October 2020 Newsletter

MEMBERS OF THE SAFETY INDUSTRY RECOGNISED IN HONOURS LIST PAGES 2, 3 AND 4

LANCASHIRE FA UNDER 18 GIRLS COUNTY FINAL REPORT AND PHOTOS PAGE 12

Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Football Safety Industry Recognised

He went on to say “Will it change me personally? Not a chance. Will it help me raise more money for charities? The belated Queen’s Birthday Honours List, released on Friday 9 October 2020, sprang a couple of I really hope so, even if it just generates a few new sponsors or just good raffle prizes for my events it would surprises in the Football Safety world. With the list expected to be dominated by efforts made in various be great. I am also continuing to try to promote good mental health awareness, which again I really hope this circles as a result of the Covid-19 situation, it was pleasing to see some recognition in an industry that often award will help with as I feel it is so important for people to understand they are not alone when they are sails below the horizon, but which year after year delivers top quality people, delivering top quality service in struggling.” what is really a key industry, at least where safety is concerned and even more so where Covid-19 safety is paramount. He finished with the following statement – “I am now in my 42nd year at Cambridge and when I look back and reflect on years gone by, I fully appreciate all the help and support from the police, fire, ambulance service First up, Jill Dawson, recently retired safety and everybody else along the way for helping me develop the skills to manage a and become a better officer of Chelsea FC was recognised by person along the way. The FSOA has been an amazing team to work with and I appreciate all the help becoming a Member of the Order of the everybody has given me over the years” I’m sure many of the people reading this have contributed to Ian’s British Empire (MBE). Jill was a founder undoubted success in football safety. member of the FSOA back in 1992 and still, I hear as the documentation from those early and Having spent so much of his time recently providing the industry and especially safety officers with the pioneering meetings. Unfortunately, Jill was guidance to re-open their with spectators present (SG02), Ken Scott, Head of Inspectorate at unavailable for comment. the Sports Grounds Safety Authority also became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his outstanding service to sports safety, which is well-measured in the SG02 delivery. Ken has been the Head of Inspectorate at the SGSA since Ian Darler, who at one time held more-or-less every safety and stadium management position at 2016, having started as an Inspector within the organisation Cambridge United was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). Members will recall the astonishing in 2013. He was previously involved in local government, presentation he made at our last conference, where he recounted the drive and professionalism with he including being Chair of the Safety Advisory Group for the built the safety and security of his club, as well as being head groundsman at the time, and the disaster the English soccer team Sunderland. an accident at work created in his life and how he overcame a serious mental illness to rebuild his life. A published author, whose excellent book He is the lead author of the SGSA’s Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide), used around the world “ Life’s A Pitch - A Groundsman’s Tale” highlights all of the above, Ian was the first “safety officer as the definitive best practice guide for the development and experience” presenter to receive a full standing ovation from the refurbishment of stadia. Ken has also co-authored a number of conference floor. other safety related publications including Sports Grounds In addition to his safety and groundsman roles at Cambridge United, Certification for the Royal Institution of Chartered he works diligently with Cambridge Charity Fund Raisers, to Surveyors (RICS). He is also a technical advisor to the help many causes especially those involving young people in the Council of Europe, provides expert advice to Interpol and has advised world and national sport governing Cambridge area. The FSOA was pleased to make a donation to those bodies, Governments and trade organisations. Ken is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors causes after the conference and I am still holding one or two auction and former chair of the RICS Building Control Professional Group. pieces as and when Ian’s charity events start up again. Ken said: “I was shocked when I received the notification. There was initial surprise and checking that the When advised of his award, the modest Ian told me “ I received a information was genuine. This soon gave way to elation and excitement then to humility and gratitude before phone call the back end of May from a gentleman informing me that I was being considered for a queens finally landing on pride. My pride though is not just for me but is actually more for my family who have to honour, to which I replied “Who put you up to this ?” As you know there are a number of wind-up merchants put up with my intensity around my work but who have also been my biggest supporters and sources of in our business but the gentleman assured me that it was genuine and that I would be receiving an email encouragement for whatever work related trip or activity I was about to undertake. , and yes the email arrived and I was still not convinced. But as the shock of this sunk-in I really could not “The reactions particularly on the faces of my mother and my wife and kids will live with me forever. understand why I should be getting the award for just doing my job and raising a few pounds for charity etc. Although I’m sure that the award will not bring with it any domestic duties relaxation or privileges/ I have to say that I am now totally blown away with the re-action I have had since the announcement and exemptions!” feel proud to have been awarded the BEM.”

