As football fans, we all want to see our team to win games, climb up the league and progress in cup competitions. We all have our personal opinions on team selection, tactics and even player fitness levels.
However, in reality we will wait a long time before the manager phones any of us to ask for our thoughts on team selection. So how else can we contribute to our club?
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This is why I put myself forward to be part of OUSP last year and was delighted to be appointed.
Over these 12 months, it has been fascinating to see how much work actually goes into making our club tick, from issues including matchday preparations, to new stadium input, as well as the glamorous topics of car park allocations and pigeon roosting!
While the Supporters’ Panel has no power to make the major decisions, it is impressive to see how often the club seeks and listens to our thoughts and opinions. With input from us and other supporter groups, there is a diverse range of opinions and ideas working to improve the overall experience that is Oxford United.
My own experience of the last 12 months has been eye-opening to say the least – I will never look at a pigeon the same way – and has given me a greater appreciation for our club at all levels.
OUSP are continuing to make more people aware that there is an outlet for fans’ feelings and views, both good and not so good, with all opinions welcomed and heard. We are wholeheartedly a force for the fans, which in turn will ultimately benefit us all. Being involved also reassures me that while there are fervent supporters out there, OUFC will continue to go from strength to strength.
#oufc fans can subscribe for £5 for five months during the current flash salehttps://t.co/YioDYL11Rc
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) April 23, 2024
The next couple of years will be pivotal in terms of confirming our new stadium and all the challenges that will certainly bring, and so I would urge fellow Yellows to get involved in all and any ways.
OUSP will shortly be inviting nominations for new panel members to join the Panel for the 2024/25 season.
There are no benefits in terms of payment/discounts, no preferential parking, no behind the scenes access, nor even free biscuits at the monthly meetings for being involved with the group. However, the sense of involvement and pride in working on behalf of supporters of the greatest team in the world (it says so in the chant so it must be true!) is hugely rewarding and so very worth the time that it requires.
So please do not hesitate to get in contact with any of the current members if you would like to know what it is like, and consider stepping forward to be part of the ongoing success of OUFC!
Details of the nomination/election process will be available through the OUSP section of the club website (oufc.co.uk/club/supporters-panel), and on our social media (@OUFCSP). Any questions about the process can be sent to ouspelections@gmail.com