Supporter Liaison Officer
In March 2013 I was appointed as FC United's first Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO).
Under Article 35 of UEFA's Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, clubs entering UEFA competitions across Europe have been required to appoint a supporter liaison officer (SLO) since the 2012/13 season to ensure a proper and constructive discourse with their fans.
The importance that UEFA attaches to dialogue and communication between clubs and fans is second only to how we at FC view it. As a non-league club, we aren't compelled to appoint a SLO, but as you know, we believe in doing football differently.
Article 35 is all about inclusion, and as the most inclusive club in football, we wanted to support the initiative. Of course, at a club that is owned by its fans, it stands to reason that clear dialogue and open access would be one of the things we're already great at. But it's also true, that with a fan and member base as passionate and diverse as ours, having a 'hub' for these things can benefit everyone.
The role of the Supporter Liaison Officer doesn't replace any of the existing channels or relationships. But I am passionate about it and about working with every group or individual that interacts with our club, whether that's away fans and club officials, league representatives, volunteers, security and match day operations or of course, own fans and members.
The SLO role at FC will support the broader aims of article 35 in reversing the trend of modern football being more about finances than fans - a movement that FC are at the vanguard of. And more than that, it supports the very traditions that our club was founded upon.
Football and fans, united.
I am proud to be the Supporter Liaison Officer for FC United of Manchester and I look forward to working with you all to help me make it a success.
Ryan Williams
Supporter Liaison Officer
07805 219393
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