Supporters’ Trust launches Youth Forum

Supporters’ Trust launches Youth Forum led by Youth Ambassador Shay O’Grady

The Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust is launching a new Youth Forum to give young supporters under the age of 18 a genuine voice in the future of the club.

The Youth Forum has been created to provide a structured, ongoing way for young fans to share their views, experiences and ideas with the Trust and, where possible, Sheffield Wednesday FC. It comes at a time when the Trust is increasingly hearing concerns that many young supporters feel disconnected from the club, even among those who already consider themselves Wednesday fans.

Led by young supporters, for young supporters

The Forum will be led by the Trust’s Youth Ambassador, Shay O’Grady. Shay is well known among Wednesday supporters for his dedication to the club and his fundraising work in the local community.

Inspired by Francis Benali, Shay has completed a series of self styled endurance challenges since childhood to raise money for hospice care for his cousin, Evie. These challenges have included a 58 mile swim, walk and cycle journey between Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley FC, attracting widespread support from fans and local football communities.

Shay’s profile, energy and connection with other young supporters will sit at the heart of the Youth Forum.

What the Youth Forum will do

The Youth Forum will act as a bridge between young supporters, the Supporters’ Trust and the football club. It will be a place to talk openly about how young fans feel about Sheffield Wednesday, how engagement could be improved and how the Trust can better represent younger voices.

The Forum is also about the future. By bringing young supporters together now, the Trust wants to ensure their views are organised, heard and taken seriously, particularly as the club moves towards a new chapter.

How it will work

The Youth Forum is open to anyone under the age of 18. Members will need to join the Supporters’ Trust, with youth membership set at £1 per year.

Meetings will take place regularly, with the first meeting planned for Wednesday 4 March at 6.30pm. The meeting will be held in person at a community venue, with an option to join online to make participation as accessible as possible.

Trust board members and the Community Director will support the Forum, but the discussions and direction will be led by young supporters themselves.

Get involved

If you are a young Sheffield Wednesday supporter, or a parent or guardian of one, the Trust would love you to be involved.

To register your interest, please complete the contact form below.

We will then send you the details, including how to access the first meeting online if needed and how youth membership works.

This is about listening, learning and building something that lasts, together.