Name: Victor Mahal
Fan Group: Punjabi Forest
Season Card/Membership Status: Season Ticket Holder D Block Peter Taylor Stand
Please best describe your relationship with the club?
As a lifelong Forest Fan, I felt for some time there was an opportunity to start a supporter's group such as Punjabi Forest which would develop the unique diversity, equality, and inclusion of the Forest Fan base of all ages irrespective of ethnicity, race, religion, colour and gender.
Since inception of Punjabi Forest over two years ago the club have championed and supported our members in all the charity fundraising projects.
Nottingham Forest did not hesitate to make Punjabi Forest an Official Supporters group, which is testament to the club and the owners' foresight.
How long have you been a fan for?
I have been a Nottingham Forest fan for 58 years and my first game was as an eight-year-old in the 1966-67 season against Man City 2nd May 1967.
Favourite moment/moments as a Forest fan?
8th February 1978 Leeds United 1 v Forest 3... I recall travelling by train to Leeds and Forest winning away in the first leg of the League Cup Semi Finals and looking back was the realisation that Forest was going places.
In recent years the play off final at Wembley 22nd May 2022 was an emotional special day with Forest ending a 23 year wait from the Premier League.
Why is sitting on the FAB important to you?
Sitting on the FAB is important because Punjabi Forest represent the first ethnic NFFC supporters' group, with members who have been supporters since the 1950’s. With the unique diversity of our membership who are amongst the fans who are heartbeat of the club, it's very important we can represent Punjabi Forest members ensuring their voices are heard. It is an honour to represent and act as a bridge between the passionate and loyal Punjabi Forest supporter's members and the club management.
What topics are of importance to you/your supporter’s group to be discussed by the FAB?
- MyForest ticket prices
- Away Membership ticket accessibility
- Stadium development
- Safe standing area
- Strategic vision and objectives
- Short and long term strategy
- Memorial for Miracle Men
- City Ground Open Days for families
- Community cultural matchday experience