Attracting families to el games

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Originally Posted by Grey Boy

There are plenty of annoying (I wouldn't call them knackers and either should you by the way) kids at the Carlisle, but I've been going there for 22 years and can honestly say I've never seen any incidents of violence from any Bray fan and to suggest that they have some sort of organised firm is just not true. Last season for a Bohs home game there were some kids I'd never seen at the Carlisle before or since who were clearly looking for trouble. But not to open up a can of worms here, another famous Dublin club were fixtureless that night.
I only mentioned yourselves and Longford to make the point that it would be ludicrous to suggest you have any dodgy element.

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Most Clubs In Ireland have some sort of schooligan element with some young fans, just some much more than others, most of them are "inspired" from watching Greentsreet and they instantly want to start fights with other clubs "firms".

You say Bray dont have any of these kind of people at their club, but I would imagine they do (more than likey a small figure) but when they know clubs with a reputation such as Bohs or Rovers are coming down they will tell others around Bray there will be a fight and Voila.

Fortunatly most clubs dont have these problems regularly but some do, and they need to find a way to stop it:ball:

By the way this isnt a slag at anyone or any club, just stating What I believe is true.

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Originally Posted by Grey Boy

There are plenty of annoying (I wouldn't call them knackers and either should you by the way) kids at the Carlisle

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Why not? Don't go for this PC nonsense myself, to be honest. There are knackers at Bray games, and I don't see why I can't refer to them as such.

No student tickets anymore? :rolleyes:

€20 into that dump? F_UCK OFF Pat's :mad:

Is it worth it? I doubted. You should of had more than 2,000 last Friday.

Last year that game got about 800 at it...

And it was €15 into it, same as I have to pay into the ****ing death trap that is the Des Kelly stand, so Bohs fans get down off their high horses on that one

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Why not? Don't go for this PC nonsense myself, to be honest. There are knackers at Bray games, and I don't see why I can't refer to them as such.

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in order to attract families to el games the schooligan elements in all clubs have to be stamped out immediately! 10 year bans from clubs should sort them out for "bringing the club into disrepute"


also a family ticket, family season ticket wouldnt go astrauy either

Minor League Baseball does some great work from a marketing perspective to bring families to minor league baseball games in the USA. Essentially they are in the same situation as the LoI vs. the English/Scottish leagues: the bigger leagues are more interesting to the majority due to quality of players and more readily available on TV, but these smaller leagues are closer to home for many people.

Their tactics include discounts for families, fun promotions (giving away free swag or free food). Having a section of the stands where beer isn't allowed. Generally making themselves known in the community through radio ads, sponsorships.

Here is an article outlining how MiLB does big business in the USA, despite being lower quality leagues :

http://www.recmanagement.com/200203fe04.php

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Originally Posted by Kivlehan

Having a section of the stands where beer isn't allowed.

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That'd be a successful promo here! :)

have to say it does appear as if there are moves to promote the league properly in localities of late. The likes of the open days - with clubs giving away goody bags and season tickets - loyalty cards, CPOs hitting schools and clubs and various other items. Hopefully it'll do some good.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Why not? Don't go for this PC nonsense myself, to be honest. There are knackers at Bray games, and I don't see why I can't refer to them as such.

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Yeah! Well we can't all be located in Dublin 4 though.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Why not? Don't go for this PC nonsense myself, to be honest. There are knackers at Bray games, and I don't see why I can't refer to them as such.

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And what would be your defining factors of a knacker?? Lack of daddys mirk, no cavier for lunch, glasses instead of a monacle, or just wearing a tracksuit instead of a bowler hat??

We need two separate threads here. One for all the mongos to complain about the schooligans, and a separate one for looking at Pat's fans squirming trying to justify how they can charge 33% more than any other Dublin club for covered seating on the basis that you get a free programme; something that away fans should be able to choose whether or not to buy. :ball:

where has any Pats fan tried to justify the €20? You read our MB,. you know the outrage it caused.

I read the gambling section. I'm glad it caused outrage but the outrage won't get the punter any change from his 20 bob, will it?

Not trying to justify it but if you're like me and buy a programme at all matches the most expensive club is still Drogheda. They were first with €20 a seat and given that most clubs haven't put their prices up in a few years (Pats last did it at the start of 2002 I think), I'd guess a few more will follow suit soon enough.

Just like Drogheda you still have the choice of paying €15 to stand on the terrace.

And if €2 extra a match is the price to pay for the start we've had this season then I'm more than happy to pay it! :D

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Originally Posted by Grey Boy

Yeah! Well we can't all be located in Dublin 4 though.

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Originally Posted by Da Real Rover

And what would be your defining factors of a knacker?? Lack of daddys mirk, no cavier for lunch, glasses instead of a monacle, or just wearing a tracksuit instead of a bowler hat??

