BANTAMS SUPPORTERS TRUST

In attendance from the Club were Ryan Sparks (RS) – Club CEO and Liam Mould (LM) – Fan Engagement Officer. Representing the Supporters Trust there was Manny Dominguez (MD – Chair and Helen Jeffrey No apologies were given. Minutes from last meeting were agreed. Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club on Monday 10 th Aug. We last met on June 1 st , so as ever, as we approach the new season, there was still a lot to catch up on. So, without further ado lets dive into it. Season ticket breakdown The Trust asked for a breakdown of the latest season ticket figures ahead of the start of the new season. Ryan confirmed that the announcement for the tally was to be on Friday 14th August to coincide with start of the season. on the website, here . A total of 16,352 season tickets have been sold ahead of our 2026/27 League One campaign, an increase of 326 on the total this time last year – A Club record! Looking at the figures in detail, broadly speaking it is a positive that the figures have grown in all areas of sales, and looking those who have renewed it is an achievement to have such an increase on last season – 14,203 compared with 13,089, the numbers increased (1,823) considerably on those not renewing (472) compared with last season. Also increases on last season for under 24’s – 1,160 over, 1,047 respectively were not as big as those increases in those under 17’s – 1,566 this season compared with 1,388 last season. It shows the marked increase due to the frozen prices in that area. Also in the increases of new season ticket sales, they fell, 2,149, compared with 2,937 last season. Failure to get promoted will have played it’s part in those deciding to buy and renew as well. Season ticket Allocations All hard copy (card) season tickets went out up to and including 7th August. Any issues to be reported to the ticket office staff. The Club want to phase out the card. Technical issues had slowed down virtual (email) tickets. RS discussed the future of season tickets and a scenario whereby the ticket could disappear and the service would become a rolling subscription with the facility to opt in or out. 61% of season ticket holders already pay direct debit. The example of having other direct debits for energy bills, Council Tax or TV subscriptions, and paying for your seat at football would be just like paying any other bill. We asked about consultation before decisions are made. This LM and RS both agreed would need consultation. MD was unsure about this as a long-term solution, noting people don't like change. Liam echoed this but also said progress needs to happen. Reciprocal deals In terms of matching the gate costs, Ryan stated that this would have an impact on home and away fans. Pricing would become messy and he didn't want to do to Sheffield Wednesday what they have done to us. MD agreed and said that a Sheffield local paper had emailed the Trust asking for a comment. However, MD explained that reciprocal deals wasn’t about reciprocating existing prices, but instead, attempting to lower them. He explained that the method of reaching a reciprocal deal arrangement was firstly about contacting other Clubs within our division and seeing if other Clubs were willing to participate in reduce prices for their fixtures with us, and if they are, then we would reciprocate the offer for their fans when they visit Valley Parade. Fans would see great value in this idea. Affordable football reflects financial performance RS said and talked about the running costs and season tickets and stated pricing and low pricing could never be guaranteed. Mascots We also raised the price of mascot package, because we felt the price of becoming one has become out of reach for ordinary families, see prices here . We felt that perhaps children that don’t have the best opportunities in life could have the opportunity to get to a match and do it in style by being a mascot. LM liked the idea, and HJ raised the idea of children in social care as an example of those who wouldn’t normally be able to get the opportunity to be able to get one. Matchday: Food & drink queues on the concourse The club are going to increase capacity this season. The old betting kiosks are going to be used for food/drink going forward to aid congestion, format to be confirmed, hopefully 5 more. They could just be for alcohol. Food choices RS said we’re hoping to see changes on the concourses with Tiffin. Upstairs in the suites we have Northern Kitchen. HJ felt there has been a lack of media & fan engagement over suite foods. RS said that they are going to test menus early doors and any poor sellers will not be put on again. He said It's hoped the food in the suites will be better to anything we’ve had before. We discussed briefly that the electrics in the Kiosks need upgrading which would allow chips being served – the number one favourite request in our surveys. This has now happened in the Morrisons Family Stand – offering loaded chips too. Stadium improvements We have the revamped the 2013 suite and renamed it the Victory Suite, the Legends Suite is now the players lounge and the 1911 Bar has been converted into two boxes and private bar area. These have been prices at approximately £17k and have sold out in a very short period of time. They cost £70k to refit There are other areas of the ground like the floodlights, the PA system and putting fibre in the pitch to do but will have to wait until next