UEFA and Supporters Direct Europe are rolling out their programme for clubs
to have a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO).
(If you would like to read the SLO handbook just email the Leeds Supporters
Trust and you will be sent an electronic copy). [email protected]
Here is the introduction by Michel Platini -
Supporters are the lifeblood at the very heart of professional football.
Without its supporters, professional football would not be very different
from an amateur sport or pastime. While most players and coaches change
clubs during their career, supporters retain their commitment through thick
and thin and remain faithful to their team, forming
the bedrock or foundation of their club. Of course, when times are good,
support for and interest in a club can rise, but when clubs fall on troubled
times, it is the loyal
supporters who tend to be there picking up the pieces.
We believe that this handbook will prove to be a significant step in
ensuring better communication between clubs and their supporters. In the
ever changing and confusing world of top level club football, we believe
this is needed more than ever, for the benefit of both supporters and
football clubs.
We have witnessed many clubs all across Europe becoming notably more
conscious of the need to work together with their supporters and there are
many good examples of progressive initiatives that have been introduced.
However, a massive amount still needs doing in this area and that is why
supporter liaison officer (SLO) requirements have been introduced into the
UEFA club licensing platform, which covers more than a thousand professional
clubs and is the most important platform for club football governance.
The SLO requirement centres on improving communication and providing a focal
point for supporters to organise themselves better and make their voice
heard.
Better organised supporters can be nothing but positive in terms of
projecting the positive side of supporter behaviour as a counterpoint to the
widely reported negative elements.
This handbook is one part of the initiative, an introduction. The level of
success of the project will eventually depend on the attitude of both
supporters and clubs in constructively engaging with the project and each
other. There is no question that the role of an SLO is a very challenging
one and difficulties can be expected, as you will realise on reading this
handbook. UEFA does not expect the introduction of the SLO requirement to be
perfect and plain sailing throughout, but most things worth doing are not
easy. However, with the commitment of supporters, club management and club
owners, with the continued valuable assistance from Supporters Direct and
support and training from the national associations and leagues, we are sure
that, over time, the SLO requirement will become an important and integral
part of the club football landscape.
Michel Platini
UEFA President
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PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
