Following the launch of our first-ever Supporter Engagement Plan, we are pleased to confirm further details on the application process for joining the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB).
The SAB will be made up of appointed and elected representatives from various supporter groups, club officials and independent members, ensuring a balanced and diverse perspective when it comes to decision-making processes.
With meetings focused on key areas impacting the supporter experience, community engagement and the club's strategic direction, the SAB will provide recommendations to senior leadership, promoting transparency and accountability.
As such, we are now accepting applications for the following SAB representatives:
1. Disability Representative
Criteria:
Personal experience: A lived experience of disability (whether physical, sensory, cognitive or mental health-related) or a primary caregiver to someone with a disability.
Understanding of accessibility issues: Knowledge of accessibility challenges faced by disabled supporters at football matches and within the broader football community.
Advocacy skills: A passion for advocating for the rights and needs of disabled individuals, with experience in promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Community involvement: Active in the disability community, either through participation in related organisations or personal advocacy work.
2. Women & Girls Representative
Criteria:
Supporter status: Should be an active supporter of the club, ideally with regular attendance at matches.
Understanding of gender issues: An understanding of the specific challenges women and girls face in the football community, including safety, representation and equality.
Advocacy & leadership: Experience in advocating for women and girls’ rights, whether in sports or another industry, and a willingness to lead initiatives to enhance their involvement in football.
Community engagement: Engaged in activities or organisations that support women and girls, particularly in sports or community development.
3. Minority Groups Representative
Criteria:
Representation: Must identify as a member of an ethnic, racial or cultural minority group.
Experience in diversity & inclusion: Experience in advocating for or supporting minority groups within the community, with an understanding of the barriers these groups face in football.
Cultural awareness: A strong understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of representation in sports.
Active participation: Active engagement with minority communities, with a track record of involvement in initiatives or programs that support diversity and inclusion.
4. Family Representative
Criteria:
Family-Oriented: Must regularly attend matches with family members, particularly children, to represent the interests of families who support the club.
Understanding of family needs: An understanding of the challenges and needs of families attending football matches, such as pricing, facilities and matchday experience.
Advocacy for family-friendly initiatives: Experience in or a commitment to promoting family- friendly initiatives within the club and wider community.
Community Involvement: Involved in family-related activities or groups, such as parent associations, family clubs or community events.
5. Under-21 Representative
Criteria:
Age Requirement: Must be under the age of 21 at the time of application.
Active Supporter: Regularly attends matches and participates in club activities.
Youth perspective: Able to articulate the interests, concerns and needs of young supporters, with an understanding of how the club can engage with and support younger supporters.
Engagement with youth communities: Active within youth networks, such as schools, universities, youth clubs or online supporter communities.
6. Over-55 Representative
Criteria:
Age Requirement: Must be aged 55 or older at the time of application.
Long-term supporter: Ideally has a long history of supporting the club, with insights into how the club has evolved over time.
Understanding of senior needs: Able to articulate the needs and concerns of older supporters, particularly around accessibility, matchday experience and social inclusion.
Community involvement: Active in senior communities or groups, with a commitment to enhancing the experience of older supporters at the club.
General criteria for all representatives:
Passion for the club: A deep commitment to Port Vale, with a genuine interest in representing the
views of their respective group.
Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively with both the supporter base and the club’s management.
Team player: Willingness to work collaboratively with other SAB members and club officials. Commitment: Willing to commit the necessary time and effort to fulfill the role, including attending SAB meetings and representing the group at events.
To submit an application, please complete this form by 13 September 2024.
Members will be selected through an application and interview process, with interviews to take place during w/c 23 September 2024 (subject to change).
The interview panel will be comprised of independent individuals who are passionate about Port Vale, with all applications treated with strict confidentiality.
Once elected, successful applicants will be accompanied on the Board by appointed representatives from various groups.
To view the 2024/25 Supporter Engagement Plan in full, click here!
*Please note, all members will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. The Supporter Advisory Board will not be involved in on-pitch football matters.
