A New Chapter and an Exciting Opportunity at Carlisle United…
I vividly remember moments like Darren Kelly’s powerful free kick hitting the Warwick Road End roof, Will McDonagh scoring with an unconventional move using his rear end, and Brian Wake achieving a hat-trick at Shrewsbury during one of the seasons filled with relegation battles. These are some of my earliest memories of Carlisle United.
If someone had told me a couple of decades ago that, in the future, Carlisle United would be predominantly owned by an American family with ambitious goals, drive, and a passion to enhance the club on all fronts, I would have dismissed it as fiction.
Yet, here we are, and the realization is starting to sink in… or so I believe.
This new era for CUFC has already brought about noticeable changes at Brunton Park. As Paul Simpson emphasized at the recent fans’ forum, he aims to bolster the playing squad, anticipating more exhilarating moments and match day memories for the latest generation of Carlisle United fans to cherish.
In addition to marking a positive turn for CUFC, this era presents a tremendous opportunity for CUOSC as we embark on a journey to increase our relevance within, and representation of, our membership.
To truly represent fans, two crucial steps must be taken: growing the membership and enhancing communication with our members. Both of these endeavors require your support. The question of “What does fan representation look like?” was posed at the AGM, and my response boiled down to the fact that it will vary for each fan.
If you are a member reading this, let us know what actions you want us to take that we currently aren’t. If you’re a non-member, share with us why you haven’t joined. We aim to be relevant to fans of all demographics.
Throughout early 2024, our ‘refresh’ and ‘membership’ subgroups will evaluate our current practices, explore alternative approaches, and determine how we can ultimately become a supporters’ trust that people actively choose to join.
We plan to achieve this through member meetings, online feedback platforms, and physical presence on match days for those who prefer in-person discussions. Additionally, we will collaborate with other fan groups to build connections that contribute to a unified voice for Carlisle United fans.
Currently boasting over 1,200 members, CUOSC invites individuals to join via our website at www.cuosc.org.uk. Membership costs £10 for adults per year and £5 for seniors and under-18s.
By growing our membership to 2,000, then 3,000, and beyond, we can establish a stronger collective voice and become a more influential force in guiding the club’s development with fans at the forefront.
Consider purchasing a membership as a stocking filler for a family member or friend and become part of this exciting journey.
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