MINUTES OF THE MUDSA AGM HELD ON TUESDAY 14th OCTOBER 2025 IN THE PHIL DOWNS MBE ABILITY SUITE, OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM. ONLINE ATTENDANCE WAS ALSO AN OPTION VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS.
MUDSA AGM 2025 ATTENDEES
| Surname | Forename | No. of places | In person/online |
| Bain | Matthew | 1 | Online |
| Besley | Vicky + Adam | 2 | Online |
| Bishop | Matt | 1 | Online |
| Brice Bullows | Paul | 1 | Online |
| Broadhurst | Andrew | 1 | In person |
| Chambers | Kathryn | 1 | Online |
| Clement | Rick | 1 | In person |
| Crombie | Nina | 1 | Online |
| Downs | Phil | 1 | Online |
| Evans | David | 1 | Online |
| Flannagan | James (FSE) | 1 | In person |
| Griffin | George & Deirdre | 2 | In person |
| Khan | Hassan | 1 | Online |
| Leeming | Jamie | 1 | In person |
| Lewis | Ann Marie | 2 | In person |
| Luty | Michael + Stephen | 2 | In person |
| Mahoney | Neil | 1 | Online |
| McDermott | Katherine | 1 | Online |
| McGagh | Rick | 1 | Online |
| McGeehan | Alex + Helen | 2 | In person |
| Mills | Steven | 1 | Online |
| Nugent | Joseph | 1 | Online |
| Rayment | Alan | 1 | In person |
| Rocca | Sue | 1 | In person |
| Simister | John | 1 | In person |
| Simpson | Ben | 1 | Online |
| Walker | Geoff | 2 | In person |
| Wellington | Nicola (Man Utd) | 1 | Online |
| Whitehouse | Charlotte + Jo | 2 | Online |
| Williams | Zoe | 1 | Online |
| Wood | Dave | 1 | In person |
| Wood | Mark + Susan | 2 | Online |
| Yates | John & Nathaniel | 2 | In person |
The MUDSA AGM commenced at 7.05pm on October 14th, 2025
MUDSA Secretary Rick Clement welcomed the members to the meeting and explained that due to the passing of former Secretary Chas Banks there were no records of minutes from 2024 and that normal service would resume from 2025.
Matters Arising
No minutes n/a.
JAMES FLANNAGHAN – FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS EUROPE
James introduced himself and spoke about what the FSE’s role in accessible football in Europe is. James spoke about the relationship directly with UEFA and how our feedback can help to shape future accessible regulations being made into rules. James spoke about his role overseeing the Disability and Inclusion areas of accessing football and that the newly formed committee is the first time the FSE have had a specific team in this area. There are multiple countries represented in this network and varying levels of set up but working together we can make a difference. Rick Clement and Alan Rayment from MUDSA were voted on to this committee.
CHAIR’S REPORT – NATHANIEL YATES
I have loved being the MUDSA chairman and take the role very seriously and professionally. I now think it is time to hand the role over to one of my amazing colleagues on the committee. I have never taken this role for granted and of course serve the best fans and the best disabled supporters association in the world.
SECRETARY’S REPORT – RICK CLEMENT
Good evening, everyone
Welcome to all newcomers and many thanks for joining us here this evening.
MUDSA Dinner
The MUDSA Dinner will be held on Friday November 7th this year. Special guest is Gary Pallister, and the comic is Bob Webb. Tickets are £35.00pp which includes a four-course meal and the venue is The Manchester Suite at Old Trafford. It’s always a great night, so come along please.
MUDSA Cup and MU Foundation
We held the competition on Saturday 7th June at Carrington with a very decent turn out from teams all over the country. This cup is a national PAN disability U16s football tournament organised by Matt Pilkington of Manchester United Foundation. Clubs from across the country can access MUFC facilities and participate in this annual event. The tournament is funded by MUDSA and forms part of the partnership with Manchester United Foundation that has seen over 250 disabled participants access the free weekly football sessions that Matt runs in the last season. As well as the football, families can access various workshops on health and wellbeing, equality and weekly support on how to have a positive mental health from Manchester Mind.
Social Events
Events took place as normal with the Xmas party now only receiving half the players whilst the others visit hospitals. The surprise addition of a visit from Dynamo the magician was welcomed. A huge thank you to Ann Marie for organising these events.
