SD Scotland Board Election & AGM

Nominations are now being sought in the election to the Board of Directors of Supporters Direct Scotland. Since our incorporation locally in Scotland at the end of 2017 we have operated with an interim board, all of whom will step down at our AGM on 22nd June (full details of which will follow in the coming weeks) to open up all positions for election.

Nominations can only be made by members, but they can nominate as many candidates as they wish. Our Associate members (i.e. individuals who contribute financially to our Patreon fund) can nominate candidates for election to an additional three positions above, but have no other voting rights at the AGM.

Visit http://www.supporters-direct.scot/sd-scotland-election-and-agm-nominations-sought/ for more information about the election process.

Tackling Unacceptable Conduct

We have recently had constructive conversations with the Scottish FA, SPFL, the referees' and players' associations, Scottish Government, and other football supporters' groups on the subject of unacceptable conduct by supporters at football matches.

In contrast to many commentators who have focussed on Strict Liability as the answer to this complex issue, our priority has been to first understand this issue in depth, and to engage broadly with all of the stakeholders above and more - not just those within football, but in the wider communities that surround our football clubs and who are impacted by what happens in the game. We do not want to see all supporters punished by the actions of a few, or clubs punished for things outwith their control, but it is clear that Scottish football (and Scottish society) has a problem, and that our current approaches for dealing with it are insufficient.

In finding a better solution nothing should be off the table, but we should also resist the urge to seize on simple answers to complex problems. In our meetings to date we have stressed the importance of finding incentives rather than penalties - what is the carrot that could encourage better behaviour, and remove the threat of the stick which hangs over Scottish football?

Survey: On The Ball

You are invited to take part in an online survey to find out your views on the provision of free menstrual products at football matches. 80+ football clubs in the UK are providing free menstrual products at their football grounds. 

This survey is part of a research project being conducted by researchers from the University of Stirling and Liverpool John Moores University. It should take approximately 6 minutes to complete.

For more information, and to take part in the survey, please visit https://stirling.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/the-provision-of-free-menstrual-products-at-uk-football-cl-2

"The Red Lion" by Patrick Marber touring now!

Following the success of Rapture Bites Lunchtime Theatre, Michael Emans will direct Patrick Marber’s Olivier Award nominated play The Red Lion starring Brookside’s John McArdle.

It will tour to 16 venues in Scotland ending with a week’s run at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.

Discounted ticket offers are in place at many venues for football fans - details are on our Twitter feed (@ScotSuppNetwork) and can be found by clicking the theatre names below!

The Red Lion FC is an English non-league side that has dreams of the big time.

However, the club’s manager, Kidd, will stop at nothing to realise his own ambitions of achieving money and fame. So, when young Jordan, who ‘plays like a God’, joins the club, Kidd sees his golden opportunity.

One man stands in his way - the kit-man, Yates - club legend and footballing ‘hero’- has other ideas. A ‘Clash of the Titans’ ensues between Yates and Kidd over the future of Jordan and the football club.

Award-winning writer Patrick Marber’s hit play unfolds like a Greek Tragedy, transcending ‘the beautiful game’, in a tale of heroism, hubris and handballs!

TOUR DATES

Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock preview, 8 May & 9 May 7.30pm

Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 11 May 7.30pm

Howden Park, Livingston, 16 May 7.30pm

Tolbooth, Stirling, 18 May 8pm

Motherwell Theatre, 20 May 7.30pm

Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, 23 May 7.30pm

Lanark Memorial Hall, 24 May 7.30pm

Harbour Arts, Irvine, 25 May 7.30pm

Eastwood Park, Giffnock, 26 May 7.30pm

Village Theatre, East Kilbride, 28 May 7.30pm

Ryan Centre, Stranraer, 31 May 7.30pm

Theatre Royal, Dumfries, 1 June 7.30pm

Byre Theatre, St Andrews, 7 & 8 June 7.30pm

Falkirk Town Hall, 13 June 7.30pm

Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, 15 June 7.30pm

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, 18 – 22 June 7.30pm (matinee 22 June at 2.30pm)

Alongside the production Rapture will be running a series of post-show discussion panels. Rapture is working in partnership with Show Racism the Red Card to help raise awareness of issues such as racism, sexism and bullying, which can still occur within the game of football.

These post-show events will offer a great opportunity to engage with community groups and audiences and promote the significant work Show Racism The Red Card undertake, as well as discussing the themes raised within the play. Rapture want to provide an insight into the philosophy, passion and behind the scenes workings of a football club.

And finally...

Articles, podcasts and videos from the archive

As part of our objective to better connect fans, share best practice within Scottish sport, to promote supporter dialogue and promote sport clubs through which positive societal change can occur, here we share some relevant stories from the past month.

1. Scotland Fans Shouldn’t Care About Allan McGregor Retirement
2. Scotland Need To Embrace Euro 2020 Qualifying Challenge
3. Time To Discuss Alex McLeish’s Scotland Future
4. Scotland’s Women Continue To Lead The Way & Deserve A Huge Send Off!
5. Four Potential Scottish Premiership Players Of The Year
6. Fans Need To Support Own Team And Not Abuse The Opposition
7. Aberdeen’s New Stadium Should Be A Game Changer!
8. Celebrating All The Scottish League Champions!

You can also check out our back catalogue of podcast episodes and subscribe to Behind The Goals using your favoured ‘podcatcher’ here.

Our Club Development Scotland team paid a visit to Glasgow Wednesday FC, a Sunday league team competing in the Glasgow Community and Cooperative League who raise money and awareness of homelessness within Glasgow; and Big Hearts Community Trust, the official charity partner of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more!

Want to have your say? Contact us at info@supporters-direct.scot