season It was mentioned how the infrastructure was 20 years behind and not very welcoming. The Club are investing bit by bit every season. The issue of having to prioritise of investment in the stadium, which competes with investing in the team was talked about too. In the stands all the seats have now been re-seated. Family / Father and daughter toilets HJ stated that she had seen Dad/children using the disabled toilet in West Stand, but no changing station available. LM said they had been looking into improving baby changing facilities but they would come at a 4 figure cost. LM had discussed the idea of converting some disability toilets where they could add a baby changing facility into it, but it would lose its disability status doing that. He raised the idea if raising the money through supporter funds. HJ also raised hygiene was also a concern when using the toilets. Club matchday activities in other stands and Trust stall LM raised that we now have Bronte Bantam to pair up with Billy Bantam, introduced to be inclusive for the girls coming to football to promote the girls game. The name Bronte is a nod to Bradford City of Culture, Strong Women in history and locality. The two mascots cost to sponsor is £20K and that has happened LM also discussed West Stand Sub Soccer Zone, or Junior Bantams Game Zone area – a sit-down area of physical activity and a rebranded gaming zone. LM said that they will try rotation of activities in the Main Stand to the Midland Rd stand. MD asked if we can rotate the stall to the Midland Rd. LM agreed and said we also have the Northwest Corner as an option as well. There will be a new away supporters fan-zone at Saltaire Brewery, Shipley this season. Heritage: Mural idea MD raised the idea of a mural of past and present heroes in the dressing room or a design, a tribute to Bobby Campbell and others could go on the concourse of the Midland Road. LM offered the idea that supporter populated areas would be what we would go for. LM thought a collaboration with us and the club would be great PR for both organisations and we could do it as a donation-based option, e.g. £20 per person and All sponsors would be able to chip in. Names of supporters donating would be named in a press release on it’s completion. LM said it would be £695+ for a small area. This shows that City are covering the dull grey spaces and fans can sponsor. Improving our Structured Dialogue / Fan Engagement MD explained that whilst our statement and details of meetings with the Club were on the website, the PDF image appeared to be of a low resolution so didn’t show well. LM said that this can be rectified We also raised suggested that The Burns Unit Collection and Memorial could be another ‘Working Group’ to ensure an improved fan engagement and bigger funds raised when they come round each year. MD also said that the Governance meeting hadn’t been as consistent over the course of last season. Football Governance and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) The Club have signed up to be a pilot Club, 1 out of 10, to sign up for a provisional license pilot scheme to show the Independent Football Regulator it has nothing to hide financially and that we are not in any financial danger. During the Summer the IFR organized a pilot phase for a representative group of clubs to trial the provisional license application process ahead of the official window opening in November 2026. Clubs will need to demonstrate the soundness of their financial plans to the new independent football regulator (IFR), demonstrate how they are engaging with supporters and meet corporate governance standards in order to secure a provisional license. All clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England will need a license to play from 2027-28. For further reading on the Football Governance Act and what it means for you, click here . For further reading on The IFR powers and licensing, click here . Financial Performances When asked if departments within the Club don’t do so well if they can be assisted by another, RS yes. As the world is changing so are our spending habits. 48 hours before the Rochdale League Cup game 2½ thousand tickets had been sold and in the last 36 hours a total or 4 thousand had bought them, showing that people are holding onto their cash for longer. The health of the Club is in part underpinned by the national economy and the national economy is part of a more volatile competition of a global market We asked about the cost of keeping us safe on a match day operation, and RS said the cost of that is more than half a million pounds. The quality of stewards were discussed. We asked if the Club would consider in house employment and the answer was no in catering but retail has been previously brought back in house. Currently, KitKing operate the club’s retail operation. Retail We asked about having a pop-up shop for Christmas.  Ryan talked about memorabilia Collectors who buy everything but our figures show 75% fans are passive. The club vision should be better stock turnover more often. The Pop up won’t viable due to costs/overheads/staffing and logistics. RS said the club would like to implement a system inhouse where you buy online and pay and the item is placed in a locker in the stand you are in. A QR code would give you access to collect your purchase. Stefan Rupp’s Investment Rupp still invests another £3 million projected loss to be spent in all areas, same as last season.