New Committee member
MUDSA will be announcing our new membership and communications officer in early November after our recruiting process has finished. (Steven Duckett and David Wood were appointed)
- It has been a challenging 12 months since the loss of Chas. Navigating the changes at the club in staffing and prices have meant MUDSA’s relationship has had to be rebuilt predominantly with the Fan Engagement team.
- The open letter earlier this year voiced the frustrations of our members at the rising prices of ticketing and parking whilst stewarding has been a difficult issue now the club use a majority of agency stewards.
- It’s important to understand that our access to players and financial support from the club is way above what most DSA’s get. I can confirm this from speaking to other clubs DSA’s.
- We have built partnerships with Level Playing Field, the Football Supporters Association and Football Supporters Europe with both me and Al on the committee for FSE.
- We’ve reviewed all our policies and constitution to ensure we are in line with modern regulations and today will vote on whether to adopt the new version.
- Our events have continued to be a success, and we will continue to review these from your feedback.
- Going forward I want you the members to tell us what you want. Feedback and constructive criticism are welcomed and I’m happy to listen to anyone.
- Future plans – Review event applications, ticketing swap group (whatsapp?), new events and trips, Rollin Reds back out, new committee member, update website
- Thank you to Rick McGagh, Nicola and the fan engagement team. A special mention to Lenny.
- Thank you to my fellow committee members for their hard work in this challenging year.
- Thank you to all the members who have supported our events, come to me with issues and feedback and supported MUDSA. Please encourage others to attend the AGM in the future.
TREASURER’S REPORT – ALAN RAYMENT
This is my second year as treasurer; I would like to thank Sue for her help and assistance and my fellow committee members for their support. There is nothing particularly unusual or extraordinary about the Accounts this year. I have done my utmost to keep the records accurately, straightforward and visible, if anyone has any questions please ask at the end of this report or see me later, if you prefer.
This year MUDSA again contributed to Vision Project. Merchandise sold very well, the bottles and bags were extremely popular, we have invested in more stock we have seen an increase in sales, this season we are looking to introduce bucket hats, as well as a badge with Ella Toone.
Thanks to Jamie for sorting payments online for the annual diner, we are continuing this year with this system. John and I both use SUM up and this has been a very smooth process.
Thanks
Alan Rayment
WEBSITE & MEMBERSHIP REPORT – JAMIE LEEMING
Jamie has had some compassionate time over the last 12 months so gave an update on website improvements being made and the magazine. Jamie will have support from the new committee member going forward so normal service will be resumed with issues such as the digital membership card being investigated.
VI REP REPORT – JOHN SIMISTER
RADIO HEADSETS
The headsets are available on match day. This enables our Visually impaired supporters to add to their experience at Old Trafford by listening to the commentary by MUTV. These headsets are given out by the stewards usually outside the Ability Suite in the corridor. This is also where you can borrow a poncho on a rainy day that MUDSA have provided. If anyone experiences any problems or just needs assistance, please bring it to my attention or any fellow Committee member and we will do our best to resolve it. I will be in the Ability suite until kick off and then I sit in the Visually impaired section.
MERCHANDISE
On match days you will find me selling MUDSA merchandise in the Ability suite. We have various badges, pens, keyrings, lanyards and water bottles. There is something for everyone.
TEAM SHEETS
The club provide team sheets for each home game. You can pick one up from myself before kick-off in the Ability suite at the merchandise table. Or from Alan in the Stretford end.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow committee members for all their hard work and dedication that goes in to making MUDSA the success that it is today.
EVENTS REPORT – ANN MARIE LEWIS
Carrington
Mudsa had one visit to Carrington last season but with twice the amount of people so our numbers stayed the same. There was food and drink available to everyone on arrival. Then everyone got excited when most of the first team arrived, they went around the room chatting to everyone then we got time watching them training.
Christmas party
This year’s Christmas party took place in the Manchester suite at Old Trafford. When everyone arrived at the suite a breakfast brunch was waiting for everyone to enjoy. Both FA cups were on display. After clearing the tables everyone got ready for the arrival of the players, they made their way around the room signing items and having photos taken. After the players left, we had the mudsa raffle before everyone went home. Dynamo was also in attendance.
Bowling.