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk It is rare that the FSOA meets up with club owners or chair persons, but I was The Nation’s biggest club football stadium is “ready to go”. And if lucky enough to meet Port Vale’s Carol Shanahan at an anti-racism function at Millwall’s New Den back in December 2019. I was immediately engaged the restart of football needed a shot in the arm, this is surely it! with Carol’s vision of her club’s preferred destination and her determination to Colette Roche, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium yesterday told Sky build a team and create a club capable of surviving at a level well above their Sports that the work diligently carried out by her safety team, could comfortably see around 23500 fans current position in League 2. safely admitted to the ground. This represents about 30% of capacity. She told Sky Sports A number of the members of the Management Board were welcomed by Carol at Vale Park back in August an experimental Covid-safe and socially- “We were really disappointed when the government decided not to distanced meeting was held. allow fans back in the stadium in October because we’ve got every- In addition to her work at Port Vale, Carol is the Founder and Trustee of thing in place to make sure we can do so safely,” the Hubb Foundation – a charity based in the Potteries which operates from schools and community centres, supporting children and their families with food (Source: ManUtd.com) and activities during school holidays. There is no doubt that football needs to get its doors opened. We can see when we watch the Champions Under her leadership and direction, the Hubb Foundation continues to expand to League on television that some stadiums across Europe are now admitting fans. Surprisingly, this includes help more and more families and extend the range of support it offers to young venues in Brussels which was more or less on total lockdown recently. people. English football stadiums are probably he safest places on earth to go to and enjoy any kind of entertainment In recognition of her work, Carol became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). right now, but we still have a groundswell of opinion from government that it is not to be. This also seems to be spreading to only around the “live on-field” event, but also to screenings of matches in hospitality areas. Carol explained how she felt when she discovered she was to become an OBE. She said: “I was actually on the Colette went on to say: telephone when I read the email. I quickly stopped the conversation. I was absolutely flabbergasted and just so humbled. I shed a few tears. Keeping it a secret was really difficult. “As you have seen today, we’ve got all the COVID security measures and Since the announcement I have received thousands of kind messages, comments and gifts. The outpouring of love and other processes ready to go. We spent around two months working with CODE OF CONDUCT support from Port Vale supporters and the wider community has been genuinely overwhelming. the government guidelines to develop the right processes and measures to Ashton Gate Stadium is committed as far is reasonably possible to ensuring the health and I believe the OBE is actually an honour for the huge team of people who have been working hard to support families make sure that we can have around 23,500 people in this stadium safely safety of all present and this continues to be the case in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We across Stoke-on-Trent through the work of the Hubb Foundation and Port Vale Community Hub. social distancing.” wish to inform, guide and reassure our loyal fans so that you can support the Club in this en- It is recognition for everyone – staff at the Hubb Foundation, Port Vale Foundation, Port Vale FC, Synectics Solutions, (Source: ManUtd.com) deavour. Summit Hospitality, as well as our wonderful volunteers, partner organisations and the generous businesses who have assisted us.” Football needs the voices of its major clubs to come forward and speak up for the industry and the need for the revival and the positivity this would project around football. Clubs at all levels need to get their income streams rejuvenated and it is refreshing to see a senior football club stand up to be counted and declare its readiness for action. From conversations the FSOA has had with safety officers from clubs, not only in the We really look forward to welcoming you back to Ashton Gate Stadium (the Stadium) and ask Premier League, there appears to be similar situations in other stadiums. With the advance and entry controls all present to behave in a safe and responsible manner at all times to help protect you, your at clubs’ disposal now, added to the investment they have made to achieve this, there would seem to be little fellow spectators, stewards and all present, as well as enhancing the excellent reputation of the doubt that a correctly socially-distanced crowd is the positive step that we need in football. Club and the sports of football and rugby.

Accordingly, we have made some changes to the stadium, processes and procedures which are laid out in the Covid-19 Spectator Code of Conduct below. You must read and agree to this code of conduct prior to purchasing your ticket(s).

