Originally Posted by
Insidetherock
I'd hate to think there will never be a crowd like that again, because that is something the league and soccer in general should be aspiring to. If that crowd can come out for one game, it can come out for lots of games, you just have to ensure the product is there for them to enjoy.
Soccer is a larger participation sport than GAA, yet GAA is a much larger viewing sport than soccer. Why ? Why do GAA lovers head off to a game with their kids in tow, but soccer supporters do not ? It should be addressed.
And, this isn't to knock the GAA in any way, I think it's a fantastic organistion, but instead of competing with it, sports should be looking to compliment each other.
You mentioned the newly formed ladies team in Tipp Town. That's an element that should be fostered and encouraged in as many clubs as possible. The Tipp Town ladies were out promoting that game on Facebook and other social media sites. They brought a "new crowd" to soccer games that you normally don't see i.e. a young female crowd. There are now close to 20 ladies teams in Tipperary, North and South, and creating women's teams bring new blood and supporters into clubs.
There is also a dedicated schoolgirls soccer league started in South Tipperary since January, following on from the schoolgirls league formed in North Tipp a few years ago. Again, new people, new players, new supporters.
Soccer should be widening the participation levels all across the spectrum, schoolboys, schoolgirls, adult men and women. Clubs should start becoming "families" for want of a better word. There is too much emphasis in my opinion, of clubs simply being vehicles lads to get out on a Sunday, meets some other lads, and go enjoy a few pints. That is important, but build on it. Welcome every participant and supporter.
Getting a couple of hundred supporters to every game shouldn't be a wish, it should be a realistic target. And anyone who goes to pubs, clubs, any social event really will tell you.. crowds bring crowds.