item 2. 2 Agenda Item 3. – FanZone Update RZ RZ gave a comprehensive overview of early stage drawings/plans relating to the FanZone. RZ’s update outlined the following: • FanZone will be sited in the East Stand/Ponte End (South Stand) corner resulting in some existing car park space being lost to this new development. • Option 1 would be a Stack type Shipping Container FanZone. • Option 2 would be a Teepee type FanZone. Following RZ’s update overview of the Fan Zone development, there followed the opportunity for additional discussions and queries: JF explained that the Fan Zone was the single biggest budgetary element of the Capital Expenditure programme through Barnsley MBC at Oakwell. Furthermore, JF outlined the need to balance cost/quality/timeframe considerations with planning regulations and this has accordingly shaped the designs that have been devised for the FanZone. DW raised a question about potential expansion of the FanZone and if its capacity has the potential to be upped and future proofed with a possible extension longer term. JF explained that capacity of the FanZone is constrained by realities of planning regulations and a test event before the area becomes fully operational for the initial maximum capacity, in the first instance . JF made clear that the ambitions for the FanZone are to provide an enhance d fan experience, as well as generate revenue and if a success, p otential future expansion would be a fantastic outcome. JF also explained that drainage consideration s were a critical issue in the design of the FanZone with the two current options that are being considered. RH queried if the FanZone could be part of an al l year round offer linked to Major football tournaments such as Euros/World Cup. JF & RZ both explained that this was a possibility but dependent on Licensing for both Food and beverage services. RZ confirmed that the aspiration in meeting planning protocols by February 2024, would mean that at a 14 week construction turnaround, the Fan Zone could be operational by the final Home game of the season (Saturday 26th April v Shrewsbury) subject to all potential slippages associated with a construction project such as this. CL made an observation about Option 1 ‘Shipping Container’ appearing to offer both more ground space and general clearance than the Option 2 ‘Teepee’ which was acknowledged in further discussion amongst the group. No Specific Actions for the log recorded for Agenda Item 3. Agenda Item 4. – Safe Standing Consultation at Oakwell JF JF formally consulted the Fan Advisory Board during Agenda Item 4, on Safe Standing at Oakwell. • Provision will be made for 500 ‘Safe Standing’ rail installation Seats in Ponte End (South Stand) block OR1 (all the way from front to back of this block for the avoidance of doubt). • A reciprocal 500 ‘Safe Standing’ rail installation Seats will be installed in the North Stand where Visiting Supporters are housed as part of ‘Safe Standing’ protocols. • Whilst the logistics of the rail installation to facilitate ‘Safe Standing’ is relatively simple, it was important that sight line work ensured views from the Disabled stand would not be compromised as a result of the rail installation. PG asked for clarification on the communication to those season ticket holders affected by this change to arrangements in the Ponte End (South Stand). Both JF and JB explained how communication to Season Ticket holders on this change would be robust and clear with direct comms and an online acknowledgement of t hese arrangements in addition. All FAB members in attendance, unanimously acknowledged the formal ‘Safe Standing’ consultation to the group from Barnsley FC in Agenda Item 4. 3 Agenda Item 5. – Seats on East Stand Stairs CC CC highlighted issues for supporters climbing the main stairwell particularly in the East Stand at Oakwell and the potential for ‘res pite’ areas with seating to be made available to supporters. JF was happy to look at the feasibility of this and agreed to liaise with the club’s Safety Officer, Paul Davis (PD), on this. Action Log Agenda Item 5: JF to liaise with PD on the feasibility of ‘respite’ areas. Agenda Item 6. – Matchday Guide RH RH raised the issue of the Family Excellence report highlighting a lack of clarity on food and drink section of the Pre Match Oakwell Guide. There followed a valuable discussion on potential for maps and visual guides to enhance the pre-match guide. KD concluded discussions by suggesting we simply enhance as best as possible what we’ve currently got available via the club as a pre- match guide for home and away supporters and JB agreed to action this moving forward. Action Log Agenda Item 6: JB to enhance existing visitor/Barnsley FC Club guide via the website. Agenda Item 7. – Kids Club RH RH shared with the group considerations when thinking about pre match engagement with younger supporters. PG highlighted inconsistent provision of activity in the ‘Ozone’ at the rear of the Ponte End (South Stand) and potentially how this could be improved through proactive engagement with the Barnsley FC Community Trust. Action Log Agenda Item 7: DW to link with KC at the Barnsley FC Community Trust and report back to the