Leigh Genesis Supporters Association

Meeting Minutes Thursday 11 September 2008

Present: Dominic Speakman, Mary Croasdale, Donna Middleton.
Andy Swinglehurst, Matt Lawton, Craig Dickson, Chris Morris, Lee Culshaw, Andrew Hughes, Sean Parry, Robert Hayes, Dale Lewis, Shaun Gregory, Adam Ogden, Jonathan Swift, Samantha Clark, David Bailey, Tony Marshalll, Paul Carr, Barbara & Tony Wareing, Andrew Walsh, Paul Bond, Adam Anderton, Paul Dann

Apologies: Howard Wright

1. Welcome address by Dominic Speakman. Dominic gave an update on the new stadium, Hilton Park situation, Project 1000 initiative, squad and training.

2. A breakdown of how many supporters attending matches on a regular basis would be needed to sustain the club and take it forward into the Football League

3. Suggestions were made regarding the project 1000 - help with distribution of posters and discount vouchers was offered by several fans present. Further assistance in putting posters into pubs and workplaces was offered

4. It was suggested that the club should provide a ‘pack' containing the publicity material

5. During a Q & A session fans raised issues as follows: Q. Money from the gate at LSV? A. There would be a split with the vast majority going to the club. The same deal is in place for the rugby club. Q Issues with rugby club both at Hilton Park and going forward to LSV A. An explanation of the lease agreement at Hilton Park was given identifying that although provision was made through it for the football to take priority on Saturdays this was difficult to enforce; at LSV the management company would be independent giving the football and rugby equal power. It was also stressed that on the whole and despite recent issues the relationship between the two clubs is good.

6. Suggestions were made from the fans for engagement of groups of supporters such as other sports clubs, pub groups etc and volunteers offered to take information packs to contacts they already had.

7. Spreading the word through message boards was thought to be a key way of getting our name about and engaging new people. All present agreed to make an effort to subscribe and regularly post messages on forums. Fans also agreed that matchday phone-ins were an excellent way of getting attention - all present agreed to make an effort to text and call stations such as GMR - 07786 206951 text or call 0161 228 2255. There is also a non-league hour on Friday evenings.

8. Matchday volunteers. The club is in need of helpers on matchdays and several people offered their services. It was stressed that we would need more people at the new ground in a variety of roles; the more helpers the less each person will have to do which takes pressure off a small number of individuals. Further help from people with skills such as photography would be welcome in addition to executive hosts to act as ambassadors in corporate areas and the boardroom.

9. It was asked if the club would be selling through retail outlets in the town - the club will address this in the near future

10. Promotional activity in the Spinning Gate centre preferably with players in kit was suggested - this will also be taken up by the club management

11. Several suggestions about the website were made - i.e. directions to away games, poster downloads were among the ideas. On the whole it was agreed that the site was a massive improvement and Dom mentioned ongoing improvements and new innovations such as player ratings which fans are encouraged to get involved in. It was also agreed that the unofficial website was a healthy alternative which should keep its own identity and will be used as the official LGSA website.

12. A demand for additional branded clothing was identified - rain jackets, polo shirts etc. While the club do not expect to carry stock of these items it will list several new lines to be available on an order basis.

13. The FCUM home match was discussed with thoughts on segregation, stand and bar use etc.

14. A trip by coach to both the FCUM match in February and the Kendal game on New Years Day was suggested. Quotes on transport will be sought.

15. An idea to have Genesis players turn on the Leigh Christmas lights was made - this will be looked into.

16. Proposals that Tony Marshall should become chairman of the LGSA and Matt Lawton the LGSA secretary were both seconded and take immediate effect.

17. Thanks were given by the club management for all those attending - a great first meeting!

Next meeting: Wednesday 1st October 2008 at a venue to be confirmed (likely to be The Railway pub in Leigh)

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