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk

It is impossible for the Club to completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19. Therefore, if you are not willing to comply with this Code of Conduct or, based on your own health status and sus- ceptibility to infection and that of those in your family and/or social bubble, you feel uncom- fortable with the risk, we ask you not attend a match but will welcome you back once you do A Message from John Newsham our Honorary President of the FSOA

First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to all the members for voting me in as your next president. It was an honour to be asked if I would consider the role and it is an honour to become an Honorary President of the FSOA and I will try to follow in the footsteps of one of the best in Mr Jim Chalmers, CPDme Launches FSOA who sadly is no longer with us but still very sadly missed. Jim and I often had what he called “wise council “ Dashboard and new App and if I can achieve half of what Jim did for the FSOA then I will consider it job done. As promised, our continuous professional development It’s been a very different time for us all over the past ten months and not just in the football industry, but partners CPDme have now devised an across the whole event industry and into all other sectors that have or are still being affected by Coronavirus. FSOA-branded dashboard on their system, for our members. At a time when we are learning something Since my retirement from the FSOA at the end of August, I have been appointed as a consultant to the new every day, looking at webinars, reading SG02, National League board as their health and safety advisor. The main aim was for me to assist the Clubs there has probably never been a time quite like it for under their control to put protocols in place with regards to risk assessments to help them finish their season recording ongoing training. and to start the new campaign behind closed doors. It is very important that we keep track of what So, yes folks, although I retired from the FSOA, I am still around working in the industry. recording processes we have put in place in terms of this important aspect of our roles as safety officers. Peter Houghton took over the responsibility for running the office following my departure and under the We can see with some of the current issues seen on circumstances he now faces with Coronavirus still prevalent and not looking like it wants to depart for some television and in newspapers now, there is an emphasis time yet, he will need all the support you the members can give him. on procedures and training. It is a lot more difficult to record your CPD in one go under pressure that make a Both Peter and Pat and the board have a very big job ahead of them in keeping the FSOA going whilst note of it as you go along. managing to balance the books going forward. I will always be around to support them both and the board The new FSOA page looks like this: along with all of the members, but they will need you and your clubs support to get through these tough times. I would also like to say a big thank you to all the sponsors who have supported the FSOA in my time and also those sponsors and corporate partners who are still supporting the FSOA. It’s been a while since we had a conference but let’s keep working hard, looking forward and maybe next year we can all meet up again and enjoy the good times again and look back to what we all achieved through these tough times. Keep working hard, keep the faith and good luck to you all with whatever you are doing. John Newsham There is now also an app for your phone. Honorary President Download the CPDme app from your Appstore!

