Reading supporters under the age of 16 will need to be joined by a paying adult to sit in the popular Club 1871 section of the ground from next season.

Founded in 2019 as a designated ‘singing section,’ its popularity has gone from strength to strength and is now regularly selling out upwards of 2,000 tickets per match in the South Stand of the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Earning a reputation for the rowdier section of the fanbase, it has become a popular area for the younger demographic of supporters to meet.

However, from next season anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This has been increased from the current age set at 14.

The club have stated it is ‘to ensure fan safety and also to aim for the best possible fan experience for all fans who choose to support the Royals from Club 1871’.

One over 18 will be able to take four under 16s, however, this adult will act as a ‘guarantor’ and be held responsible for any misbehaviour.

In all other sections of the ground, the age of attending unaccompanied has also increased from 13 to 14.

A statement from the group themselves on social media has said: “After a long discussion with the club two weeks ago, it’s been agreed that no u16s will be allowed to sit in 1871 without an accompanying adult. After a lot of anti-social behaviour, the club had planned to ban all under 16s from this area of the stadium.

“We didn't agree with this approach, and the meeting went on for a long time. It was finally agreed that all u16s must attend with an adult. We see many families in 1871 and we felt it wasn’t fair to punish them because of a minority.

“If an adult purchases a ticket for an u16, and this u16 gets in trouble next season, then you will too, you will be responsible for each u16. So just be mindful of who you are purchasing tickets for as this will affect you as an adult ticket holder also.

“We can’t wait for the south stand to be loud and proud again next season. We will hopefully have a new owner, a squad who want to fight for us, and a lot to look forward to.”