Club Announcement - U16 Supporters

This season the club has seen an increase in the numbers of unaccompanied children attending matches (in both the home and away end). 

 

U16s attending matchdays without a parent, guardian or carer creates safeguarding, safety and security risks and concerns. 

 

Following conversations with the matchday safety and safeguarding teams, as well as the police, the club decided to raise the age for which children and young people must attend games with a responsible adult to U16. 

 

This decision is designed to help the club better ensure matchdays are a safe environment for all, bringing our entry policy in line with many other clubs in the National League and above. 

 

This policy will be implemented immediately, starting with our home FA Cup game against Taunton Town FC tomorrow. 

 

Moving forward, U16 children and young people attending first team games at York Road therefore MUST be accompanied by an adult (18 and above). To assist with the implementation of this policy, unaccompanied supporters aged 16 to 18 may be asked to for ID. 

 

If you have any questions regarding this change in policy, please contact our ticketing team at 01628 636314. 

 

We have detailed below some FAQs which we hope will answer any further questions you have regarding this change in match day entry policy. 

 

1) Why has Maidenhead United changed the age requirement from U14 to U16 for unaccompanied children? The club has made this decision to ensure a safer environment on matchdays. With an increase in the number of unaccompanied children attending games, this step was taken after discussions with the safety and safeguarding teams, as well as the police. It aligns Maidenhead United with other clubs in the National League and higher divisions, who have similar policies in place. 

 

2) When does the new policy come into effect? The new policy is effective immediately and will be enforced starting from our home FA Cup match against Taunton Town FC. 

 

3) What is the new policy for U16s? All supporters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (aged 18 or above) when attending a Maidenhead United first team match at York Road. Unaccompanied U16s will not be permitted entry. 

 

4) Can U16s still buy tickets online or at the gate? Yes, U16s can still purchase tickets online, at the gate, or hold a Gold Membership. However, they will not be allowed entry without being accompanied by an adult. 

 

5) What happens if an unaccompanied U16 arrives at the stadium? Any unaccompanied U16 will be refused entry. The club strongly encourages all parents, guardians, and carers to ensure their child is accompanied by a responsible adult. 

 

6) Is the new policy enforced on a one adult to one child ratio? No, an adult can accompany multiple children, but they must be responsible for each child within their group. 

 

7) My child and I stand in different places. Do I need to be next to them at all times? No, but you must be within the ground at the same time. 

 

8) Do 16- and 17-year-olds need to be accompanied by an adult as well? No, supporters aged 16 and 17 are allowed to attend matches without an adult. However, they may be asked to show ID to verify their age. 

 

9) What type of ID will 16- and 17-year-olds need to show? Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driver's license, provisional license, or a school/college ID that clearly shows their date of birth. 

 

10) I have already bought a Membership for my child who is under 16. Can they still attend matches? Yes, your child can still attend matches, but they must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18 or above) under the new policy. 

 

11) I purchased a Gold Membership for my child, who will now be unable to attend without a responsible adult. Will I be eligible for a partial refund? Yes, you can apply for a refund by contacting 01628 636314, or emailing commercial@maidenheadunitedfc.org. The total refundable amount will be calculated dependent on the number of games remaining in the season. 

 

12) I am 17 years old and already have a Membership. Will I need to show ID at every match? You may be asked to show ID occasionally to confirm your age, so it’s a good idea to carry it with you, but this will not necessarily happen at every match. 

 

13) I am a parent who can’t always attend games. Can another adult accompany my child? Yes, your child can attend a match with any responsible adult (aged 18 or above). This could be a family member, friend, or carer. 

 

14) Is the policy in place for all matches at York Road, including non-league and cup games? Yes, the policy applies to all Maidenhead United first team matches, including league games, FA Cup, FA Trophy, and other competitive fixtures. 

 

15) Does the new policy apply to other events held at the stadium? This policy specifically applies to Maidenhead United first team matches. For other events at York Road, please refer to the specific entry requirements of those events. 

 

16) What should I do if my child has a ticket for an upcoming match but will now need to be accompanied? Please ensure that a responsible adult attends with them. If this is not possible and you wish to discuss alternative arrangements, you can contact our ticketing team at 01628 636314. 

 

17) Will there be any exceptions to this policy for under-16s attending matches? At present, no exceptions will be made. The club has introduced this policy for safeguarding and safety reasons. 

 

18) Does this policy affect junior supporters clubs or school groups attending matches? No, organised groups such as junior supporters clubs or school groups can still attend as long as there are responsible adults (aged 18 or above) accompanying the group. 

 

19) What if my child turns 16 during the season? Once your child turns 16, they will be able to attend matches unaccompanied. However, they may still be asked to provide ID until they reach 18. 

 

20) How does this policy contribute to the overall safety of matchdays? By requiring U16s to attend matches with a responsible adult, we can better monitor and manage safeguarding and security concerns, ensuring a safer environment for all supporters. 

 

21) Who can I contact if I have additional questions or concerns about this policy? If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our ticketing team at 01628 636314. They will be happy to assist you. 

 

22) Will this policy be reviewed in the future? The club will continue to assess matchday safety and security measures as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe environment. Any future updates to the policy will be communicated to supporters.