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Hospitality Suites – A Way To Restart Income Streams? Over at Arsenal FC, Sharon Cicco said that her club said that With Government apparently refusing to allow us to part-load our stadiums and a stepping stone to the re- Using the hospitality guidance for pubs and restaurants we planned a socially distanced screening of our away match introduction of spectators, many venues have looked at the concept of allowing fans to enter corporate areas to against Manchester City on Saturday evening (17th October). The screening was open to all levels of membership watch matches using the host broadcasters or beam-backs. for a set price with two offerings, a casual pizza and beer offering and a higher priced 3 course meal offering. Using Clubs of all shapes, sizes and sports are starting to give this a try as a means of trying to some income and are our premium tier we created 2 separate venues, each with their own dedicated entrance and designated toilets. finding local authority licensing amenable to it, except in Twickenham where an abundance of older-generation Each venue became a bubble with its own staffing team including stewards, caterers, waiting staff and cleaners. residents have given rise to such events being declined. Movement between both venues was prohibited for staff and guests, two further rooms were designated as staffing rooms for distribution of equipment, briefings and rest areas. With guests requested to provide track and trace Dave Storr at the Ashton Gate Venue which hosts City and the details as the point of ticket purchase (in addition to the NHS T&T app) this meant that should anyone subsequently Clubs told me: test positive for Covid-19, only staff in the affected venue (bubble) may need to isolate leaving an operating team My view is that the SGSA, EFL and PRL have all said they have no objections provided it can be kept separate and unaffected for future home games or subsequent screenings that no one has a view of the pitch. DCMS does not have the right or the power to ask for a restaurant to be closed and so far the PM has only banned them in Liverpool, so unless SAG have something to challenge a stadium on there is no other reason to stop this. The screening allowed us to test some of the measures we have planned for when fans are able to return, see how they react to the measures in place and to get an understanding of how fans feel about returning. I got in with our SAG very early even before I wrote to the EFL and PRL and I gained their permission from the start so I have never had any issues once the governing bodies agreed it. On Saturday we had over 300 people in 2 restaurants from 1130am until the last left at 7pm. Next Friday we will On the whole, fans were really engaged and excited to come back to the stadium, temperature checking, ticket have over 600 people in over 4 restaurants to watch our Rugby Team in their Challenge Cup Final. validation and ID checks were met with positivity, queues with socially distanced markers were adhered to, and stewards requests to wait or move slightly were met without question. Generally, fans self-policed and maintained Over the last 3 months we have held 4 drive in movies, 2 pitch dining experiences, 2 comedy nights, 2 live sport their own social distance from others. Face coverings were worn at all required times, including to and from the dinners, as well as a number of other events based on restaurant dining or theatrical presentations. We have not toilets, however, as you would expect there little evidence of face coverings being worn whilst seated but with had a single case of COVID reported to us following one of these events so with fingers crossed I am confident we generous social distancing in between tables this was not an issue. have all the safety measures in place.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk The main challenge we had was going into Tier 2 restrictions 24 hours before the event, this meant John D’Arcy at Millwall FC hosted a much smaller event, but still had to put the measures in place: we had to contact all booking leads to check they were from the same household or social bubble. We were able to split bookings where requested to provide an additional table, but where this was not possible Our event went really well and with only 50 covers it gave us the opportunity to see any weaknesses in the plan. or the guests felt uncomfortable about travelling, we did have a couple of cancelations Our initial thought was a maximum capacity of 150 but we will grow slowly towards this target and monitor the challenges staff etc face now everything is table service. It is new to us and is equally new to those in attendance. The ticket validation piece was slower than expected, scanning the print at home ticket or from their smart We implanted a Code of Conduct which in itself outlines the requirement to meet the current COVID Level and phone to the PDA device took a few more seconds than expected, this could be an issue for when we have HMG guidance; fans, based on sheer numbers, so we need to give that some more thought. Medical screening on entry; I had hoped that Arsenal would have scored at least once, so I could see how fans reacted, sadly this was Face covering worn whenever not seated at your table; not to be on this occasion, but during the exciting moments, there were some , there were no adverse concerns. The demographic may have contributed to this, mainly couples and families, a local derby match No table mixing; may bring a few additional challenges?. Contactless payments; Overall, we consider the event to have been a great success, we plan to do more, providing Boris doesn’t Senior members of staff working alongside catering to drive home the measures we have implemented which are send us into lockdown again. Whether we decide to be selective on the away games we offer to screen supported by signage etc; rather than screen them all is for the commercial team to consider, but from an operations perspective we have a blue -print that works! Behaviours monitored by a Safety Officer via CCTV;

NHS Track & Trace in place and all bookings retained for 21 days. The idea was put to the chair of our SAG and licensing for agreement in principle and the subsequent operating plan was submitted for record. We did get a visit from the borough licensing team, however, this Good feedback from those who attended. We are planning for this to now be business as usual for home and away was to demonstrate consistency across all licensable premises across the borough especially in response games. to the Tier 2 restriction implemented that day. I am pleased to advise, the licensing officers were very complimentary of the measures in place and have given their support to future screenings for our away Please contact Dave, Sharon and John if you need anything further. matches.

Up in the North West, things are a bit more tricky. Steve McGrath at Manchester City told me that City had hosted fans in quirky areas of the stadium, such as the players changing areas for their match against Olympique Lyonnais, which saw them eliminated from the UEFA Champions League towards the end of last season. Even though those attending were low in numbers, his main observation was that it was very labour-intensive.

Martin Woosey at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium found that the elevation of the Liverpool City Region into tier 3, means that such events are not allowed for the time being.

