Leicester City Holds Inaugural Meeting Of Fan Advisory Board
- Fan Advisory Board (FAB) of Leicester City meet for the first time
- The group will work closely with the Club on a number of key topics
- Six supporters confirmed as board members after open application process
- Fans Consultative Committee Working Groups set for November meeting
The FAB is a key pillar of the Club’s commitment to the Premier League’s Fan Engagement Standard and forms part of a wider framework aimed at increasing and diversifying the voices representing our community of supporters.
The full framework is outlined in our 2024/25 Fan Engagement Plan, which lays out an accessible structure of opportunities where our supporters can air their views, for those views to be heard and for them to influence decisions that impact the fan experience.
The FAB holds responsibility for turning those views into a strategic focus, meeting with senior Club representatives four times a season to collaborate on important topics, represent supporter interests, promote transparency, and improve communication.
How our FAB was composed
There are six supporter representatives on our FAB, including a Foxes Trust representative, two elected from our most recent Fans Consultative Committee (FCC) and three from an open application process. Further background on the composition of our FAB can be found HERE.
The open application process drew over 100 applications from Season Ticket Holders and Members with a diverse range of backgrounds and professional experience. Eleven candidates were shortlisted and then interviewed by a panel that included representation from LCFC, the Foxes Trust and the Football Supporters' Association, with three candidates finally chosen to complete the FAB line-up. This process ensured a fair and transparent selection of individuals, who will now be tasked with representing the views of all Leicester City supporters during a three-year term.
Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “Our Fan Advisory Board forms an important part of our new framework of supporter engagement, which will enable us to work more closely with our supporters than ever before. Their experience-led insights, passion for the Club and extensive professional expertise, together with this collaboration, will help shape the Club’s future decision making. We extend our thanks to everyone whose hard work and dedication has helped us all take this important step together.
“I would like to offer my particular thanks to the Foxes Trust for their continued collaboration on the development of the FAB and our wider framework, and to Harpreet Robertson of the Football Supporters Association for the important independent advice and recommendations that have helped us to recruit a FAB that will be both representative and strategically productive.”
Ian Bason, Chair of the Foxes Trust, said: “We are pleased that the remit of the Fans Advisory Board is pre-dominantly as put forward by the Foxes Trust. We can also confirm to all fans that the approach taken to select fan representatives on the FAB, with the combination of elections from the FCC and the general application/interview process was a team effort from the Club, the Trust and the FSA, with those chosen providing a balance of different age profiles and skill sets.
“We are also happy to share with fellow fans that the Football Supporters Association felt that the layered approach of the overall Fan Engagement Framework agreed with the Club is the most comprehensive seen to date and with that recognition, the Club should be praised in providing a number of different ways for fans to have dialogue with the Club, all of which will be reviewed by the FAB.”
What was discussed in our first FAB meeting?
In its first meeting this week, the FAB considered topics including:
- The management of the wider engagement framework and appointment of members of our FCC Working Groups
- Our proposed approach to long-term audience growth and access for new fans
- Our approach to online engagement and building community among our fans
- The improvement of regular feedback methods and demonstrating how it leads to change
- Considerations around safe standing at King Power Stadium and mapping out defined steps that will determine a timeline for its potential introduction
- Management of supporter behaviour, particularly on home and away matchdays
- Our engagement in our communities, including discussion around the upcoming holiday season
A summary of the first Fan Advisory Board meeting will be made available to all supporters on lcfc.com by w/c 4 November. For more information on the LCFC FAB, its scope and the Club’s wider engagement framework, our 2024/25 Fan Engagement Plan is available HERE.
Who are the fan representatives on the FAB?
The six chosen supporter representatives of the FAB bring a wealth of experience as well as a deep passion for their Football Club.
