Project 2500.....

[FleetFanatic]

.....being the gradual increase in attendances to that figure.

 

I'm sure that the usual hardcore have ideas up their sleeves in a similar manner to last summer.

 

Personally, I think we still do not do enough when it comes to targetting the local schools.

 

The friendlies start roughly when the local schools breakup - would it not be a good idea to invite EVERY school's pupils to the friendlies free of charge?

 

Firstly it will give some of them something to do during the school holidays. Secondly some of those invited might just return when the season starts!

 

Onto the season itself - each week, 1 primary/junior & secondary school should be picked as 'school of the week' - issue numbered vouchers to those schools with the details of the match it is valid for. Let them in for nothing, give the accompanying parents(s) half price admission - most of them wouldn't have come anyway so no finances lost there but what a crowd / atmosphere it could create some weeks! Again, some of them might just return. Bit by bit, the crowd might just go up.

 

Ideas anybody?

[Hempstead Gaz]

A top idea about the pre-season friendlies,Daz, I've been suggesting something on those lines for ages.

...................................If only Mr Aitken would read this forum and take some positive action to increase the crowds.

[Gordon T]

If someone is creating posters advertising the the "Big" games, or posters showing the seasons fixtures then I am sure i can put some up around Gravesend Grammar School, might get a few more kids interested.

[FleetFanatic]

Thread moved to general forum.....and made sticky.

 

Now come up with all those excellent ideas!

[Guest]

I am a pupil and I know that kids will just take the opportunity for granted. Most children are unaware of Gravesend's progress, and still think we are useless and joke about us

[gnfc_guy]

My mates at scholl used to think that, but i took some to a couple of games last season and they come down to watch whenever they are able to. So targeting schools would be a great idea!

 

up da fleet!!!

 

<img src="/images/graemlins/djsmile.gif" alt="" />

[chilled out entertainer]

Gills ran a halftime penalty shoot out type thing with different schools involved each week, names were read out over the tannoy and im sure families turned up to watch their little cherubs celebrate wildly when they scored, so more ticket money there. A little moment of fame for the kids and they will always see gravesend as the place it happened, therefore they will sometimes return.

Plus it makes queueing up for the burgers more interesting.

[Guest]

When looking at schools, it's important to include the surrounding areas, Istead Rise, Longfield, Hartley, New Ash Green - loads of kids!

 

Also, I wonder if there's any way "in" to Bluewater, not sure what exactly, but grab the bored dads (&mums) and kids on a Saturday afternoon in the close season ready for the big kick-off....

[James]

Did we not have this thread several months ago with many of these suggestions and how many were taken up by of Chief Executive?

[KShep]

The same as 'Fleet Boy'. I get a hell of alot of stick for following the 'Fleet, but when they've come along to Stonebridge Road, they've really enjoyed it, despite me singing in their ears.

 

There are many ideas we could try, the schools one could work if it had alot of the club's and fans' effort put into it, maybe, if any of the players have a spare afternoon, they could pop into various junior schools and promote the 'Fleet? The Bluewater idea is a great one, yet is putting posters up around it enough? Maybe organizing '5-a-side' matches and other competitions around Bluewater would do more?

[Stu B]

All good ideas,especially letting in kids for free in the pre seasons etc.

How about getting the shirt seen around?When was the last time you went out and saw a Fleet shirt?If people see the shirt about they might be more tempted..just an idea.And for the record i just nipped up to the newsagents in my shirt and saw several people look at my shirt..unless they just wanted to look at me <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[FleetFanatic]

Quote:

James said:
Did we not have this thread several months ago with many of these suggestions and how many were taken up by of Chief Executive?

Instead of criticising, maybe you care to come up with something more constructive, like an idea.

Also, please refrain from the use of blatant foul language on here.

(I have removed it from your post.)

Thank you for your assistance.

[gnfc_guy]

Whenever I were my gravesend shirt to play footy at school or down the park, i always get asked who they are. Most people have never even heard of them so i have to explain what league we are in. At least there name is gettin about!

 

up da fleet!¬

 

<img src="/images/graemlins/djsmile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Sory to butt in on you board but this is a true story,

I went to Bluewater at the start of last season wearing my new Dover Athletic shirt, like as you do . Went to the gents, and a geezer in there starting talking to me,turned out he was Gravesend supporter

 

Good luck next season

[mala_D]

Sorry...only just seen this thread!

 

Quote:

Squawkident said:

Gills ran a halftime penalty shoot out type thing with different schools involved each week...

Plus it makes queueing up for the burgers more interesting.

 

Braintree do a Shoot For a Meal penalty-shoot out between opposing fans at half time, and have had great success with this. It's a "burger meal" I think.

 

They also ran a competition to design a mascot among the local schools and in the local rag, which must have helped raise their profile a tad. I know you have Hooky...but I thought it was far-sighted of Braintree to make it public.

 

How to attract supporters?

 

Having a "Succesful Team" is one thing referred to above. V important..crucial in fact.

 

But, as important are THE SUPPORTERS themselves, who have to be more proactive [i.e. forceful] in getting friends, family and acquiantances to come along. Advertise your club at every opportunity. "Big 'em up" whenever you can, like when your having your "barnet" cut etc. Arrange to meet up and have a beer with "your newbies" at the clubhouse etc. Maybe even buy 'em one!

 

I introduced 5 "newbies" at the start of last season, and here's how it worked in practice. All very obvious I know...

 

- My Dad - who then asked his pal to come along, and both are now regular home supporters [and about a third of away games].

 

- A friend, who [because he's a new dad] will probably only attend 30-50% of home matches next season.

 

- Another friend who has already taken his son's football team to watch. Three of the dads now go over with the kids to watch us. My mate will probably attend 30% of league matches, and all of any "notable encounters".

 

- Two acquiantances, one of whom now attends when the fixture doesn't clash with West Ham [he's a ST holder] but nevertheless, always brings his father-in-law.....whilst the other went to about 8 home matches. He might come to more this season.

 

Might not be that impressive, but it's a start. Five newbies led to 5 others. And I've already extracted a promise from two Daggers fans [who have just moved to Hornchurch] for this coming season...and they'll feel so "at home" with our set-up at the mo!

It's "a conversion waiting to happen" I reckon!

 

So....If the Supporters are the SOUL of a club, then it's time to make an R SOUL nuisance of yourself...and get those punters in!

 

Keeping them there is another matter

 

 

Good Luck for this season, you crazy shrimp worshiping nut nuts!

[American FLEET FAN No1]

As i won't be here for 2500, guess no one will be interested in my thoughts.........so i will keep them to my self.....England to be a third world country.......England football to be a fourth world country..........sorry forgot my resolution!

[David Holden]

If I remember correctly, 2500 represents the target for our average crowd rather than a year, but then it was all so long ago that we started this................

[American FLEET FAN No1]

And as our memories grow fuzzy DH...... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[American FLEET FAN No1]

Seriously........I would love to see 2500 people back at the Fleet(i would have to clean my binoculars), and hope it happens soon and carries the Fleet onwards and upwards!

[Slartibartfast]

We are a bloody long way from Carlisle and I can't see them bringing 1500 to Stonebridge road...so if We are going to crack 2500 it will have to be in the FA cup.