FAQ
faq
1) How many meetings do the FAB have per year?
In the 2024/25 season we are currently set to have six meetings with the club, plus additional internal meetings.
2) How do you become a member of the FAB?
Initially, the club invited the original members, when it was the Fan Consultation Group. There was also the introduction of two guest fans at meetings, which any supporter could sign-up to partipate. Now with the recent transition to the Premier League's 'Fan Advisory Board', we are evolving how membership should work. They'll soon be the introduction of an extended network, to help broaden the input to the group and increase speciality and focus on certain issues. If you represent a group, that you think maybe a blindspot of the current FAB, please do get in touch.
The group is underrepresented by claret members, and fans who buy general admission tickets on an ad-hoc basis. Therefore, we are looking to increase representation for these groups
3) Aren't FAB's just a box-ticketing exercise?
The effectiveness of a Fan Advisory Board (FAB) ultimately depends on the commitment of its members, the engagement of the wider supporter base, and the willingness of the club to listen and act on the input provided. When approached with sincerity and purpose, FABs are far more than a formality—they are an opportunity for meaningful collaboration.
Mutual Responsibility
A club that dismisses its supporters as merely “noise” misses out on valuable insights and an opportunity to foster loyalty and unity. Similarly, fans who disengage from efforts like the FAB lose the chance to actively shape the decisions that affect them and their fellow supporters.
Why the FAB Matters
Many club staff members may not be Aston Villa supporters—or even deeply invested in football. The FAB provides a vital forum for the club to connect with real fans who are passionate about the club and understand the heartbeat of the fanbase. By serving as a sounding board and a conduit for honest feedback, the FAB adds value that external market research firms simply cannot match.
A Direct Line to Fans
In the past, Aston Villa, like many clubs, has relied on external firms to gather supporter feedback. This approach often lacks the depth and authenticity of direct engagement. The FAB eliminates that disconnect, ensuring the club has a consistent and direct link to its most invested stakeholders: the fans.
Rather than viewing the FAB as a box-ticking exercise, it should be seen as a platform for collaboration and improvement—a tool for building a stronger, more united Aston Villa. Its success lies in what we all contribute to it, together.
4) What about representing the interests of international fans?
If you are a member of an Aston Villa International Lions Club, then the Lions Club FAB rep should be your first port of call. Likewise with the Villa Trust, MOMS, Villa Talk, etc. Feel free to contact us, if you have an issue, especially if it's of a match-going variety.
5) The FAB is just a group of privileged supporters who think they're better than other fans
The FAB is made up of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring supporters’ voices are heard at the highest levels of the club. Members are chosen to represent a wide range of fan perspectives and are committed to acting in the best interests of all Aston Villa supporters—not to promote their own agendas.
FAB members don’t receive payment, privileges, or perks for their involvement. Meetings are focused entirely on raising and addressing issues that matter to the fanbase. The so-called “free sandwiches” often mentioned by Twitter trolls are not why anyone takes on this role—it’s about advocating for meaningful discussion and change.
The FAB exists to push the club to address concerns, improve the supporter experience, and make decisions that reflect the values of its fans. Whether it’s ticket prices, stadium accessibility, or other key issues, the FAB’s work benefits all fans, even those who choose not to engage directly with it.
We understand that not every fan will agree with every aspect of the FAB’s work, but dismissing the effort without engaging constructively doesn’t help move the conversation forward. We welcome feedback and suggestions from all fans to ensure the FAB continues to represent the diverse Aston Villa community effectively.
If you believe the FAB isn’t addressing your concerns, we encourage you to get involved—fill out our surveys, or reach out to your representatives or join their respective groups. The FAB’s strength lies in its connection to the wider fanbase, and your voice matters in shaping that connection.
6) Is the FAB involved in football matters?
The FAB’s remit does not extend to influencing footballing decisions or day-to-day operations on the pitch. However, previous engagement with the club’s leadership on the footballing side, including Directors of Football and Managers, has provided valuable insights into the broader direction and vision of Aston Villa.
During the time of the initial Villa Fan Consultation Group, such meetings proved beneficial in fostering understanding of the club’s short and long-term expectations. While the FAB remains focused on fan-related issues, these opportunities for dialogue, when they arise, help strengthen the connection between the club’s footballing ambitions and its supporters.
7) I have a complaint related to the club - what should I do?
The FAB isn't an ombudsman or complaints department, so individual issues are best dealt with by the club. You can file a complaint via email on fancomplaints@avfc.co.uk or call them.
If it's a more general supporter issue, that you don't think has already been covered in FAB meetings (see meetings section), then feel free to contact us. Due to the voluntary nature of the FAB, please do measure your expectations in terms of receiving a reply, but we will get back to you when we can.
8) Why doesn’t the FAB have its own social media accounts?
The Villa FAB is made up of a diverse group of supporters and supporter groups, many of whom already use their own social media accounts to share FAB notes and updates. Managing separate accounts for the FAB across multiple social media platforms would require significant time and resources, which is not feasible given the voluntary nature of the FAB.
Additionally, we value a decentralised approach that allows each FAB member to maintain their unique voice and perspective. To streamline communication, we encourage the use of the hashtag #AVFCFAB across all social media platforms. By monitoring this hashtag, we can systematically review supporter feedback and questions, while individual members can respond as needed.
This approach ensures that the FAB remains accessible, transparent, and flexible in engaging with Aston Villa supporters.