Location - Hampshire, UK

Website www.hampshirewhites.com

Facebook - Hampshire Whites

Twitter - @hantswhites

Instagram - @hampshirewhites

COMMITTEE

Chairman: Mick

Secretary (general enquiries): Jacqui  

Treasurer: Chris

Membership (Joining Information): Shirley 

History of Hampshire Whites

Hampshire Whites began with a few Leeds supporters, in the Fareham/Southampton areas, trying to get to matches as cheaply as possible and with company. They travelled with supporters from the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth in the early days and gradually this became more formal.

In 2002 Hampshire Whites was officially formed and began getting local supporters to matches by coordinating travel and tickets. 

In 2009 Hampshire Whites became a Regional Members Club as part of a new initiative to involve fans in the club. We are  proud to say that we were the first Supporters Group to host ‘Leeds on the Road’ when we hosted a Q&A session with the Leeds United Chairman, Management, and players past and present on our very own 'doorstep’ in Fareham.  This developed the close links with LUFC that we are still able to access today. 

We are currently an independent supporters’ group but still maintain close links with LUFC and are proud to be founding members of the Leeds United Supporters Network.

The size of The Hampshire Whites has fluctuated over the years largely due to performances on the pitch and on the ownership of LUFC.  Currently we have a membership that is actively involved in the group and we are large enough to be effective in our aims.

Membership



Our members cover a wide age span and we encourage younger membership with free membership (adults £10) of Hampshire Whites and cheaper travel to matches.

We also involve youngsters in our events - presentations, BBQs, Meetings, matchdays etc. 

Transport



We organise transport to all home games and also away games as appropriate. With matches being changed frequently and the difficulty of attending midweek matches the number of people using the transport varies.

This includes liaising with members re train travel so that group fares can be bought - or just so that members have someone to travel with.

The transport offered is usually a 9 seater bus which can be driven by anyone over 25 with a valid driving licence. They are not speed restricted which makes the long journeys quicker. We use 17 seaters frequently but these can only be driven by people with a D1 licence and do make the journeys longer. We are actively seeking  drivers for these vehicles!

Travelling on Transport

If numbers are less than 6 or exceed 9 we will try to organise alternative transport for people. We hire cars, organise private transport by putting people in contact or link up with other supporters groups. If we need places for 13 or more people we hire 2 buses/ 17 seaters subject to having volunteer drivers. We have organised coach trips in the past but this a rare event now.



Pick up points are kept to a minimum which normally requires members to travel to pick up points. Members are helped and encouraged to share cars.

Generally the pick up points and route are between Eastleigh on the A27/M27,  and on the A34 between Winchester and Oxford then either the A43 or M69 to join the M1.

The bus takes different routes in certain circumstances for example  if we are going to different grounds or for safer pick ups off the main route.

Booking Transport

We have a Transport Secretary who organises transport and is the first point of contact for getting to matches.

The Transport Secretary ensures there is a driver, sends out a TEXT to members re transport availability, collects the names of people requiring transport, agrees pick up points and times with the driver and informs passengers.

Places on the transport are allocated on a first come, first served basis and can be booked in advance, even for the whole season. Once a place has been allocated it is not given to anyone else.

Paying for transport

Transport should be paid at least a week before travelling and is only refundable if the place is filled by someone else. Discussion with the treasurer is required if refund is wanted in other circumstances.

Transport is subsidised by Hampshire Whites from money raised by raffles, donations and members’ subscriptions. We do not make a profit out of transport.

Contact transport@hampshirewhites.com  for details on how to book transport.

Events



We have a monthly meeting which act as a committee meeting and members are encouraged to join us to put forward their ideas and comments and enjoy a drink or two.

We have an annual BBQ and AGM which is free to members  and their families, and is hosted by one of our members. Even in the pouring rain!

We were also able to donate £300 to Leeds United’s charity of the year Yorkshire cancer Trust.

The group presented the cheque to Nikki by the Don Revie statue at a rainy Everton match

Our members are proud to be part of Hampshire Whites  wherever they are.