Moe Lester wrote:
Just an idea for the Supporters Trust or just in general.
How about an event to raise money for one of two things. The two things I thought of were to help raise funds for the Academy set-up that was cruelly stopped a few weeks ago or to have it as some form of testimonial for Steve Magee, however, I don't know whether the RFL would need to be contacted about that.
I believe the Hive has facilities for this sort of thing so it may be possible to broker a deal with Barnet FC to hold the event there and maybe even get some sort of discount. See what the offers would be at Barnet, for example, I know that some places do three course set menu meals.
The main part of the night being a meet and greet sort of night with Sean Long, a few players if possible and maybe another RL figure, maybe Martin Offiah or Andy Farrell as they're fairly local.
If the event was for the Academy it may be possible to get in touch with some former Academy graduates via Twitter or their respective clubs and to hold an auction of RL memorabilia with all proceeds going towards the Academy, similarly, if it was for Steve Magee, ask former players if they'd donate memorabilia with the proceeds going to Steve.
It may something worth looking into and if marketed well (by the club and by the fans) the event could be a success.
Whilst your heart is in the right place, the reality is that London Fans do not turn out in numbers sufficient enough to make this sort of event viable.
On the topic of "raising funds", I suspect that we will hear more regarding "the future" over the next 5 days, especially in regard of signings/loan players, back office set-up, 2014 shirt design, season tickets (Barnet FC do not have a ST, they have a monthly membership) and other stuff.
The key to making the 2015 Broncos a viable investment prospect is to treat the 13 home games in 2014 as events. Regardless of if we get spanked or not, for anyone to have any interest in ploughing time, effort and money into the club, then there needs to be a marked improvement in attendances and the relationship between the fans and the club.
Personally, a 3k average is the minimum that would be acceptable. That is a 35% increase on 2013 and will not come easily. As far as I can make out, Barnet FC average 1,800 for their home games, so there is little hope of a "massive" boost from them...we are after all, egg chasers, so unless there is a pretty big incentive, I can't see many of them becoming "regulars", so it is down to regular masochists, newbies, locals, ex-pat northerners and ANZACS.
Regulars. Get the pricing sorted now and get the message out now......bring a mate stuff can be sorted nearer the time, but I'd be selling something to the fans we have now.
Next up, 40,000 (60%) southern based purchasers of RLWC 2013 Big Hit Tickets. The RFL knows who they are and where they are. 3,000 invites per game......if the response rate isn't brilliant then double the send. These people paid to watch RL at Wembley and they witnessed a cracking game.....remind them of this!
Locals: Leaflet drops are OK, but in reality, I'd look at those houses within a 15 minute walk to start with and I'd be loathe to "pay" for this. I'd re-engage the volunteers.....starting with a loving fans forum.
Ex-pat northerners: Without doubt, a certain % of the fans who come to the games v Wigan, Leeds, Saints and Bradford are London based. We need to engage them, as well as liaise with the marketing teams of the visiting teams to leverage any form of contact with these people we can. They can continue to follow their "home team" but we should try to encourage them to come and see us as their second side....wire-quin??
On the topic of Offiah. He won't be so keen on London RL now he can't feed at the trough of our academy. I'd offer him an unpaid ambassadorial role.....doubt you'd see him for the dust!
He also seems to have no regular job, just relying on his various "celebrity" appearances,
