Free Time

[We Two]

Free time when football is on the back burner due to inconsiderate visitors who only leave well after any football has started, encourages ones mind to think of other mind blowing ideas to pass the evening away.
This house has lived football 24/7 and it's not easy to stray from the game in one way or another, and so we came up with a population league of the total of 159,610 people that the S.W.P.L. teams represent overall.
Population figures were pinched off the internet, and are highly unlikely to give more than an approximate figure of current residency they are most likely out of date due to new buildings everywhere, but they give a fairly good representation.
Does anyone have an opinion on why support in general is at such a low ebb and why an attendance of 2-300 is considered good when hundreds and in several cases thousands of potential customers live in the area.
Social media and T.V. has put the block on a lot of interest in the game, but that is accepted as a fact and little is done to try and attract punters through the gate.
Anyone have any ideas that would attract supporters through the gate such as improved supporters facilities etc, etc.
Enough of that then, heres the population details, the difference in population between the top team ( Falmouth ) and bottom ( Sticker ) is 22,707.

(1) Falmouth 23,957
(2) Newquay 22,612
(3) Godolphin 22,612
(4) Penzance 21,200
(5) St Austell 20,600
(6) Bodmin 14,736
(7) Launceston 10,918
(8) Liskeard 9,332
(9) Wadebridge 7,100
(10) Penryn 6,812
(11) Callington 5,786
(12) St Blazey 4,674
(13) Wendron 3,053
(14) Camelford 2,945
(15) St Dennis 2,696
(16) Dobwalls 1,939
(17) Sticker 1,250

Has anyone any idea of the average total number of people of a potential 159,610 who attend S.W.P.L. matches.

[middle mans mate]

55 minutes ago, We Two said:

Free time when football is on the back burner due to inconsiderate visitors who only leave well after any football has started, encourages ones mind to think of other mind blowing ideas to pass the evening away.
This house has lived football 24/7 and it's not easy to stray from the game in one way or another, and so we came up with a population league of the total of 159,610 people that the S.W.P.L. teams represent overall.
Population figures were pinched off the internet, and are highly unlikely to give more than an approximate figure of current residency they are most likely out of date due to new buildings everywhere, but they give a fairly good representation.
Does anyone have an opinion on why support in general is at such a low ebb and why an attendance of 2-300 is considered good when hundreds and in several cases thousands of potential customers live in the area.
Social media and T.V. has put the block on a lot of interest in the game, but that is accepted as a fact and little is done to try and attract punters through the gate.
Anyone have any ideas that would attract supporters through the gate such as improved supporters facilities etc, etc.
Enough of that then, heres the population details, the difference in population between the top team ( Falmouth ) and bottom ( Sticker ) is 22,707.

(1) Falmouth 23,957
(2) Newquay 22,612
(3) Godolphin 22,612
(4) Penzance 21,200
(5) St Austell 20,600
(6) Bodmin 14,736
(7) Launceston 10,918
(8) Liskeard 9,332
(9) Wadebridge 7,100
(10) Penryn 6,812
(11) Callington 5,786
(12) St Blazey 4,674
(13) Wendron 3,053
(14) Camelford
(15) St Dennis 2,696
(16) Dobwalls 1,939
(17) Sticker 1,250

Has anyone any idea of the average total number of people of a potential 159,610 who attend S.W.P.L. matches.

Explains why Camelford don't get big crowds....

[silly billy]

2 hours ago, We Two said:

Free time when football is on the back burner due to inconsiderate visitors who only leave well after any football has started, encourages ones mind to think of other mind blowing ideas to pass the evening away.
This house has lived football 24/7 and it's not easy to stray from the game in one way or another, and so we came up with a population league of the total of 159,610 people that the S.W.P.L. teams represent overall.
Population figures were pinched off the internet, and are highly unlikely to give more than an approximate figure of current residency they are most likely out of date due to new buildings everywhere, but they give a fairly good representation.
Does anyone have an opinion on why support in general is at such a low ebb and why an attendance of 2-300 is considered good when hundreds and in several cases thousands of potential customers live in the area.
Social media and T.V. has put the block on a lot of interest in the game, but that is accepted as a fact and little is done to try and attract punters through the gate.
Anyone have any ideas that would attract supporters through the gate such as improved supporters facilities etc, etc.
Enough of that then, heres the population details, the difference in population between the top team ( Falmouth ) and bottom ( Sticker ) is 22,707.