We welcomed back the mudsa annual bowling challenge, it was the first one we had held since covid. Members and their friends and families had a fun day. We had trophies for the adult and children’s winners and an achievement trophy for both as well. Also, every child that attended received a mudsa medal. We also had a special trophy that we presented to Terry Wood and his Granddaughter Liz Brown in memory of Gladys wood. Gladys passed away just before her 90th birthday but every year she would bring 20/25 members of her family to the bowling. I’m glad her family have carried on coming, we really all miss Gladys. Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to all the committee members for helping me throughout the year and of course everyone who helps us at the club.
AMBASSADOR REPORT – NATHANIEL YATES
I still enjoy being a MUDSA ambassador. I enjoy seeing fans on match day to say hello to and I have many friends that are members as well. I love working with the Manchester United foundation and spreading the word of MUDSA to try to recruit new members. I never take this for granted and the most important thing about my role is to serve the amazing membership. We have the best disabled supporter’s association in the world, and I promise to keep spreading the word about MUDSA and to recruit new members. Let’s hope we can get it right on the pitch soon. It’s always an honour and a privilege to serve everybody.
COMMITTEE REPORT – SUE ROCCA
After stepping down from my role of 20+ years as treasurer I have taken the position of accounts and admin assistant. This has allowed a smooth transition of the accounts over to the very capable Alan.
I have a support role now helping arrange the bowling event and the annual dinner. I help Rick with some of his admin tasks and generally share my management experience and knowledge.
I thank the committee members for many, many years of solid support and hope we continue to grow as a unified coaching team supporting our members.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2025
Sue Rocca – proposed by Rick Clement, seconded by Ann Marie.
Rick Clement – proposed by Alan Rayment, seconded by Dave Wood
All nominees were elected unanimously
VOTE ON UPDATED CONSTITUTION
A unanimous vote in favour of changing to the new constitution being put in place was counted. This is now available on the MUDSA website.
MEMBERS QUESTIONS
| The seating in the quadrant via entrance AE1 for someone like me who is 6’3” tall and suffering from osteoarthritis in both knees and ankles makes for a very uncomfortable experience as the seats are so close together will there be any chance of a change to the seating allowing more space between the rows or can I specify seats in the Stretford end where the match day experience is much better. CONCERNS REPORTED |
| Why has the funding for away coach travel for carers/ PA been withdrawn? DUE TO FUNDING RESTRICTIONS AND THE MONEY ONLY BENEFITTING A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS |
| I was a disability member up until this season as i felt like the new process for getting tickets was unfair and potluck if you got one, fastest finger first situation. i decided to give up the membership and become a normal member as i have a friend who kindly sometimes sends me there ticket as they sit in a low section…i thought about it and was wondering why I can’t be a member of both? i tried to become a disability member again but was told i can’t come back? my disability hasn’t gone away so why can’t I become a disabled member again? AWAITING ANSWER FROM CLUB |
| Why have prices increased? INFLATION, INCREASED CLUB COSTS |
| I can see MUSDA do a lot for members who can or do attend Old Trafford but what do MUSDA do to help those disabled members who cannot attend the ground due to disability or distance or both? QUESTION ASKED TO MEMBERS (WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING MORE OF?) |
| Why can’t I purchase a non-accessible seat online if I can find one that is suitable for my needs? For those with neurodiversity and/or physical disability the lack of space in the accessible corner seating is prohibitive. Can this be addressed please? And as someone who struggled in that area why can’t I purchase a seat in either the wheelchair section or in general seating instead? AWAITING FEEDBACK FROM CLUB |
| Please can Utd allow an (airline safe) electric scooter into the North Stand, as I am very disabled. I have done so twice previously. There are parking bays. I want to sit with my friends. CURRENTLY WITH DAO |
| My question is on Disabled parking. Will the club consider a look at disabled bay parking policy close to the ground so we are able to attend home matches i am paying near £400 per season i and many others feel this is not the way to assist the disabled community many of my disabled colleagues when we go to a new stadium we will be unable to attend due to the set pricing structure currently being unfair and not assisting the disabled community fairly Can my concerns be passed on to the club. CONCERNS BROUGHT UP IN CLUB MEETINGS |
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Further questions asked from those in the meeting around the subjects of the Players area after the game needing review, concerns about the water pressure in the Stretford end platform, stewarding concerns and more. These included toilets both inside the stadium and in the carparks being unhygienic, Kiosks shutting before the end of half time and stadium entrances being opened late. These are being looked at with the newly appointed DAO with training for stewards and staff now being overseen and a new access audit being done. Evacuation plans being reviewed including the lifts and more. We will report all outcomes as they progress.