The FSOA now understands that there is ongoing dialogue between the DCMS, the SGSA and SAGS as to what constitutes a restaurant or banqueting hall, and this may have a further influence as to whether these areas can be used for screenings in the future.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Lancashire FA U/18 Girls County Cup Final The final of the FSOA-sponsored Lancashire FA U/18 Girls County Cup Final took place under the lights at the County Ground in Leyland on 15 October. We were welcomed by Bevan Middleton, Head of Hospitality & Events, a member of the FSOA and responsible for match day safety at the County Ground which last season hosted around 84 matches. It was clear, immediately that the social-distancing protocols had been fully observed, with clearly marked one-way systems in place in both the HQ building and in the Main Stand. The restricted attendance, clearly observing the social-distancing protocols and which included Pat Gadsby and Peter Houghton, were treated to an excellent match, Between holders Blackpool Girls and Chorley Women, where the lead changed hands twice with Chorley equalising late on to earn a 3-3 draw. The penalty shoot-out was a nail-biter too, with Chorley at one point just one penalty away from a win. There was controversy too, when Blackpool goalkeeper, Rodgers committed a foul on the edge of her penalty area, which many think denied the Chorley forward a goalscoring opportunity, only to find the referee producing a yellow card. This was at a time when being reduced to 10 players might have created a different outcome. She went on to make a vital save in the shoot-out. It was one of those games in which neither team deserved to finish as runners-up, but such is cup final life. Congratulations to Blackpool on their victory.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Supporters Code of Conduct Document COVID-19 SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT Before the match Our valued colleagues Dave Storr who is responsible for he multi-use elements at Ashton Gate and Dave Parker from Reading and a Management Board member of the FSOA, have collaborated to produce the following document. It is a very helpful addition to our 1. You are responsible for your own health. You should assess personal risk relative to your own circumstances associated documents section on the website and will help any club striving to get a document of this nature written. As we are aware, one of with attending the match before purchasing ticket(s) – are you or one of your party considered to be in a vulnerable group? the prime missions of the FSOA is to share good practice and this is another example of how by working together we can achieve that. 2. Remember that tickets purchased cannot be sold or passed on to another person. Photo identification may be requested on entry or whilst in the ground. Please take time to read this as there may be ways it can help you, or you can help them, if there’s anything you think can be added. Thank you, Dave & Dave for sharing this with our members and colleagues. 3. Ensure the ticket purchaser’s details are up to date, including email address, as the club needs to comply with track and trace requirements. The Club is co-operating with the NHS Track and Trace system.

4. Group ticket purchases must be for individuals within a permitted social or family bubble only – please check the latest government guidance or local lockdown information.

5. Please do not attend if you or a member of your party display any Covid-19 symptoms and/or are required to self-isolate.

6. You will be requested to wear a face mask or covering once on the club’s footprint when in the concourse and toilets so please bring one with you. If you lose it for forget then a small selection will be available for purchase at the ground. If consuming food or drink and when smoking or vaping then face coverings can be temporarily removed. Please let the club know, in advance, if you have an exemption so that we can provide you with a wristband (www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to- wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own)

7. To ensure that your match day experience is enjoyable the club aim to provide as many facilities and services as possible – CODE OF CONDUCT toilets, food concessions, bars. Please check the club information channels to find out what will be available on each match day. Ashton Gate Stadium is committed as far is reasonably possible to ensuring the health and safety of all present and this continues to be the case in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We wish to inform, guide and reassure our loyal fans so that you can support the Club 8. For ease and a safer environment all payments will be cashless at the Stadium. We will ensure that a regular cleaning in this endeavour. regime is in place of the keypads.

9. Do keep yourself up to date with the information that we provide through the club information channels to help you have We really look forward to welcoming you back to Ashton Gate Stadium (the Stadium) and ask all present to behave in a safe and re- the best possible match day experience. sponsible manner at all times to help protect you, your fellow spectators, stewards and all present, as well as enhancing the excellent reputation of the Club and the sports of football and rugby. 10. If you are attending with other members of your family or social bubble they should read this code of conduct.

Match day Accordingly, we have made some changes to the stadium, processes and procedures which are laid out in the Covid-19 Spectator Code of Conduct below. You must read and agree to this code of conduct prior to purchasing your ticket(s). 1. Please arrive in good time to go through all the necessary entry procedures and to assist you in this. The turnstiles will open 2 hours prior to kick-off.

