Thank you for choosing to become a member of the Red and White Army independent supporters’ group (RAWA) and taking an early leap of faith with us when you joined either through the website, completing our survey or contributing to the naming of The Roker End... You are part of a strong, independent group that set out to become a cohesive voice for Sunderland fans…as things turn out, we’ve done that, and so much more.

So, whilst we have communicated regularly via Twitter, message boards, fanzines and other media we realised it’s about time we come up with a way of talking directly to you, our members. This will be the first of regular updates throughout each season and during the summer months.

Wees RAWA?

It’s you! The membership is made up of SAFC supporters - the elected Chair and other committee members are supporters just the same - no more, no less. You can put yourself forward to take up one of the elected positions at each AGM – we are fully democratic. But we don’t rely on just elected fans to make up the committee and lead things. We have “co-opted” leads from loads of different areas of support. From Family reps to Fanzines, from Away Supporter rep to Atmosphere lead.

What’s been garn on?

Loads…

2018/19 Season

• Pre-season we ran a Match Day Experience Survey completed by 10K fans
• 350 of you turned up at our first AGM
• Attended 4 “Structured Dialogue” meetings with SAFC and fellow supporter groups
• Ran a vote to rename the South Stand. 13K fans took part – we now have the Roker End
• Obtained £2K funding to create the giant Captains Mural on the concourse
• Raised over £10K for flags to create identity, colour and atmosphere
• Creation of a Roker End Atmosphere Group
• One huge Roker End surfer sorted for League Trophy final
• 100s of flags designed and printed
• Set up a team of match day volunteers to arrange the flag display at the last 4 home games
• Brought back the Roker Park Latticework
• Partnered with Sunderland Foodbanks and collected 2000kg of food before games
• Partnered with The Foundation of Light to promote their mental health campaign
• Provided feedback to SAFC on anything and everything that supporters have raised with us

We met SAFC last week and minutes will be available soon.

What can you do?

We’ll be holding an AGM in August and will get details to you all on that ASAP. It would be good to see you there. In the meantime, we’ll be hoping to contact the new investors/owners to ask about their motivations, plans and ambitions and their attitude to supporter engagement.

We’ll also be looking to raise more funds to keep the look and feel of the Roker End going and for artwork in other parts of the SoL. You can contribute to this and feel part of the changing face of the SoL.

We’re always looking for fans with skills and enthusiasm and a bit of spare time to help. Pop us an email if you fancy getting involved or simply if you have any questions or ideas as to how we can make things better for you as a Sunderland fan.

And Finally – thanks to all the Fanzines, podcasts and everyone else who has helped to spread the RAWA message since we started and particular thanks to you our members who have stepped up and got involved.