CHAIRMAN'S BLOG RE: BTSA MEMBERS

[blue pilgrim]

Whilst Steve's recent comments are meant to be constructive, I fear they may be misconstrued in certain quarters.

 

I am one of the " ageing members who turns up to the agm" and I also "renew my membership out of habit/loyalty" and take no active part in the BTSA.

 

I also hold membership to a Premier League Club and I am proud to carry both membership cards. Please do not knock those, who for varying reasons, do not take an active part in the BTSA.

 

My contribution along with other ageing members is turning up on a freezing cold night to watch some pretty average performances, when I could have been sat at home in the warm watching European Football on the TV. On visual evidence, the loss of support has been at the younger end of the age spectrum and these are the people who are needed within the Club and the BTSA.

 

I fear that without the support of the "ageing members" coming through the turnstiles, our attendances would have been relative to our final league postion. Hopefully, with better performances next season, we can claw back some younger supporters and get them involved.

[GazzaBTFC]

I don't think it's a knock at the "aging" members of the BTSA (I'm not that much of a spring chicken)....

 

I think four questions need to be asked.

 

"How do we attract more active members", "What does the BTSA mean to it's members", "What does it's members want from the it's supporters club" and "What can the members do to make the BTSA more successful in it's task to support the club".

[blue pilgrim]

Good questions Gazza but ................

 

Unfortunately, many of the younger generation, having been brought up on high profile tv football, do not have the patience and understanding for non league football. We live in the age of "X factor Britain" and a desire for instant success.

 

You and fellow active BTSA members appear to have tried every trick in the book over the years in the search for the answers to those four questions. However, the biggest rise in membership came when we drew Swansea in the FA Cup. Generally, we are a nice friendly Club, but that alone , will not change things and as always, it comes back to success on the field or at least playing entertaining football.

 

And by the way, I am not having a go at anyone, I have huge respect fot those who work hard to keep the Club going from the Chairman down to the Groundstaff ( great pitch considering the winter we had !!!!! )

[GazzaBTFC]

I fully appreciate your comments but we continue and strive to try and do things better...perhaps we haven't been as sucessful as maybe we wished to but it would be wrong to just give up because we believe that we're "dead in the water" because of high profile TV football. Yes, results and performance on the pitch does make the task easier but there is always something we can do or improve on.

 

The way I see it is that we want to compete at a higher level, both the club and supporters, we all want to see a good standard of football and to that, IMO, there has to be more of a "buy in" and "ownership" by the BTSA and it's members in helping to the club do this.

 

There is no standard answer to any of the questions because of the age range of our current membership and people's commitment but we do have to high light this area because as we enter a new season, there will be expectations and goals to achieve and the only way to achieve them is to have a bigger profile and more people involved. That way, I hope with the best intentions, we're able to be more sucessful and at the least, to contribute to keeping a status quo (no music puns please). As the BTSA is the current supporters organisation in which to do this, it is going to be through the BTSA and it's members that I hope it will be achieved.

[Brightside Bloke]

Nice to see a good topic on the forum.

 

 

 

 

 

When do the BTSA meet? & Are invites sent to all members? Just thought i'd ask because i have been asked this in the past and i told the chap that asked me to ask the Gaz. (Cos i didn't know)

[Blue Dawg]

I echo the Pilgrims comments. For some of us the best we can offer the football club is buying a season ticket and other merchandise. I would love to give time outside of me turning up to watch every home game and some away games and pre season friendlies, but I have a job that sees me up at 5.40am and back by about 7.00pm Monday-Friday. I have a family as well and want to see them at the weekends + help with household chores etc.

I believe that a regular leafletting campaign during the season, especially when we are doing well, with discounts for family's will help, but we are still left with who will do the leafletting and pay for it? Without wanting to spend the Chairman's money for him he could pay people to do this, but otherwise events that highlight the football ground, such as the beer festival, are great ways of getting the public to at least know where the club is. But as is obvious, success on the pitch will draw in the crowds.

Lets face it when we had the least goals per game in the whole of England last year you have to be a die hard to put up with that, especially in the winter months.

[GazzaBTFC]

Again, there is no criticism leveled at those that have commitments, so there is no reason to defend personal circumstances. We all have lives and commitments which are important...any level of commitment to the club does not pay the mortgage.

 

BUT

 

If people cannot help out outside match days, perhaps they will be willing to do something on match days. And I am not suggesting every match day. An example would be the 50 / 50. Ten people, buddying up in pairs, for six games only a season, to sell the 50 / 50 on match days. And if the pair beat a target (perhaps the previous highest amount), there will be a benefit to that pair. For example, free admission to a number of games. A little bit of friendly competition (together with some friendly banter) to maximise all our efforts is healthy. THIS IS ONLY A SUGGESTION.

 

Also, the Beer Festival is mentioned. How about suggestions for fund raising evening events. We do quiz nights and dabbled with race nights (both of which are ejoyable and fairly in expensive)...what else can we do to bring us together and raise funds for the club?

