The Melbourne Heart FC Fan Representative Group met on Tuesday 12 November to discuss a number of topics, including match-day entertainment, supporter group types and increasing the supporter base of this great club.
The Melbourne Heart FC Fan Representative Group met on Tuesday 12 November to discuss a number of topics, including match-day entertainment, supporter group types and increasing the supporter base of this great club.
We covered some feedback on the club-s new match day initiatives including HeartZone, kid-s clinic, DJ, entertainment and face painter. This was generally positive. HeartZone is being improved and developed with new material. We suggested the clinic start time be clearly stated and face painter more prominent/easy to find.
Since the first home game, the club song “So Happy Together” has been reduced in length and volume which seems better for fans to sing along to. We discussed other song ideas and a stronger intro from the MC for “When the Hearts Go marching In”. While members have different tastes in music it was pointed out we can-t change the song too often and it-s best to stick with one song throughout the season, giving people a chance to get used to it as an anthem.
We looked at ways of bringing fans around the stadium together to make more noise and be more involved. For example streamers, placards, all of us standing up and holding our scarves for the club song or doing the Posnan. Clearly we want to develop a something unique to Melbourne Heart that will stick for a long time. Foxtel have been picking up too much of the away fans making them seem louder than us, which they-re not!
We spoke about membership packs and what-s included. Apart from general discussion on which items people like/don-t like, it was noted the “Melbourne Heart” branding could be more visible and we should use this opportunity to really put ourselves out there, eg. car stickers are seen by a lot of people.
Simple but important things like ensuring clear communication on the big screen, in newsletters and information on derby ticketing arrangements were discussed. We spoke about banners, funding and donations for Yarraside. Some of the ideas we had re: stadium and outside lighting, covering seats with our colours or visual branding were noted. It looks like the Santa hats will be back for the pre-Christmas derby (hooray!).
A key topic of discussion was the new and existing supporter groups and how the club can acknowledge and assist them. A new women-s group has been set up. There-s a Dutch group and many others. In general, it-s good for Melbourne Heart to have these groups bringing together like-minded people, communities and families. Particular interest was shown in social events outside match day and more opportunities for fans to get together for away matches.
There was also discussion about how to increase memberships and attendances. As a club we-d like to attract more celebrity fans. Who should we approach and how? We-d love to hear your ideas on this. It was noted there are many people in Australia who support a team in Europe/overseas but don-t follow an A-League club or wear their strip. Attracting more registered FFV members or junior football club players was discussed, as well as more corporate networking events and special offers for selected games.
Concerns were raised re the team-s performance and the manager esp. post-match comments after 3-0 loss, how supporters feel and that the club should be more aggressive about not accepting poor referee decisions. The manager is obviously under a lot of pressure and we hope results turn around soon. The idea of a weekly video report or YouTube q&a was discussed. Also the possibility of one of the post-match functions being held around Christmas.
The FRG will meet again in January or February 2014. What ideas do you have re. match day experience, creating more atmosphere around the stadium and attracting more members and supporters inc. celebrities? Please share any comments or feedback you have at fans@melbourneheartfc.com.au .
#HeartBelieve
The FRG