FAB. Agenda Item 8 – Sky TV Statement PH PH stimulated a spirited debate about the merits of a public statement from the FAB in relation to the Sky TV EFL television deal and in particular, the impact on supporters for kick off time changes and associated date changes. Whilst a ric h discussion was had, with representative s from the FAB and the Club being advocates for a range of different perspectives and opinions, no consensus was found on the necessity to release a statement. Accordingly, KD and SB advised no specific action required on this agenda item at this time, but to continue monitoring and reviewing this topic as a FAB as the Football Season progresses. No Specific Actions for the log recorded for Agenda Item 8. Agenda Item 9 – Community Trust Ideas All The group felt this agenda item would be best served through discussions a nd the previously agreed action on Agenda Item 7 of the meeting. No Action required on Agenda Item 9 as will be resolved through Action Log Agenda Item 7: DW to link with KC at the Barnsley FC Community Trust and report back to the FAB Agenda Item 10. – Weekly Questions SB SB extended sincere thanks to JB/JF for his support is responding to a series of questions via the BBS Bulletin Board and a number of positive responses via this forum to JB/JF’s willingness to engage in a transparent way to the questions posted. Action Log Agenda Item 10: SB to continue linking in with JB/JF on engagement with the BBS Bulletin Board on an ongoing basis. 4 Agenda Item 11. – Auracast: Bluetooth PH PH disseminated a paper on Auracast direct audio Streaming Technology, which he has been made aware of as a result of his work and links with RNID (National Hear Loss Charity). This Bluetooth technology could be a game changer for commentary options particularly for visually impaired supporters. Initial discussion around cost base and implementation in the context of existing infrastructure in the West Stand was positive, and it was agreed for feasibility work on the potential for Auracast to be installed at Oakwell by club representation attending this FAB meeting. Action Log Agenda Item 11. JF/RZ/JB to undertake preliminary feasibility work as to potential to install Auracast technology at Oakwell. Agenda Item 12. – Meetings up to May 2025 JB Proposed future 2025 FAB Meeting Dates circulated by JB (post this meeting) • Thursday 16th January 2025 • Tuesday 11th February 2025 • Thursday 13th March 2025 • Tuesday 15th April 2025 • Tuesday 6th May 2025 No Specific Actions for the log recorded for Agenda Item 12. Agenda Item 13. – Any Other Business (AOB) All • MW followed up on an enquiry from a visually impaired supported which led to further discussion about alternative commentaries and an action for follow up. • PG asked a question about Capital Expenditure works on the West Stand, which JF was able to respond explaining gutter repair work using a cherry picket on the pitch at the end of the season was a priority alongside upgrades to the concourse food and beverage areas of this stand. • MW queried the sale of Zero Alcohol products on match day, JF explained sales were poor and there was no basis upon which to make this product offering. • JF updated on a number of developments: - Matt Bailey commentator discussions are ongoing. - Club App ready to go awaiting relevant approvals. - ‘Oakwell Update’ Podcast episodes now available including from Spotify. - Catering App/QR code trial period is in further consideration. • JB Park n Ride/Matchday shuttle bus feasibility work ongoing. • DW queried if the club were involved with DWP Careers Pathways back into work, which JF confirmed was indeed the case • PG advised happy to updated the FAB contact form to reflect any new FAQs. Action Log Agenda Item 13. MW to link with JB on clear info on local radio alternative commentaries on BFC Website PG to update the FAB contact form to reflect any new FAQs. Close – 8.00 pm Action Items Action Log Responsible Due Date Action Log Agenda Item 5: JF to liaise with PD on the feasibility of ‘respite’ areas. JF December FAB Meeting Action Log Agenda Item 6: JB to enhance existing visitor/Barnsley FC Club guide via the website. JB December FAB Meeting Action Log Agenda Item 7: DW to link with KC at the Barnsley FC Community Trust and report back to the FAB. DW December FAB Meeting Action Log Agenda Item 10: SB to continue linking in with JB/JF on engagement with the BBS Bulletin Board on an ongoing basis. SB/JB/JF Ongoing Action Log Agenda Item 11. JF/RZ/JB to undertake preliminary feasibility work as to potential to install Auracast technology at Oakwell. JF/RZ/JB December FAB Meeting Action Log Agenda Item 13. MW to link with JB on clear info on local radio alternative commentaries on BFC Website. MW/JB December FAB Meeting Action Log Agenda Item 13. PG to update the FAB contact form to reflect any new FAQs. PG December FAB Meeting Next Meeting 5 Date: Tues 17.12.2024 Time: 6.30 pm Location: F2F @ OAKWELL Online Available Proposed 2025 Future FAB Meetings: Thursday 16th January 2025 Tuesday 11th February 2025 Thursday 13th March 2025 Tuesday 15th April 2025 Tuesday 6th May 2025 Source: https://fab.barnsleyfc.co.uk/meetings/2024-11-20