In attendance from the Club: Jonathan Heaton (JH) – Safety Officer From West Yorkshire Police: Aaron Dennis (AD) – Dedicated Football Officer (DFO) Representing the Trust was, Manny Dominguez (MD) – Chair and Helen Jeffrey, Trust Board Member. Apologies were given from Paula Watson (PW) – Director of Operations. Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club and a representative of West Yorkshire Police working with the Club on Monday 27 th July. The last time the Trust met with the Club was August last year, 2025. SAG’s We looked at the report from last year’s meeting and MD asked if there had been any decision on whether there can be supporter representation on the Safety Advisory Group or SAG. Every club has a SAG which is a non-decision-making forum that advises local authorities on spectator safety, crowd management, and emergency planning. It typically brings together club officials, council departments, and emergency services. The local authority issues the safety license certificate and is responsible for advising and assisting Clubs where necessary. The SGSA, the Sports Ground Safety Authority is the national body that advises the government on sports ground safety. It licenses PL and EFL football grounds and oversees local authorities in safety certification. As well as the Football Supporters Association (FSA), it recommends supporter representation on the local Club SAG, see here . JH said that the SAG meets adhoc, as because the various bodies have other demands on a day to day basis its difficult to get everyone together at any one time, but they are meeting on a coming Wednesday, so he will raise it. MD advised it would be good to have two delegate seats, one for the Supporters Trust and the other for the Supporters’ Board so to be as inclusive as possible. MD advised that we are a Community Benefit Society and is independent from the Club. We are part of the FSA, the national body for supporters Trusts and other supporters groups. Arrests and incidents We then moved onto the Agenda and discussed the number of arrests / incidents. AD said that there had been 36 arrests over the course of last season (25/26) compared with only 14 the previous season (24/25). 10 out of the 36 arrests had been at the Bolton home game – the Playoff semi final. These arrests are just at home matches only. It was said that offences were committed were mainly male and we haven’t seen a persistent crime type, i.e. drugs. MD made the point that the number of football related arrests have had a 2 percent fall last season according to recent Home Office Statistics. See article here . It was said the promotion had an effect. Promotion brings risk. We had Huddersfield, Wigan and Bolton – bigger Clubs with more supporters prepared to travel. It was asked if there have been any increases of offences on social media, and there were 3 occasions of references to the fire during the 24/25 season but none last season. HJ asked if crime relating to the fire was a banning offence and the answer was affirmative. There were pyros thrown at the end of our home match against Bolton in the second round of the Play off semi final. It was said that the kids today have no idea of how that impacted on the lives of the survivors and their families. It would be useful if there is any training on this. Regarding incidents, particularly at away matches, where we see big crowds swell up at regional derbies there are lots of situations that infringe on disabled groups and other vulnerable groups and nothing gets done about them – blocking others from watching the game and flares occasionally get thrown on the pitch. In these matches we tend to loose the older, more-longer standing supporters. AD explained that there are football regulations and then offences that are public order offences, so for example standing in front of your seat is not a public order (criminal) offence so Police have no power to enforce such matters, so will not get involved. Sometimes football stadium related situations can sometimes be the cause of argument and then can turn to threatening behaviour. HJ said that the incidents particularly away at Huddersfield and Wigan could’ve been dealt with better. AD admitted that was the case for the Huddersfield one but it was Greater Manchester Police who have to comment on the Wigan experiences. The DFO and JH had seen a response from the Silver Commander on the day in answer to a City fans’ complaint and questions on various social media platforms. We asked about more police at big home games and the use of dogs for drugs or pyros. AD said that to have dogs the have 6 to 8 officers with them. If supporters are caught with possession of drugs or pyro’s it will take officers away from the line of duty it was said. MD said at some clubs he has experienced the home Club offer amnesty tables where supporters’ bags are checked over. AD said there is a cost implication to that level of security. He said there were dogs at the Bolton Play-Off Semi Final but it didn’t prevent all pyros to be confiscated before the game. The dogs will come from a private company and policing at the stadium costs as well. The Club pays for the whole operation these days which is why our Club and most other Clubs prefer the matchday operation to be managed solely by the stewards. Stewards We asked about stewards’ training and help. JH said that the EFL