The history of the Leeds United Supporters Network goes back to the day Leeds United came into existence in 1919 or perhaps just to 2019.This is the 2 year version!
In 2019 Jacqui and Shirley from Hampshire Whites, Steve from Thames Valley Whites and Paul from Essex Whites decided, after talks spread over 2 years with Angus Kinnear, that the time had come to actively put together a network of independent supporters groups, many of whom had originally formed as regional members clubs.
Other groups were approached, as they had expressed an interest to joining together in the past, and pretty soon the informal network were joined by Clive, who had become the regional groups SAB representative, Tony and Ellie from Invicta, Mark from Blackpool, Suzanne from LUDO, Dean from SLI, John from Meath and Carl from Shropshire.
As Covid and Lockdown came along this group of people found themselves with no groups to organise and some time on their hands. This enthusiastic group of people began discussing how to put the idea of a not for profit, co-operative, inclusive and democratic Network on a more formal footing.
They agreed they wanted to help each other with getting to matches, liaising with the Police and Safety Authorities, collaborating with the Club in respect of issues that affect the match day experience and other aspects of supporting Leeds United, and participating in fan engagement initiatives. We saw the need to encourage and indeed help supporters form and run their own groups.
Angus Kinnear and James Mooney were kept informed at every step and the idea of a Network made up of independent supporters groups working with Leeds became a reality.
More groups, including some from overseas, came on board and the first AGM was held in August. More groups are expressing interest and we welcome those that fit our criteria.
Since then LUSN have collated fans’ views on many issues and worked, quietly and confidentially, alongside Leeds presenting not only concerns but also providing the club with solutions on important issues such as membership fees, ticket fairness, Socios and notice of ticket sales.
We are receptive to any matter that affects our supporters, however big or small and will present these constructively to Leeds. As a result our views have been considered and often, changes made.
With the challenges presented by the Premier League more groups are seeing the need for mutual collaboration, effective communication with the Club’s executive, and are expressing an interest in joining.
We welcome all groups that fit our guiding principles.