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Oh dear God almighty...

Bray have knacker "fans" who are always ready to throw stuff at away fans, mess with away fans' flags, and stuff like that. I can't remember a single trip to Bray when I haven't come across at least one of these irritating sh!tes. You can choose to ignore the fact if you want to; doesn't make it not true. And ridiculous comparisons such as the two above don't prove anything either.

Ideas to get families into grounds and secure a bigger following in years to come...

Free for under 12's <- already suggested i know!
Prematch or HT kick about with some of the non selected team for that match..
A Club mascot always makes for good PR with kids
A kids supporters club whereby they get free newsletters emailed out to them .. something simple.. 1 or 2 pages..
A "kids" day where by anyone under 12 can see and meet the players and have a little kick about. (Twice a season)
Kids food at grounds...

more to follow..

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Originally Posted by Tazskool

A Club mascot always makes for good PR with kids

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All club mascos must die!

The Open Day idea you mentioned is already there. UCD also run summer soccer camps (I'm sure we're not alone)

Not sure about kids' food though. (a) We already have chipper vans and the likes anyway and (b) I don't agree with pandering to kids' tastes for fatty foods - they should be encouraged to eat properly.

I am not saying fatty foods and such as a whole on the menu.. make the food more "inviting" to kids..

Its an old saying..but the kids are the clubs future fans and players... look after them or lose them..

Also as a parent I am happy to see a club give that bit extra to the kids to ensure they enjoy the day.. keeps them quiet and makes me able to enjoy the match that bit more..

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Oh dear God almighty...

Bray have knacker "fans" who are always ready to throw stuff at away fans, mess with away fans' flags, and stuff like that. I can't remember a single trip to Bray when I haven't come across at least one of these irritating sh!tes. You can choose to ignore the fact if you want to; doesn't make it not true. And ridiculous comparisons such as the two above don't prove anything either.

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Ditto...

I remember a few years back we had to run two or three little *****s away. One was actually just about to take a leak on our flag. The steward laughed.

Shels also have an element, though they are far outnumbered by sound fans. It mostly seems to be a Dublin club thing.

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Originally Posted by Philly

It mostly seems to be a Dublin club thing.

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It certainly is not. Waterford or Drogheda by far the worst, Sligo and Cork have them too.

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Originally Posted by Dodge

It certainly is not. Waterford or Drogheda by far the worst, Sligo and Cork have them too.

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sligo?

ah now.. come on.

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Originally Posted by Dodge

It certainly is not. Waterford or Drogheda by far the worst, Sligo and Cork have them too.

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Haven't found anywhere worse than Bray although Pats were a clear second up to a couple of years ago. Never noticed anything in Drogheda or Sligo.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

I can't remember a single trip to Bray when I haven't come across at least one of these irritating sh!tes.

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Exactly. Out of all the grounds I've visited the most unpleasant experience with the opposing team's fans always stands out as Bray on every occasion. Skangers, knackers, cretins, call them as you will but there's a distinctly larger crowd of irritating little creatures at the Carlisle.

Worst for me is Athlone Town, by a mile. Then probably Bray, then Galway.

Can't remember how many times our coach has been bricked up in Drogheda :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Philly

I remember a few years back we had to run two or three little *****s away. One was actually just about to take a leak on our flag. The steward laughed.

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For any Bray officials reading, I have highlighted the cause of the problem.

At the Brandywell we used to allow under 14's in for free when accompanied with an adult. We cant know due to season ticket holders. Our problem is our ground. When its re-developed, we should have a family stand where a family and children should be allocated with a shope there for refreshments.

As a parent, I have to agree that bringing your kid to eLeague games can be on the expensive side. Especially if they are young as you have to take them into the seated areas as they get tired quite quickly if they have to stand.

On the topic of Bray and Bohs, I normally bring my young lad but made a point not to on Friday night as I had a good idea what it would be like.

Shels fans at their usual antics before, during and after the game in Ballybofey on Friday night. Hope they enjoyed their 'ruck' when they finally got one.

The locals don't usually show the same restraint as Harps fans so hopefully they will have learned their lesson.

Normally who we would be playing is what my decision to bring my son is based on. Any other parents like that or are you happy enough with the security arrangements at grounds? Our own, incidently is a joke at present.

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Originally Posted by Niall

Was charged 10 euro to bring my 6 year old to the Waterford v Pats match last night. Now before anyone complains I tight , I'm not but how in the name of God is a club like pats going to attractive someone with more than 1 child to a game? Surely a token few quid, atttract the parents and put bums on seats would be a more appropriate approach to expand the support base in this area?

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Lol i bring 3 , its cheaper to go on the beer for the night :confused:


kdjac

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Originally Posted by Tazskool

Ideas to get families into grounds and secure a bigger following in years to come...