(1) Falmouth 23,957
(2) Newquay 22,612
(3) Godolphin 22,612
(4) Penzance 21,200
(5) St Austell 20,600
(6) Bodmin 14,736
(7) Launceston 10,918
(8) Liskeard 9,332
(9) Wadebridge 7,100
(10) Penryn 6,812
(11) Callington 5,786
(12) St Blazey 4,674
(13) Wendron 3,053
(14) Camelford
(15) St Dennis 2,696
(16) Dobwalls 1,939
(17) Sticker 1,250

Has anyone any idea of the average total number of people of a potential 159,610 who attend S.W.P.L. matches.

The swearing from players and management is not going to attract families to spectate for a start.

[We Two]

8 minutes ago, Keith B said:

Yes it all takes money we know and if gates are generally poor, getting that money won't be easy. Well you did ask.

 Not everyone realises Keith, that  ALL clubs in the S.W.P.L. qualify under the current F.A. grant system, to qualify for grants totaling £100,000.
This sum is available to be used for updating facilities and benefitting football at level 6 and is not intended to pay players, ( as if anyone would )
If the sum is used for that purpose, after 5 years a further £100,000 is made available to apply for consideration of another grant.
Toilets, covered supporters viewing area, and as seating is a requirement at level 6, the grant is available for that also.
It does make you wonder why some grounds can't afford to update their poor facilities, yet can afford to pay their players, don't the punters count ?

[mattelot]

Could be why Helston only had 106 watching last night,even with the discounted rate of £5 . I'm glad I was one of 245 paying £6 at Bickland Park .👍

[Ian Pethick]

6 hours ago, We Two said:

Free time when football is on the back burner due to inconsiderate visitors who only leave well after any football has started, encourages ones mind to think of other mind blowing ideas to pass the evening away.
This house has lived football 24/7 and it's not easy to stray from the game in one way or another, and so we came up with a population league of the total of 159,610 people that the S.W.P.L. teams represent overall.
Population figures were pinched off the internet, and are highly unlikely to give more than an approximate figure of current residency they are most likely out of date due to new buildings everywhere, but they give a fairly good representation.
Does anyone have an opinion on why support in general is at such a low ebb and why an attendance of 2-300 is considered good when hundreds and in several cases thousands of potential customers live in the area.
Social media and T.V. has put the block on a lot of interest in the game, but that is accepted as a fact and little is done to try and attract punters through the gate.
Anyone have any ideas that would attract supporters through the gate such as improved supporters facilities etc, etc.
Enough of that then, heres the population details, the difference in population between the top team ( Falmouth ) and bottom ( Sticker ) is 22,707.

(1) Falmouth 23,957
(2) Newquay 22,612
(3) Godolphin 22,612
(4) Penzance 21,200
(5) St Austell 20,600
(6) Bodmin 14,736
(7) Launceston 10,918
(8) Liskeard 9,332
(9) Wadebridge 7,100
(10) Penryn 6,812
(11) Callington 5,786
(12) St Blazey 4,674
(13) Wendron 3,053
(14) Camelford
(15) St Dennis 2,696
(16) Dobwalls 1,939
(17) Sticker 1,250

Has anyone any idea of the average total number of people of a potential 159,610 who attend S.W.P.L. matches.

Very interesting read. Doubt anybody has the statistics to hand, but can anybody illustrate the decline in local football attendances at SWL/Peninsula League level? On the day that I heard of Brian Hodge's death, I was thinking of Liskeard Athletic attendances in the eighties. Pretty sure that even when they were consistently in the running for titles, they seldom attracted crowds beyond 150-200 at Lux Park. Apathy towards the team in the town was a regular frustration of  committee members.   I hear of past bumper crowds at Cornish non league games, but it feels like they started to decline during the 80's. Mind you, when compared to other semi pro leagues in the country, gates are pretty good in Cornwall. Only 135 for Bristol MF v Parkway in the Southern League Div One South the other night.

[We Two]

8 minutes ago, Keith B said:

To know that grants are available for better facilities for punters is good. Your final paragraph We Two does make you think though.

Our point precisely Keith B. imagine the improvements that could be made to all manner of facilities using the F.A. grant system to make a visit to a ground substantially more of a pleasure.
This is what the F.A. had in mind when they made the money available, which could be lost for good if there is no uptake for the right reasons.
Sticker who are bottom of the population league above, have a set up and facilities that more than one person has appauded on this forum, and is one of the reasons that we wish them well.    How they manage to do it is something you will have to ask them.