It is impossible for the Club to completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19. Therefore, if you are not willing to comply with this Code of 2, The club is working closely with our transport providers to keep you safe, so please try to use other forms of transport if Conduct or, based on your own health status and susceptibility to infection and that of those in your family and/or social bubble, you possible. If you must use public transport, ensure you are wearing a face covering and complying with all Government Guidelines on feel uncomfortable with the risk, we ask you not attend a match but will welcome you back once you do feel comfortable doing so. social distancing. Please remember that any breach of this Covid-19 Spectator Code of Conduct may result in you being removed from the stadium and having your season ticket or club membership suspended or withdrawn and/or may result in a significant ban from attending future matches at the Stadium.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk 3. For the benefit of yourselves, your fellow spectators, stewards and all present, please follow social distancing measures 17. You must not touch the match ball if it is kicked out of play and into the stands. A member of Club staff will collect the ball determined by the club and avoid close contact with fans outside of your social or family bubble. from the stands in order to sanitise it and return it to the field of play.

4. A temperature test may be required before entry. A temperature of 37.8 degrees or above will result in you being refused 18. In the event you or a member of your family or social bubble develops COVID-19 symptoms whilst at the stadium, please entry. notify the nearest member of Club staff immediately. You will then be taken to a designated isolation room and attended to by a member of medical staff and advised appropriately. It is highly likely that you will be asked to leave the Stadium at the earliest possible 5. Only enter the Stadium via the stand turnstiles or gates as indicated by the stewards opportunity and encouraged to book a COVID-19 antigen test as soon as possible. This is for your well-being and those present at the match. 6. If possible, please do not bring any bags to the Stadium. If you do choose to bring a bag it should be A4 size or smaller and transparent. Bag checks and intelligence-led searches will be in operation and this assists the Club greatly and speeds up entry to the 19. Naturally if you engage in any conduct that is intended to transmit the COVID-19 virus to another person or any conduct Stadium. There are no bag storage facilities at the Stadium, and any bags left outside will be removed and disposed of. that can be reasonably construed to be intending to transmit the COVID-19 virus to another person, you will be asked to leave the Stadium or ejected if you refuse to do so. The Police will be contacted and you can expect to receive a lifetime ban from the Stadium 7. Familiarise yourself with the route to your seat, and the facilities. There may be one-way systems in operation. Additional in accordance with the Club’s sanctions tariff as well as any action that the Police may take. signage and announcements will help to remind you of new procedures and stewards will be on hand to assist but please remember to socially distance at all times. After the match

8. Proceed to your designated block without congregating, milling or dwelling on the concourse. If possible, remain seated 1. Departure may be managed row by row; please follow any steward’s guidance. Your safety is our priority. However, in throughout the match, however we fully understand that you may need to move but try to ensure that you are not moving at the these early games we may adopt methods to assist you to leave the stadium in an orderly manner that may vary so please take your same times as others. If unsure ask a steward who will provide you with guidance. time when exiting and ensure you maintain social distance from other spectators.

9. Keep the 2 seats next to each stairway clear and every other row will remain empty. Keep 3 seats clear between you 2. Follow exit procedures and routes to public transport/car parks; they may differ from arrival. bubble and the next in your row. Persistent standing is not allowed. This is to ensure social distancing and to assist when passing on stairs. 3. Please do not approach any of the Club’s or Visiting Club’s players or members of coaching staff as currently they are not permitted to sign autographs or pose for photographs for safety reasons. 10. Only sit in the block allocated to you on your ticket – do not move to any other block even if the person in closest proximity to you is a member of your household. 4. If there is anything we can do better to inform, guide or reassure you, let us know at [email protected]

11. When moving through rows avoid face to face contact with other supporters e.g. turn your back to them, the brush past system. We know that we are all living in challenging circumstances and appreciate your support and co-operation in making the match day experience the best it can be. 12. Follow any guidance provided on movement to and from seats; signage will help to direct you and stewards will be on hand to assist We do not want the Stadium to be subject of a further restriction where we have to continue to play games behind closed doors and therefore your help in agreeing to the above conditions is greatly appreciated. 13. Try to maintain social distancing when using the toilets as far as possible. You must follow any instruction given to you by Failure to observe any of the guidelines set out above could result in you being declined entry to the Stadium for one or more games the stewards in respect of which toilet facilities to use. Thank you for your support and co-operation. Stay Alert! Stay Safe!

14. Maintain good hand hygiene throughout the match day. Wash hands regularly; sanitiser dispensers will be provided at all Help us all - your fellow fans, your club, your sport, your community! key points around the stadium. Avoid where possible touching handles/railings. We will ensure regular cleaning of surfaces.

