Just a thought

[scousemouse]

Read a word of thanks on Facebook to a band of volunteers at Plymouth Parkway, who helped clean up Bolitho Park in readiness for the coming season.

This is one good forum for clubs to ask for voluntary help at their ground.

If people don't know help is welcome, they may never offer their services.

Just a thought.

[pastyman]

You pinching one of my opening lines scousemouse?

Nice idea, but everybody seems busy these days.

 

[Home Waters]

Plymouth Parkway formed a Supporters Club last year, at first it was thought that there may not be much interest, but we are now starting our second year and have over 40 paid up members, which is 25% of the average gate, quite high really. The members meet regularly, have updates on club news, re players, ground, matches etc. Their views are put to the officers of the club so they have a voice within the club, it also creates a more social atmosphere on match days, they also raise money to improve ground facilities and have done already with help with new tarmac covered surfaces and security of the club and have their own club logo and scarves. Just needs a 'little' organisation, you would be surprised of the interest within your own particular club if you go out and find it.

[JENGLE]

Sounds like they've got a good set up down there. Some clubs could definitely follow suit.

[pastyman]

21 hours ago, Keith B said:

That's why I've always banged the drum for club membership. Supporters Club / Club Memberships are good and a valuable asset for any club. A feeling of belonging to a club, can foster a healthy relationship between supporters and players and bring benefits for both, as well as providing extra vital funding to the club.  

On 6/26/2016 at 11:47, Home Waters said:

Plymouth Parkway formed a Supporters Club last year, at first it was thought that there may not be much interest, but we are now starting our second year and have over 40 paid up members, which is 25% of the average gate, quite high really. The members meet regularly, have updates on club news, re players, ground, matches etc. Their views are put to the officers of the club so they have a voice within the club, it also creates a more social atmosphere on match days, they also raise money to improve ground facilities and have done already with help with new tarmac covered surfaces and security of the club and have their own club logo and scarves. Just needs a 'little' organisation, you would be surprised of the interest within your own particular club if you go out and find it.

Keith B, I totally agree with your comments. How many supporters have a feeling of "belonging" to a club? We all want to see our respective clubs be successful in all competitons and this relies on having sufficient funding for a player budget. The majority of clubs within the South West are not "cash rich" and simply manage to survive from year to year. I personally think what Plymouth Parkway have done in forming a Supporters Club is a great way to involve people in what is "their club". The Supporters club organises its own "half time" draw, which helps bolster the funds too.

Home Waters, You have given some great reasons why clubs should follow your model. I have no idea what you charge for membership, so the amount raised there is unknown, but I guess very worthwhile. Listening to the views of your membership and keeping them in the "loop", surely must be a good thing.

Clubs use to have a Vice Presidents Club, do they still exist?   Club lotteries can also generate a good income, as proved by Plymouth Argyle in the mid-seventies. Plymouth Argyle had a certain Bill Pearce, who initiated the lottery and drove its success.  Commission paid canvassers and collectors, the lottery should generate a reasonable income for most clubs.

Sadly, money buys success and if clubs want success, they have to find ways of generating more funds. The more people wishing to be part of "their club", the more money the club will generate.

End of season presentation night is another way of getting supporters to get involved, do clubs invite them?

 

 

[JENGLE]

Agree Keith B, I like the idea of clubs having their very own Supporters Club. As long as they are ran properly that is. I've never been up to Plymouth Parkway, so may have to see if I can go up there some time this season. Only ever watched them the once and they looked quite handy then.

[WendronOfficial]

Home Park or any other Parkway Posters... Great idea! Any one I could email to seek further info? 

[MarkPPFC]

10 hours ago, WendronOfficial said:

Home Park or any other Parkway Posters... Great idea! Any one I could email to seek further info? 

We are extremely proud and lucky to have the supporters group at Parkway and they are a massive help to the club!

If anyone wants any more information please feel free to email me ppfcmark@gmail.com and I will forward any questions onto the chair of the supporters group.