brought in ‘SQUAD’ – ‘Stewardship Quality and Development’ training when football came back to hosting live games after lockdown, and it was all about raising standards but not a lot happened after that. All stewards have to be level 2 trained in spectator training which includes first aid, custom services, counter terrorism and life support. The Club has a small amount of loyal City supporting Club employed staff but have its majority of stewards who are agency. Post covid the Club lost a lot of steward staff, explained JH, and it costs £350 to train 1 steward. Engagement with supporters requires regular staff. Stewards get a lot of criticism because they don’t appear to do anything. HJ explained of an incident that happened to her at Huddersfield Town and she had to raise it with the EFL to bring about a response from them, where she then met with the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) for the Club. He was open to her suggestion to have a disability steward stationed to support traveling supporters in that end. At Bradford City we have 2 very good Disability Liaison Officers (DLO’s) but they have to work through issues around the whole ground on a matchday. HJ said it’s important for stewards in the disability areas and of course all around the ground to build a good relationship and consistency with the supporters. JH said it can be difficult to maintain that consistency. The Club tries to retain staff that know our supporters through the agency as well as the small core of our City supporting steward and the volunteer DLO’s we have. To have all our stewards in house is not affordable at the present time. Young offenders We looked at how the Club deals with young offenders and JH said that the Club has a behavioural ‘ABC’ contract, where young people, and those under 18 who get involved in activities that stop short of what is breaking the law get brought into the Club with parent or guardian to sign an ‘Acceptable behaviour Agreement (ABC)’. It is a structured warning system designed to deter them from escalating into serious offenses. It also has a variety of sanctions of which education or restorative justice make up some of those sanctions. The Trust agreed that it’s important to make our supporters more aware of the what activities and behaviors are not acceptable – football related offences, the ground regulations and what criminal offences are, but young people may just see it as authority talking at them and not take it seriously. It was suggested that ex players who may have done crime themselves could talk to perhaps persistent offenders but it was felt that would be seen as a reward. HJ and AD felt what they have there works. Sometimes police officers in uniform come to the houses of the individual and see the parents and that has an effect. We suggested meeting the victim if the impact of their behaviour impacted on anyone, or if they impacted on a disabled person, experience a match with the disabled person. They were open to ideas We asked if there any alternatives ways to encourage supporters to look after each other at big games apart from reminding fans of football ground regulations and what is an offence through the tannoy and scoreboard. We suggested through the Clubs’ communication channels they could have some messages of looking after each other. It was felt however there is so many things that the Club has to communicate out there on any given matchday it wouldn’t be practical in such a short space of time. We agreed to meet this time next year for another progress report.

In attendance from the Club were, Ryan Sparks (RS) – Club CEO and Liam Mould (LM) – Fan Engagement Officer. Representing the Trust there was, Manny Dominguez (MD) – Chair and Carl White (CW). Apologies were given from Justin Brett (JB) – Trust Vice Chair & Matthew Pickles (MP) – Trust Board Member. Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club on Monday 1 st June. We last met in early February, so as ever, and after an eventful end to the season, there was a lot to catch up on. So, without further ado lets dive into it. Season ticket breakdown for 26/27 We asked about sales for this coming season’s season ticket sales. 16,351 bought through the Early Bird window. Just over £15 per game for adults. The Club broke a record in that last year the total sales for season was 16,026, before sales were withdrawn ahead of the 25/26 campaign. RS said the total breakdown in totals for this coming season will be available in August. We asked if the Club had set a price for this season’s matchday prices yet. RS’s response was affirmative and that they will be announced in July. We asked if they would be nearer the £30 mark and this was affirmative as well. The Trust were apprehensive about the growing upward trend of ticket prices. RS’s response was that the Club must attempt to act as a viable business and has, at times, sadly, little choice but to pass on a proportion of the growing cost in utility bills, costs to employers in terms of the minimum wage and national insurance and other taxes to sponsors and our supporters because otherwise the Club would lose out on its competitiveness in its ambition to win on the pitch. We discussed discounts or special promotions , (Clubs have a minimum of 4). City have had £5 offers at select League matches and EFL Trophy matches. RS mentioned the Plymouth Argyle