The importance of supporters and their love for their clubs cannot be underestimated or undervalued. Real and in-depth engagement with a club’s supporters can lead to successful off field endeavours that can assist in creating sustainable football
The importance of supporters and their love for their clubs cannot be underestimated or undervalued.
Real and in-depth engagement with a club’s supporters can lead to successful off field endeavours that can assist in creating sustainable football clubs. This was the underlying theme of an event recently attended by representatives of Cork City FC and the SSE Airtricity League.
Fran Gavin (SSE Airtricity League Director), John Mc Guinness (SSE Airtricity League Marketing Executive), David Geary (Cork City FC Sales and Marketing Executive) and Mike Derham (Vice-Chairperson FORAS) travelled to the UK for the event at The City Football Academy in Manchester.
Cork City, who won the SSE Airtricity League Club of the Season Award at the inaugural SSE Airtricity League Club Awards in 2017, were invited to attend the event which was hosted by The Fan Experience Company. Representatives from football bodies involved in the English Premier League and Football League attended the event, while others came from as far away as Poland.
The Fan Experience Company, led by Mark Bradley, have years of experience attending and reporting on experience at football games and have recently began to work with the NFL.
The focus for the event was on the importance of creating a culture of excellence within clubs when it comes to customer service. Without fans, football is nothing; and without the correct attitude towards fans, they won’t feel appreciated and may find something else to do.
Clubs have an identity and meaning to fans that is not always officially recognised or acknowledged but it exists. This relationship brings supporters and clubs together but it must be maintained. Everyone that engages with a club should understand what the club stands for.
Clubs in the SSE Airtricity League have made massive improvements in the area of fan engagement over the past few years and the importance of the numerous volunteers and staff that engage with supporters on behalf of clubs cannot be overlooked. These dedicated people are the face of the club and their passion and commitment to clubs is invaluable.
The SSE Airtricity League reaches into communities across the island of Ireland and our clubs are about more than just football. This league is a family. It is about tradition, passion and friendship. But it is more, much more and everyone is welcome.
