What can we do about it?

[coach et 64]

To save Non League football from falling attendances.Recession is biting really hard and even that fiver now is used for other things.Champions and Premiership footie on telly is killing clubs all over the Country.My suggestion is playing games on either Friday nights or Sundays and starting season 2-3 weeks earlier(end of July) and also extending season to 2nd week in May with a 6 weeks break in post-season,playing football when weather is fine.League Cup has to be reviewed as well and a start after Christmas would go down well.

[Hookey]

All reasonable suggestions Coachie. I can also see the petrol prices causing an issue, for both fans and players, especially players who are playing for fun with no expenses.

 

 

[syd_lexic]

I've heard worse ideas. Definitely think petrol prices are an issue on the player front especially for clubs who don't/can't pay their players.

[thecoldend]

How about a 'ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE DAY' much like the 'NON LEAGUE DAY' to attract ground hoppers etc to the grounds. My idea would be to stagger kick offs which the clubs would obviously have to agree with.

 

Say for example it was done this coming Saturday you could have -

 

Eton Manor v London APSA - 10.30am KO

 

Basildon United v Enfield 1893FC - 2pm KO

 

Southend Manor v Barking - 5.30pm KO

 

You could even switch three of the games to Sunday to have a weekend special of six games are on offer -

 

Mauritius Sports v BGH - 10.30am KO

 

Stansted v Clapton - 2pm KO

 

Sawbo v B&P - 5pm KO

 

 

If it was done in the Summer you could throw in a BBQ with some drinks (real ales to attract the drinker) - perfect!! A collectors edition programme which covers all six of the weekend games and maybe a combined ticket price??

You could always do what the Rugby League do one week a year "millenium magic" and just play the games on one ground as a special weekend for the league. 'A FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL'

 

Any other ideas???

Edited March 9, 2011 by thecoldend