The way forward

[ferrarilover]

It was 3441 - still, a thousand more than last game and not many Wimbledon fans. If it wasn't a feelgood factor and a sense of optimism, then what did account for a larger than average crowd?

The only thing that will increase crowds is something that comes from the club. Simply imploring the South Devon public to do their duty will not work. Bemoaning them will make it even less likely.

Mike Bateson used to talk down the ambition of the club all the time. So what was in it for fans thinking of committing to the club? What was the point? If you knew the best you could hope for was 17th, then there is little to entice paying customers to commit their time, their money, an emotional stake and their hope in a football club.

Supporters do need to be able to dream and aspire, so the club has to show this and I think the poster who made the point releasing a 5 yr plan has a point. If you can see the direction the club is trying to head, you can feel more comfortable about embarking on that journey with them. I think they need to focus on the matchday experience. It's non-existent.

How?

Matt.

[chunkygull]

Very admirable thread W-L-Y. However a lot of what is being said here is being done, or has been done, Frank Prince and his in the community coaching team, are running football coaching clubs in schools, holiday clubs, players from time to time attend, they give out tickets as prizes I believe.

They hold match day birthday parties as well, in fact there has been a birthday party at our last two home games, last season the club was giving free tickets to pioneer league clubs for the family stand, I don't know whether they are still doing this, the club has done so much over the years.

The amount of kids wearing TUFC kits and clothing is growing,and becoming more visible, however, how many of these kids are actually getting to the match's for one reason and another sadly not many.

when i have posted before about the club getting involved with community or schools more i was very much aware of the initiatives already in place, especially the work being done by frank prince, which has been very good for many years.

there is also this which was another thread -

http://forum.torquayfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6292

however a lot of these initiatives, events, courses and activities entail people/children actively moving towards the club or seeking out/reaching out to the club. the club need to be reaching out to the community, children especially, which they have done admirably, but the best bet in this task would be for the players to visit schools a lot more.

as i said previously in the 6 years my lad was at primary school the club made only 1 visit that i know of and put on 1 session for 1 year group.

[WestLondonYellow]

"What sort of proactive things were you thinking, if you had any in mind? I guess our responsibility is to make noise and support the side, both of which are being slightly neglected at the minute, especially at Plainmoor!"

It's is our responsibility to make some noise, but not everyone wants to and that's fair enough, some don't want to do that.

Regarding getting the public more interested, what about a screen in town displaying the score while the game is on, i know this may seem far fetched because it would mean coopertaion and help from the council.

or a stall in town selling scarves and merchandise on matchday.

[HeavenAndHele]

or a stall in town selling scarves and merchandise on matchday.

I've only lived in Torquay for 6 years and have only followed the club for less than 3 so this might already have been tried and not worked, but how about a club shop in town? My guess it would be too expensive but if feasible it would act as an advert for the club as well as bringing in revenue by selling tickets and merchandise.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Well if Torbay are anything like our local council they'd rather have shops empty than doing something. They could let the club rent a unit at a vastly reduced rate for the 'benefit of the community' and it could be a focal hub in the town for all things yellow. The crux would be who would staff this? It would have to be volunteers wouldn't it?

[WestLondonYellow]

I agree with this, to have a club shop would massively increase exposure. From a Marketing perspective it actually does a fantastic job, it reinforces peoples mindset that the club is something they want to be part of. I know this may sound silly, but in retail, it's all about brand awareness and post sale satisfaction, and a club shop helps to create that.

Saying this, the council are unlikely to do anything to help, as someone mentioned, they'd rather have empty shops and tacky pound shops.

Another thought, we know the bay is full of people form outside the area, with allegiances to Liverpool etc. What about the Polish population, there are far more of those than there are form LIverpool or Birmingham. Is there a way we could try to get them involved. Look at the atmosphere they created at Wembley last night.

Should emphasise i mean aclub shop in the town centre, i realise there is one at plainmoor already.

I reckon a lot of tourists would by a shirt there as a souvenir. Also, could have a shop in Newton Abbot, hey why not even plonk one in Princesshay:)