15. Follow NHS health guidelines e.g. when coughing or sneezing cover your mouth or use the crook of your elbow.

16. Follow any additional match day guidance on shouting, singing or celebrating; announcements and signage will guide you and stewards will be on hand to assist, so please just ask. Hugging members of another ‘bubble’ to celebrate scoring is not permitted.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Success Stories Alderdale Seating Hardly a month passes by without one success story from Alderdale Seating, even though, like every other business in the Covid-19 era, they are constantly searching for new business. October saw the completion of the installation of 800 new seats at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park, it just shows that markets are not confined to the upper echelons. This reflects great investment by County’s owners in its stadium in the development of the “Railway End” and also new dugout seating. Next up we saw Alderdale make a wonderful gesture in grassroots football as local club AFC Gornal received new home & away dugout seating as a donation from our Corporate Partners. Finally, Alderdale proudly announced a partnership with Bradford City FC. Sales Director, Simon Wake was delighted with this which demonstrates ways in which he thinks “outside the box” in order to generate mutual sources of business. Simon has also been the architect of a “Mutual Appreciation” WhatsApp Group which involves a number of FSOA corporate members which encourages the Group to appreciate what the others are doing and to share successes and business opportunities. The FSOA has already seen some benefit from this with Bio Circle joining us last month upon Simon’s recommendation. Bio Circle Ltd On the subject of new members Bio Circle, I hear they are already in discussions with 2 further EFL Clubs after having established partnerships with Watford FC and Exeter Chiefs Rugby Union Clubs. His linkedin tells us that he has enjoyed spending time at Reading FC with a view to supplying his German-manufactured products at the . Their unique product seems to be finding its way into our stadiums and clubs should be at least taking a look at this unique product. Needless to say that as a result of the early success, Mark Tomlinson is keen to get his message “out there” so that none of our clubs miss out on his product which reduce the environmental impact and “MAKE GREEN WORK” DCRS Communication systems partners DCRS have also generated a partnership with Chesterfield FC, supplying them with a two-way radio system on a season-long hire. As clubs look at ways of avoiding capital expenditure it’s great to hear that our supporting corporate members can find ways of helping our clubs at all levels. Account Manager, Ash Robinson a long-standing member of the FSOA is naturally pleased to have established this important connection and hopes it will encourage other clubs to take advantage of their products and terms. 3tc Software Are keen to roll out their reporting software and Donna Hopper is offering free demonstrations of its effectiveness at your stadium. She can be contacted on [email protected] or 01455- 826400

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk WAGTAILS IN ACTION AT PORT VALE FC You may recall from our last newsletter I was asking if a number of clubs could make part of their stadium available on a non-match day to assist our sponsors Wagtail UK/ Event Detection Dogs EVENT with their training of new dog-handlers. The only club that put themselves forward was the exceptionally community-spirited Port Vale FC. DETECTION Collin Singer and his team were welcomed to Vale Park earlier this month. This was an excellent environment for them to work in and it worked out equitably for all parties with Wagtail making a charitable donation to the Port Vale Foundation. DOGS Vale’s twitter feed, on 9 October said “Today we welcomed @WagtailUK_dogs to Vale Park as part of their training regime! Providing safety, Thank you to Wagtail for their charitable donation to the Foundation, which will go towards our continued work in the community “ assurance and security Wagtail UK added in an uncertain world Thank you very much to all at Port Vale FC for letting us use Vale Park for our #snifferdog training, EDD are specialists in explosive, pyrotechnic, firearms and it was great to meet you all. We’re really pleased to be able to make a charitable donation to the drug detection. Foundation. You carry out brilliant community work! thank you! We provide highly visible qualified detection dogs and qualified professional handlers to support and enhance your This excellent partnership was made possible by John Rutherford existing security measures. Helping to ensure stadiums and arenas are safe and secure before, during and after an event.

Why Choose EDD: ■ Proven track record at Premier League and UEFA Champions League Matches ■ Fully qualified and accredited handlers and dogs ■ Flexible, bespoke solutions including the training of your own inhouse detection dog teams ■ Fully licensed by the Home Office to store and keep explosives and drugs ■ ISO 9001 Accredited ■ £10 Million Public Liability Insurance

Contact us: 01745 561166 [email protected]

EDD is part of Wagtail Holdings Limited, international specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training. Wagtail Holdings Limited currently has contracts with government agencies Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254in the 841771 UK and overseas for explosives and Web: drug detection www.fsoa.org.uk dogs and related services.