 

[RAPPO]

You won’t be disappointed Keith! Fantastic set up these days, immaculate pitch, nice 100+ seater stand with two covered standing areas either side. Avers took me into the new changing rooms when I was there watching my youngest lad pre season and they are as good as you’ll see anywhere in the county and beyond probably. Great work from Sticker these last few years 👍👏🏼⚽️

[Xanie25]

Agree with alot of the comments. I think if a team has local players or from the area you may get more support. You get true fans of local clubs who know the players unfortunately so many teams change so frequently.

I think youth teams at clubs help. They bring in alot of supporters and then continue to follow that club. I think clubs that can help with transport for thier supports to go to away games is a big plus. I think many want to enjoy a match but not a long drive and can also enjoy the clubhouse too.

I think a covered stand is a must in the winter. Maybe an incentive of a group reduction to encourage younger supporters or a family ticket. Get your team known locally promote them, go into schools, voluntary work etc get your local town interested in the club.

If your club is friendly, has good facilities that is also used for the non fan and gives value for money it's a great start 

[baldy]

5 hours ago, Keith B said:

Thanks Mark - I must make a point of getting there, sounds great.

One of those that you can watch from your car also as you seem to be currently suffering from ill health.

[John Mead]

The FA Grant scheme is indeed generous but only covers 70% of the project; it's the remaining 30% which Clubs have difficulty in raising!

[We Two]

2 minutes ago, John Mead said:

it's the remaining 30% which Clubs have difficulty in raising!

And thats where sponsorship and a committee that's pepared to physically support their team comes in to play.
We're not talking about physically in terms of a shovel and sledge hammer,  although that would be a bonus, rather the original contact by phone, email, letter, or a visit to a firm who will be able to help.
If there is the possibilty of a club member helping, we believe that the clubs input in to a project can be considered as part of the total outlay.
Sponsorship in terms of a hoarding advertising their business is appreciated by many firms.
Just think of the supporters who have gone missing for one reason or another, many are still out there waiting for a good reason to return providing that standing in the pouring rain is no longer necessary.
How much finance is involved in erecting a covered area for the punters, where the basic construction material is concrete blocks, timber, sand and cement.
There will always be a reason not to do it, try harder to find a reason to support the supporters, maybe a team will donate their fee for a couple of weeks, that would build a cover in many cases, but be advised not to rely on that happening.
Reading Rappos post above, how can one of the smallest village clubs in the league, manage to do what has been done down there without grant support and having to raise 30% of the outlay themelves.
We feel we may know the answer, and it's not a sugar daddy !!

[We Two]

13 minutes ago, Keith B said:

Many construction companies are very generous with materials and labour at times. The display of an advertising sign on a clubs pitch boundary railing, is often all they ask in return.

Finding the person to do the necessary initial contact with suppliers etc is crucial, if no such person exists within a club, life can be a struggle.
 

[We Two]

23 minutes ago, Keith B said:

True. I guess it takes someone, perhaps an older person, with the right manner and a grasp of the English language 🙂 to make an approach.

With my experience of life, coupled with the jobs I've held in the past, talking to a variety of people has never been a problem for me. You have to have the gift of adaptability I guess. 

Very true Keith, but whilst we have to say that sponsorship of a professional club may be more easily obtained, there are still many opportunities available to grassroots clubs who have the drive and the supporters who have the success of their club at heart, and would only need to be asked to help.
Committee members of many different vocations are often looked upon as a clique who are unlikely to ask you to join them.
Our advice would be to give it a try, the results could surprise you, surely no genuine club supporter woud refuse to help their club out would they ?
 

 

[baldy]

30 minutes ago, Keith B said:

See the above edited post We Two. 

Yes, you're right of course, no ''genuine'' club supporter would refuse to help their club.

Just watch out they shit all over you.

[We Two]

Who are they Baldy ? find it difficult to apply on either side of the fence. 

[baldy]

What fence would that be, you useless pair of *****

?

13 hours ago, We Two said:

Who are they Baldy ? find it difficult to apply on either side of the fence. 

 

[We Two]

5 hours ago, baldy said:

What fence would that be, you useless pair of *****

Sorry Baldy we didn't realise that you had difficulty grasping a simple and often used expression.
The tone of your reply  suggests that although we feel sorry for people who can only express themselves with abusive remarks, we'll leave it to yourself to try and decipher the meaning as we don't think an explanation is warranted.