 

The Chairman and myself have been in discussion over a few ideas to re vitalise the BTSA and some still require some thinking about. I would point out that ideas should not just come from myself or the committee....the members can approach with ideas themselves (I await a post from Upda....I won't bite, promise). But there has to be some commitement to see the idea come to fruitition.

 

And the motivation isn't just about money...From my discussions with The Chairman, it's about re engaging and re vitalising our support...whatever the numbers. The money side will hopefully be a natural product of this.

[The Town Crier]

There has been no criticism whatsoever, in fact it was highlighted that of the 200 or so members it is normally the older longstanding supporters who take time attend the AGM.

With only a few contributors to this thread it’s hard to gauge the general feeling, but perhaps we should ask another question.

Do people want an option of a separate membership, this would allow those who want to continue to show support and be fully paid up card carrying members of our football cub to do so (club members) without the obligation of being an active member of an association.

Whilst those who want to be part of an active supporters association, and social group, can do so without wondering why the vast majority of its members don't take part.

…………………….

Blue pilgrim painted a grim picture; I don’t see it that way. I think we can have a great future.

I can see no good reason that we as a town, community, club, can’t enthuse a larger number of local people to partake in our entertainment. (I’m looking forward)

Real football, the peoples Game, Standing terraces, No segregation, Social gathering, chat with players, Managers & officials after the game. Bring the family, children, Wives, Mother, Fathers, A decent Clubhouse with Good Prices, a short travelling distance ...and Football on the tv.

All for under a Tenner.

Back on Topic…Yes we can compete with the armchair, we just need to let people know how good the Billericay Town Fc experience is and get them to attend. But to do this properly and grow our support, we need the help of an active BTSA.

 

 

???????????

 

.

Edited May 14, 2010 by The Town Crier

[Brightside Bloke]

I went up to the Hannakins < ?? game last Tuesday Night just to have a look at one of the lad's who i was told was the next best thing to happen in billericay. ( He spent the evening on the bench)

 

Whilst there i had a guy say to me that he has lived in billericay all his life and had never been to watch them play. That was one guy, his wife and his daughter who i assume came to watch his son play

Surely these are the people we should be targeting?

 

I can't understand why we have not got an inter club relationship with Hannikins they must have over a thousand people trough their doors week in week out for all sorts of sports.

And a huge notice board promoting the various clubs within.

 

I read somewhere on here before about the local council not helping out with advertising and notice boards. Did we not vote these people in. Do they need reminding that we are all part of the community that makes Billericay such a great place to be.

 

Anyway mini rant over

 

 

But can i ask my question again

" When do the BTSA meet? & Are invites sent to all members? Just thought i'd ask because i have been asked this in the past and i told the chap that asked me to ask the Gaz. (Cos i didn't know) "

[The Town Crier]

We have to deal with the questions first, its no good asking why this or that isn't done before we establish what it is we are able to do.

[richards]

Discussions about the Club and the supporters association almost implies a requirement to be in 1 camp or the other (which is clearly not the case) Essentially what we need is funding (because Steve cannot do it all by himself) and loyalty to the cause ( ie a sense of belonging). The BTSA do an excellent job both in terms of raising funds and a lot of match day organisation. But perhaps we could achieve both fund raising and loyalty to the cause by all buying more shares. This would certainly give much more of a fans based club.

[GazzaBTFC]

How about the BTSA raising funds to buy shares? Then we have collective (part) ownership

[blue pilgrim]

Town Crier said " blue pilgrim painted a grim picture"

 

Sorry, if that's a grim picture, don't catch me on a bad day !!!!!!! You need to thank me for responding to the Blog and generating a very constructive discussion , which cannot be said for many of the debates on this Forum this season !!!!!!

 

There is absolutely no reason not to be ambitious but we need to be realistic about our potential support and more importantly the limitations of the ground. That's not a grim picture, it's a fact. However, working within those parameters, there are opportunities for improvement and we need to get some young, energetic brains on the case.

[Delboybtfc]

The above posts appear to show one thing that there is poor communication between regular supporters many of whom are BTFC supporters club members and those who try and organise things What the supporters association needs to be is more inclusive. Brightsides post sums it up. The person he spoke to wanted to know what was going on but did not know who to ask when meetings were held or where.

 

Why not hold meetings before matches when most people will be there, to inform everyone of what is planned what needs to be done and hopefully gain some more vo;unteers. That way people will not get the impression that it is an exclusive club (which I know it isn't) but a club or association where everyone is wellcome to give their views and ideas on how to improve the club.

 

I think we have to accept that a number of people for various reasons come to the club for football only and to get them down on non match days is difficult, so lets communicate with them when they are there, some will no doubt have good ideas to impart even if they are unable to help carry them forward. Others will inevitably find some extra time to help out with projects at a time convenient to them. Some may even feel that they cant afford the time but can raise money in schemes such as golden goal outside the club amongst freinds and workmates if they feel that they are supporting a worthy cause or project.