Foxes Trust nominated representative:
Ian Bason
Ian was one of the team of fans who set up the Foxes Trust in 2002 to promote transparency, initially through the difficult times of Club administration. He has served as Trust Chairman for over 20 years, encouraging fellow board members to take a proactive approach both with the Club and nationally on a wide range of issues affecting fans, including campaigns on reduced ticket prices, and worked closely with the Club on the creation of Fans Advisory Board and the wider Fan Engagement Framework. Ian has been nominated by fellow FAB members to serve as Co-Chair for the 2024/25 season, alongside LCFC CEO Susan Whelan.
Elected through the Fans’ Consultative Committee (FCC):
Emily Burditt
A lifelong supporter, Emily believes in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, and aims to improve fan experiences, including access to matchday tickets for families. In addition to her football involvement, Emily is dedicated to charity work and her role in the public sector as an Assistant Business Manager for Mental Health Services, where she actively supports the local community. Emily has been nominated by fellow FAB members to chair the Matchday Experience FCC Working Group.
Graeme Smith
Graeme is a Season Ticket Holder of 25 years, has frequently worked with the Club to promote inclusivity and representation, and is passionate about serving the Club and its supporters. As an Executive Principal, Graeme brings strong leadership skills to the FAB and is committed to representing all fans, building consensus, and improving the matchday experience for everyone. Graeme has been nominated be fellow FAB members to chair the LCFC Culture FCC Working Group.
Independent Applicants:
Jo Lee
Jo wants to help improve communication between the Club and its diverse fanbase. With experience as a Managing Director and executive coach, Jo brings strong leadership and communication skills. As a fan across three generations, Jo is committed to fostering inclusivity, supporting fans with hidden disabilities, and helping the Club engage new groups of fans. Through the Fans Advisory Board (FAB), Jo aims to inspire pride, togetherness, and continued success for Leicester City.
Paul Angrave
Paul, is dedicated to strengthening the bond between the Club and its diverse community. With experience in public affairs and belief in the strength of inclusivity, Paul aims to advocate for all fans, including those with disabilities, and support the Club’s community-focused initiatives. Paul is committed to use his skills in communication and relationship-building to ensure positive outcomes for both the Club and its supporters.
Ravi Tara
Ravi is an avid Leicester City fan, who believes the Club’s role in fostering diversity and community spirit. With a background as a director in the financial sector, Ravi aims to use his experience to improve fan engagement, increase access, and represent a diverse range of supporters on the Fans Advisory Board. Ravi’s goal is to strengthen the bond between the Club and its fans, enhancing the matchday experience and promoting inclusivity. Ravi has been nominated by fellow FAB members to chair the Ticketing and Products FCC Working Group.
How can I get in touch with the FAB?
We encourage fans to get in touch with FAB representatives with their thoughts and feedback.
To contact an FAB representative, email FAB@lcfc.co.uk.
FAB members will have visibility of correspondence submitted but, as volunteers donating their time to represent the fanbase, it may not be possible for all correspondence to receive a personal reply from a FAB member. However, all views will be taken into consideration when shaping strategic focus for discussion in the engagement framework. We kindly ask all contact to be made in a respectful manner.
FCC Working Groups - Enhancing Fan Engagement
In addition to the FAB, we are excited to confirm the establishment of the Fans' Consultative Committee (FCC) Working Groups. These groups will focus on improving the operational aspects of the fan experience, with the first meeting scheduled for Wednesday 20 November.
Supporters that originally applied to join the Fan Advisory Board were also considered for the FCC Working Groups, along with supporters that applied exclusively for the FCC Working Groups. Successful applicants for the 12 independent positions have now been ratified by the FAB and notified by the Club.
Each working group will be chaired by a FAB member and will benefit from contributions from the Club’s six primary supporter groups (Official Supporters Club, Foxes Trust, Union FS, Foxes Pride, LCFC DSA and LCFC Women’s Official Supporters Club). Our 12 independent fans and our Supporter Group representatives will contribute to each working group on a rotational basis across the season.
For more information on Fan Engagement at Leicester City Football Club, please click HERE.