Open Training Session

[Boletus Edulis]

Tomorrow morning we have an open training session where fans can watch the session, speak to the manager and coaches and get selfies and autographs. This sounds like a good PR exercise, but I am not aware of us doing it before. Have other teams done something similar, and if so how successful has it been in developing team-supporter relations? Or is it just a waste of time?

 

[shoddycollins]

Not us, though I think Bury might have done it.

 

[Big Bird]

Tomorrow morning we have an open training session where fans can watch the session, speak to the manager and coaches and get selfies and autographs. This sounds like a good PR exercise, but I am not aware of us doing it before. Have other teams done something similar, and if so how successful has it been in developing team-supporter relations? Or is it just a waste of time?

We've done it previously but then gone on to be shit the following season in most cases so it's not really made a difference.

We've got another on Tuesday just announced. Wellens has stated since he came in that improving relations between players and supporters is a big priority and labelled it as vital if we're to have success on the pitch again.

Our fan base has become either divided or nonchalant in recent years but most seem to be behind Wellens so this can only be another step in the right direction.

On a personal note I got to the point where I lost a lot of interest under Flitcroft and Brown but the current gaffer seems to get it and I can't wait to see how he gets on with his team going into the new season.

 

[The Terminator]

We've done it every year for around ten years now - even under the owners who sent us down and fucked us over.

This year its followed by our womens team playing the London Bees, anyone who turns up gets to watch it for free.

I personally don't bother with them anymore, but they're great for kids.

 

[valefan16]

Tomorrow morning we have an open training session where fans can watch the session, speak to the manager and coaches and get selfies and autographs. This sounds like a good PR exercise, but I am not aware of us doing it before. Have other teams done something similar, and if so how successful has it been in developing team-supporter relations? Or is it just a waste of time?

To be fair our training ground is behind Vale Park apart from the odd times we use St George’s and has a public footpath running between it and the ground where the changing rooms are used so you can go and watch them train whenever and usually chat to the players etc! No secrets with us!

 

[Boletus Edulis]

We've done it every year for around ten years now - even under the owners who sent us down and fucked us over.

This year its followed by our womens team playing the London Bees, anyone who turns up gets to watch it for free.

I personally don't bother with them anymore, but they're great for kids.

Yeah, we are only really going because we think it will be good for the kids, but I like the idea.

 

[dedwardp]

We have one every year as the club's Open Day - the players have a training session on the stadium pitch then go upstairs where everyone can mingle getting photos and autographs and so on. The manager and chairman then have a Q&A as well whilst outside there will be exhibitors and activities going on, coaching sessions with Football in the Community, stadium tours etc.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

Was really enjoyable and a positive experience. About a thousand turned up to watch. The only downside was the lamentable PA system, which meant we could not hear any of the commentary, interviews or the introduction of Jose Baxter. Suspect it made a few quid for the club through the shop and refreshments, and gave a real sense of connection with the players who signed autographs and selfies with all who wanted them for about an hour after the session was over.