re-arranged evening fixture, saying it wasn’t taken up as much as the Club had hoped. With regards to community tickets , it was said that they gave out 9,141 tickets over 20 matches last season at £4 per person, mainly to schools and also grass roots community clubs through the Community Foundation. We said this was a good achievement. The Bradford End is the area for the community tickets. Supporters Trust Survey MD ran through some of the key findings in the Survey. He said it was a small sample and most that filled it in were older. It still reflected broadly the expected trends: Season tickets for 2024/25 – most bought online, fewer used the Club app, even fewer bought at the ticket office. Away matches for 24/25 - some had issues with not being able to buy/buy more due to not having enough loyalty points. 25/26 season tickets – most bought during the early bird period, most bought online and most paid in full. Fewer used the 12-month period and fewer still bought at the ticket office. Matchday tickets - A substantial majority believed we should have a flat rate £20. Nearly as many believed that there should be a discount in advance of a match compared with ‘on-the-day’ sales. RS said it £20 wasn’t going to happen. It could possibly work if that was the flat rate for young people and kids also but we may lose the fans of tomorrow – there is no filter categories that would encourage more sales. MD mentioned ‘reciprocal deals’ as a way of making special arrangements for away supporters – recalling a few years ago when we subsidised our away tickets with a free drink at Colchester. Offering a cheaper price where both sets of fans can realise a saving can be very valuable. Many supporters in our survey were in favour of this being a Trust campaign. See report here . The programme – Whilst most said they would probably not buy it, a significant minority said they would. RS said that in todays climate they don’t make money, and the Club are paperless now. The Club recently won an EFL award for its efforts on environmental sustainability but they would do a programme for special occasions – a cup quarter or semi-final for example. Kiosks/bars – Our findings matched the Clubs customer survey on this issue. Fans not happy with the queues, the limited choices and value for money. RS said that hopefully there will be an improved response this season. Atmosphere – this was seen as very good overall and that flags were definitely an improvement, and most said safe standing would be an added improvement too this. The issues – The shift from upper kop to NW corner and then B-Block. RS said that they were told to move to a lower position tier for safety reasons and if they didn’t, the stadium capacity would reduce by 10%. Nationalist flags appearing was a concern too. RS said that they would go by the EFL guidance of what they say are banned flags in stadiums. MD recognized the potential danger of removing them or commenting on them. The Club doesn’t get involved with the politics that is going on in the country. It is purely a football Club that showcases football. Other matchday issues raised – Tannoy/PA system, half time entertainment and Wi-Fi Supporters / Club relationship level of agreement statement trends: Supporters Trust do a good job - Yes but could do better Supporters Board do a good job - Yes / could do better Supporter engagement from the Club is good – Yes but could so better I feel like my Club cares about me, and my views – Yes but could do a lot more. More polarised but somewhat agree was high but neither agree nor disagree polled higher. State of the game level of agreement statement trends: 3pm black-out - strongly agree. Right to ban drinking from the sight of the pitch – most agree but consensus is changing. TV has too much sway to (K.O. times etc.) - Definitely strongly agree. Football Act & IFR (Independent Football Regulator) potential changes it could bring: Fairer redistribution of wealth – Very important Ensure competitive balance across the League – Very important Stronger protections for Club heritage & identity – Very important Enhanced fan engagement, consultation and transparency in Club decision-making – Most send it was important though slightly less than the others Match-day issue and development LED advertising Boards – MD said through our survey and via the Trust email we have seen many complain that they are too bight at night matches. RS said that they would be replaced this coming season with a new system and the main stand will have them as well. The floodlights will be replaced next year, if budgets allow. The second security gate in the Midland Rd - There had been some anxiety about this amongst fans especially most recently at the Play off Semi final against Bolton. RS explained that with the added segregation gate it gives 1,800 seats for the away supporters. It’s purpose is to be a safety net for an increased number of away supporters over three blocks but is not likely to be used in a standard, league fixture. For the Bolton game the arrangement for tickets was the same as what it is like for a cup match. We gave them 2,100 tickets, and the strategy was to create a greater atmosphere for the team to play in. We didn’t want the away support behind the goal because that increases their noise levels and we didn’t want to give Bolton any advantage. We consulted with Graham