Free for under 12's <- already suggested i know!
Prematch or HT kick about with some of the non selected team for that match..
A Club mascot always makes for good PR with kids
A kids supporters club whereby they get free newsletters emailed out to them .. something simple.. 1 or 2 pages..
A "kids" day where by anyone under 12 can see and meet the players and have a little kick about. (Twice a season)
Kids food at grounds...

more to follow..

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bar the mascot all of those things are almost in place at Mons.

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Originally Posted by Dodge

It certainly is not. Waterford or Drogheda by far the worst, Sligo and Cork have them too.

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What are you on about?

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Oh dear God almighty...

Bray have knacker "fans" who are always ready to throw stuff at away fans, mess with away fans' flags, and stuff like that. I can't remember a single trip to Bray when I haven't come across at least one of these irritating sh!tes. You can choose to ignore the fact if you want to; doesn't make it not true. And ridiculous comparisons such as the two above don't prove anything either.

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You see you dont have to call them 'knackers' as this word has many conotations which arent really suitable. It can be perceived as upper class snobbery, all you hve to do is call them cheeky little ****s that need a proper slap to cop the fuk on. Believe me i know, bray is full of them, the pre puberty green army.

At the end of the day the KIDS are the main people you need to please...

I'll explain why...

Pleasing the adults you get 1 lot of gate money.. and if the parent takes a child in you are not certain of the parent being happy with a nagging kid or unhappy child...

Provide good entertainment and get the child wrapped up by the club you get the child FORCING the parent to take them to the game.. Yes do you not get the gate money from letting the U-12 into the game BUT you do get the extra sales based on food, souvies and so forth..

ALSO you get them as a fan for many years... and then you get them as hooked when they have a family..

The parents are happy with seeing good football.. yes the kids are the same but the attension span is never as long as the adults...

Its simple maths which some clubs do not understand.. not just in Ireland.. but the world...

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Originally Posted by Da Real Rover

You see you dont have to call them 'knackers' as this word has many conotations which arent really suitable. It can be perceived as upper class snobbery, all you hve to do is call them cheeky little ****s that need a proper slap to cop the fuk on. Believe me i know, bray is full of them, the pre puberty green army.

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What are you on about?! How is it "upper class snobbery" to expect to go somewhere and not have your flag ****ed on/spat on?!

I'm aware of what the term "knackers" means, and I find it quite suitable, thank you. If you want to start adding in extra "connotation", that's your own look out.

Anyways, back on topic - Tazskool is right, obviously.

Knackers is to good a term for them.

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Originally Posted by RonnieB

Knackers is to good a term for them.

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now now now... thats offending the travelling community..

lets be more specific and call them urban scumbags

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Originally Posted by SligoBrewer

now now now... thats offending the travelling community..

lets be more specific and call them urban scumbags

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You mean suburban scumbags?

But I think we're being a bit harsh here. Kids left unsupervised will act the maggot like that. The problem is that the Wanderers are being used as a babysitting service on Friday nights and the stewards aren't interested in keeping the kids under control.

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Originally Posted by fbtn

Shels fans at their usual antics before, during and after the game in Ballybofey on Friday night. Hope they enjoyed their 'ruck' when they finally got one.

The locals don't usually show the same restraint as Harps fans so hopefully they will have learned their lesson.

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Didn't make it myself Friday night. Any details as to what went on? PM me if you wish. Anyhting that can be used as a stick to beat these lads into not following our club anymore would be appreciated

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Originally Posted by stann

What are you on about?

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Waterford have a hugh proportion of little knackers trying to **** off away fans. As do Drogheda. Other clubs have an element but its most obvious in those two venues. Clear enough for you?

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Originally Posted by Dodge

Waterford have a hugh proportion of little knackers trying to **** off away fans. As do Drogheda. Other clubs have an element but its most obvious in those two venues. Clear enough for you?

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Never noticed it in Waterford to be honest and I sit over near the away fans block in the stand.

On a separate note, thought there was a good crowd in Inchicore on Friday night - 20 yoyo very steep considering we still had to stand to see anything though. How much of the crowd was down to the Kerr effect and how long will it last?

I'd say a fair bit was down to all the Kerr/Kelleher publicity plus the club were promoting it all week. Loads of flyers sent out to surrounding areas (Clondalkin, Tallaght, Palmerstown, Crumlin etc) offering a deal for that game and the next two @ €45 (and the aforementioned family deals). I'd say it doesn't hurt to have beaten Cork 3-1 live on TV the monday beforehand either. As ever with these things, the marketing/PR can only get people to go to one or two games but a winning side (playing attractive football it has to be said) may get them coming back regularly. I have to say I thought the crowd was a good deal north of the 1,800+ official figure