 

We need to carry out quite a few repairs and improvements to the ground and clubhouse. How many supportres do we have that have expertise in plumbing electrics etc who could assist with either help advice or discounted supplies.

 

My main point is that we do not communicate our needs as well as we could and that should be the first aim then the supporters asociation will flourish as people become more involved with the club as a whole and feel more a part of it than at present.

 

Just as a footnote Iam currently raising donations for sand and soil, £5 £10 £20 anything will do to help provide the sand and soil we need for the pitch in the close season. If you want to help in this way or can get some sand or soil (must be the right kiind) pm me or see Mick Nixon at the club. The kitty s about halfway to our minimum requirement but the more we get the better the playng surface should be next year.

[GazzaBTFC]

BB - We will be sending out the notices for the AGM after I come back from holiday in two weeks time.

Edited May 14, 2010 by GazzaBTFC

[The Town Crier]

poor communication?? we have one of, if not the best, web sites in our league and it is updated in real time, there are contact details on the site, our program is updated every game, we have a forum with many options inc private messaging, Both Gary and I are at EVERY game. mobile numbers of prominent people connected with the club are readily available, what else would you suggest?

 

 

The thread is moving on which is ok, but just to clarify, the blog wasn't about money or a criticism of members and supporters. it was an observation that as an association our BTSA is wilting away and needs revitalising. When there is a BTSA event, and apart from officials and organisers, just a single member attends, then there is something wrong. Ignoring this would be foolish.

As Gary quite rightly pointed out, questions need to be asked. (and answered)

 

"How do we attract more active members", "What does the BTSA mean to it's members", "What does it's members want from the it's supporters club" and "What can the members do to make the BTSA more successful in it's task to support the club"

......

 

Del you may be doing ok in raising funds for your own project , but wouldn't it be easier and probably better, if it could be done via a group/association of signed up willing members who are easily contactable?

Edited May 14, 2010 by The Town Crier

[Brightside Bloke]

BB - We will be sending out the notices for the AGM after I come back from holiday in two weeks time.

 

 

 

Thanks Gazza, Hope you have a great Holiday and the weather to go with it.

[GazzaBTFC]

Back from holiday and picking up this thread again.

 

Before I continue, I think it churlish to look to the past to lay blame for any "performance" issues, be they communication or otherwise. Mistakes have been made but these are lessons which are to be learned from, not to throw mud at. We all know we could've done better as a a whole...Club, team, supporters, BTSA...everyone. And before someone points out the equation regarding team performance, I would like to think we're a collective. True attendences are down but they are everywhere and our membership held up pretty well last season...that is a fact.

 

So as far as this discussion is concerned, lets return to the questions asked...."How do we attract more active members", "What does the BTSA mean to it's members", "What does it's members want from the it's supporters club" and "What can the members do to make the BTSA more successful in it's task to support the club".

 

Any takers? Any views? You can be as brutal as you like (but positive). And by brutal you can call for a new Chairman or a new committee or even ask the question "Why do we need a supporters association"?

 

Now that is a good question because all the tasks that are performed on a mtach days are club tasks and if WE (and I mean all of us), don't want to or can't or just hasn't the will to want to own these tasks as a supporters association (a collective), that is a question I will ask and more improtantly, I am sure, that the Chairman will ask. It's not a big ego trip by those that do these jobs but looking around at other clubs (an some not too far from our front door), the supporters do co own some the tasks on match days....but I'm going down the (age old) route of helpers, raising cash, blah, blah, blah. That isn't what our club needs (well....yes but it's not about that). What the Chairman would like to see is a vibrant, strong and positive supporters association. That is what I would like to see, that is what I am sure we all would like to see and have.

 

The problem with a forum is that we go under assumed names and so I don't know everyone by their "handle" but a couple of people have said that they don't have the time because of family and personal reasons. Please excuse me if this is cheeky but have you thought to involve your family, friends, neighbours with the club. And it doesn't have to be coming to match's...it can be an evening out at a social function. If you don't then why? Is it that the functions are too exclusive, not the kind of thing you (and your family and friends) would attend? Or is the admission too much? Should we not charge? I would rather see a full clubhouse than charge for a quiz night or a disco or whatever event we put on. As most of the BTSA events have no overheads, all monies raised goes back to the club in donations but I can see the arguement to forgo an admission if we could pack the Clubhouse regulary. The way myself and my Wife got involed in supporting the club was through friends of our families and neighbours. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Oh and apologies to those of you that do involve your family, friends and neighbours.

 

Once again, we have an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start a new season with a new manager and a positive outlook. The club isn't promising anything and I wouldn't want it to. I have spoken to our manager Craig Edwards and he loves this club and is going to do his best to make next season enjoyable for all of us. That's more than fine with me but I think what this club needs more is a coming together of all it's supporters and a fresh, new, vibrant ideas and a supportive Supporters Association that everyone feels a part of and can be included in.

 

Now...any suggestions....or answers those the questions