Alexander and he was happy with that plan. The possibility of a penalty shoot out also came into the consideration. The Midland Road stand will see some work. All of the seats will be replaced. Other works There will be improvements to the 2013 suite and the 1911 bar, and as well in the boxes, as well as the general maintenance, including the toilet facilities. MD said that the supporters thought the Toilet facilities were poor in the Trust survey. LM said there are plans to create more Fanzones and have more family engagement areas and other activities in the Midland Rd concourse. Heritage – MD brought up from the Survey that there is a feeling that there is disconnect with former players within the stadium with the idea of naming a stand after a player, murals of ex players or a statue. This prompted a positive discussion, firstly acknowledging what we have in the ground – the Hendrie and McCall Suite’s, the 2013 suite, 1911 bar, Framed shirts from by-gone era’s, and players have heritage numbers on their shirts. The Club were the first to do this in 2019. Next was the question of which player would we have as a mural or statue. When we all became supporters and loved the experience we all had our favourite players. Many older fans will think back to Bobby Campbell, Stuart McCall and John Hendrie. Newer generation of City supporters will think Bobby Pointon. Most supporters can identify with him as he is ‘one of our own’. Improving Fan Engagement MD went over some points with LM from our last meeting, regarding how the working groups are structured into engagement with the Club. It was said some are very informal that don’t have a structure, engaging with the Club occassionally, and others have engagement more regularly through the Clubs’ Governance meetings and that the Supporters Board was regarded as a Supporter Advisory Board (SAB). MD was invited to be involved with the drafting of the new FEP for 2026/27 season. At that point our Trust Chair quote and amendments to the calendar dates - to show we meet quarterly, and the amendments to heritage section were added to the draft pdf to be added by the designers. Also, we added that we were pleased to say that this year the Club reached its agreed commitment to meet with us 4 times this year which is a first, and the first of many for the future. This was added to the FEP for what the Club has achieved this year. This was part of our end of season review with the Club. The deadline for submission to the EFL is the 30 th June. Community Projects MD raised one project we could probably do at this stage is to run the My City, My Shirt Diversity photography project, capturing the diversity of Bradford City’s supporters, from coming into Valley Parade, to the concourse, in the fanzines, in the stands and at the Beap Centre, and with a small amount funding we could have some of the prints exhibited in the ‘Community Hub’ Café or indeed the possibly in the Midland Road Concourse. There was a lot of positivity about this from the Club and prompted more discussion about what could be there; potentially murals. Burns Unit Collection and Memorial MD raised that we felt the collection went well in terms of what was raised, however, there were some issues around it and felt we could have larger numbers involved and whether there could be a case for a new potential working group to involve other supporters groups, similar to the ‘Remembrance Panel’ of some years ago. MD said he would email them a Trust members’ letter. Also raised was so the lack of past players at the memorial this year. RS said we should ask the Council about this is. They are the ones that organize it all. Football Governance Bill & the Independent regulator MD reported that the Government had launched a new initiative, ‘On Fans’ side’, which explains in simple terms what the Football Governance Act means for clubs and supporters. See here and here . Also there has been a ‘supervisor’ from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) allocated for all clubs in the EFL. They have a caseload of between 6 or 7 each. Financial Planning MD asked from the 24/25 Accounts review, what are the projections for 25 / 26 and beyond. RS said we lost £3m last season and are expected to lose a similar this year. Our income for this season (25/26) was £12m to £13m and guestimate income for next season is between £14m and £15m. This factors in sponsorship, EFL/Sky and ticket sales. Stefan Rupp has provided the biggest investment into the Club, more than any other previous owner. Mbanq is our biggest sponsor we’ve ever had and not only will they be a shirt sponsor, but they will also be sponsoring other significant assets in the near future. The Stadium MD explained that one of the popular campaign ideas was for Valley Parade to be community owned – to initiate a fundraising campaign. There was a discussion about the value of the ground. It prompted a very positive discussion about helping the Trust find what it does best over the course of a season. Getting volunteers to help with the bucket collection was raised as an example of that, and the advice was, that we need to have something reachable where we would be gaining the trust of the wider supporter base. MD said if we can pull off the diversity project, that would be noticed and attract more activity. Fundraising for a mural was also suggested for a reachable aim.