Campaigns
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We actively campaign on a number of issues of significance to Spurs fans, football fans in general, and the wider Tottenham Hotspur community. Where possible, we work closely with our friends at Supporters Direct, the Football Supporters’ Federation and other club-based fans groups. We have also lobbied Parliament and work closely with policymakers.
We regularly consult our members about campaign priorities. And we try to ensure that when we do campaign, we do so constructively and with clear objectives. Some of our ongoing campaigns are detailed here. You will also find regular campaign updates in the THST News section of this website and on the @THSTOfficial twitter feed. All members can suggest and work on campaigns, and all paying members can vote to influence the campaigning direction of the Trust. Here’s a brief guide to our current areas of campaign work. Ticketing We aim to ensure ticket pricing is set at a level that gives as many fans as possible a chance to access tickets. We also oppose attempts to use the unique loyalty fans have for their teams to drive up prices. At THFC we work to secure accessible pricing throughout the stadium – a particularly important area of work with preparations for a new stadium under way. And we have successfully pushed for an increase in the age limit on junior pricing, the expansion of concessionary areas, and cheaper tickets for cup games. We’ve also campaigned with other fan organisations nationally to introduce a £30 price cap on all away tickets, and will be seeking to see that deal is extended beyond the initial three-year period. We back the FSF’s Twenty’s Plenty campaign. We also back the principle of a Club-run, face value ticket exchange platform for Season Ticket holders unable to use individual match tickets, and have campaigned against so-called secondary ticketing sites being involved. Away travel Ticketing is just one consideration for away fans. The cost, and complication, of travel is also often a challenge. If travel to and from an away game is not possible on scheduled services, or if the cost is prohibitively expensive, we lobby THFC to provide alternative transport at a fair price. We back the FSF’s Away Fans Matter campaign. We’ve also helped fans with problems they’ve had at games in Europe, and are currently pushing for a relaxation of visa restrictions for fans travelling to and from Russia. Fixture scheduling Scheduling midweek fixtures at the other end of the country with no return trains, late moves of games by TV companies, security concerns cited as the reason for very early or late kick-offs… We say the fans should be considered far more than they often are when these decisions are made. We work with broadcasters, the football authorities, clubs and police to get a better deal for fans, and helped start a national initiative to bring all parties together to find solutions. Safe standing We know the vast majority of fans back a change in the law to enable the introduction of safe standing areas. We believe fans should have a choice to stand, and a choice to remain seated. We also think there are compelling safety reasons supporting the introduction of safe standing areas. We also wanted to see tickets for any future safe standing areas priced fairly. We work with the FSF and colleagues across the country to back safe standing. Safety and security Our work in this area has two main aims – to ensure fair treatment for fans, and to ensure the fan perspective is considered at all times. We believe good communication is key to successful work in this area. We work with Club stewarding staff, the police and local authorities in this area. We do not tend to favour behavioural messaging, preferring to explain and communicate instead. We represent fans on Haringey’s Safety Advisory Group. We do take on individual case work, and will put fans in touch with specialist legal advisers if this is necessary. We support the FSF’s Watching Football is not a Crime campaign. Governance We believe supporters should be represented at club board level and on the game’s decision-making bodies. We meet with the board of THFC three times a year. Our ultimate aim is reform that sees supporter representation made a requirement for all football clubs and governing bodies. We believe dialogue is important, but that fans must have genuine influence to go with a place at the table. We are members of Supporters Direct and support the organisation’s work. |
