A-League clubs should welcome multi-sports fans
Columnist By Mike Tuckerman, 16 Mar 2012 Mike Tuckerman is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- A-League, football, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Rugby League
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Melbourne Victory FC fans celebrate their team scoring a goal against Perth Glory FC during their A-League match at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011.The game ended in a 2-2 draw. (AAP Image/Martin Philbey)
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Here is a revelation for you: I am a member of the Parramatta Eels. And instead of cultivating an us-versus-them mentality, it might be time the A-League reached out to Australia’s multi-sports watching community.
I’ve been an Eels fan all my life. Born in Westmead Hospital, I grew up not far down the road and one of my earliest memories is of my Dad watching the try-less 1986 Grand Final on TV.
Next Friday night I’ll be at Parramatta Stadium to watch the Eels go around against the Panthers. There’s nothing unusual in that, except for the fact I live in Brisbane.
For my troubles, the NRL ensures I can buy tickets exactly one week before the game.
I’ll miss other fixtures this season because the NRL only releases the draw five rounds in advance to accommodate TV schedules.
That’s a TV schedule which has the Brisbane Broncos playing Friday night football every single round of the season to date, mind you.
Every year since I can remember, the only internet presence Parramatta’s merch store has carried is the tagline, “new online store coming soon.” I look forward to reading it again next year.
I could go on and on.
It makes me laugh when I hear A-League fans complain about having an ex-AFL administrator in Ben Buckley in charge of Football Federation Australia, because it could be so much worse.
He could be an ex-NRL administrator.
There is no doubt in my mind the NRL is the worst-run of Australia’s four professional ‘football’ codes.’
Just two rounds into the new season the NRL is already grappling with inconsistent judicial rulings, the mid-season poaching of players from rival clubs, injuries to two of its most recognisable stars, problems with expansion and creeping doubts over its next TV deal.
Back to back defeats mean the Eels, South Sydney and Cronulla can expect attendances not much larger than A-League crowds, the Titans should be renamed the Titanics so fast are they sinking, the Panthers have priced their once-loyal fans out of the market and the Roosters are likely to remain as unpopular at the gate as ever.
Despite many legitimate gripes, A-League fans have plenty to be thankful for.
But an issue which has nagged me since day one is the divide and conquer mentality of some sections of A-League support towards other codes.
It seems a Sydney thing more than a Melbourne one – down south it’s accepted many A-League fans invariably support an AFL club as well.
But when A-League supporters label NRL watchers fans of “thugby league” and list the endless parade of rugby league’s indiscretions ad nauseam, it does nothing to bring us closer to the wider sports community.
And that’s a problem in parochial towns like the one I reside in, where crowds (generally) go gangbusters when local teams are winning.
Take a look at the crowds at Suncorp Stadium last weekend.
The Broncos got over 43,000 for their home game against the Cowboys. The Reds attracted more than 34,000 for their bruising win over the Rebels. And less than 11,000 turned up to see the Roar draw with Adelaide United.
What are the Roar doing to attract those Broncos and Reds supporters simply eager to turn up at sporting events and watch entertaining contests?
Nothing, so far as I can tell – and I don’t think our attitude towards other codes helps.
Where I went to school, most kids watched the English Premier League as often as they did the NRL, but I doubt many have been to an A-League game.
And unfortunately the “We Are Football” slogan and its prevailing attitude preaches to the converted.
We’re reminded “we are football” when we’re already at A-League game, yet none of this marketing is getting out to the people we need to do more to embrace – namely general sports fans.
Mike Tuckerman is a Sydney-born journalist and lifelong football fan. After lengthy stints watching the beautiful game in Germany and Japan, he has settled in Brisbane and has been a Roar columnist since December 2008. Follow Mike on twitter @Mike_Tuckerman
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- A-League, football, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Rugby League
March 16th 2012 @ 9:01am
The Cattery said | March 16th 2012 @ 9:01am | Report comment
Some common sense at long last.
I think the big problem are the new dawn gen Y fans: mid-teens, mostly male, hormones pumping, typical displays of braggadocio, inspired by ultras from overeas, and who have no real, deep understanding of anything.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:12am
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:12am | Report comment
So you think the animosity is all from “sockah”-fans? You don’t see any animosity towards football, in general, and the HAL, in particular, from the AFL community (fans & commentators)? I presume you no longer live in Melbourne?
PS: And, in case you’re wondering … I’m closer to being a Baby Boomer than Gen Y!
March 16th 2012 @ 10:18am
Kasey said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
+1 the derision and complete lack of respect shown to Sokkah by some is galling, and yet we are expected to show deference in return to the big boys:( That gets old quickly.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:23am
The Cattery said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:23am | Report comment
Be willing to embrace all potential fans, be welcoming, keep yourself open to new experiences.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:42am
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:42am | Report comment
TC
I’ve embraced AFL with a passion and I reckon I’ve attended more VFL/AFL matches than anyone under the age of 30.
When the HAL started … I was sceptical, since I’d never felt inclined to attend an NSL match, even though I played lower league football every week-end for over 15 years, attended every game played by the National Team in Melbourne and devoured every bit of English Division 1 news that I could access.
But, you are absolutely correct. I decided to “open myself to the new HAL experience” and loved it so much I’ve been a Season Ticket holder at MVFC for 6 consecutive years!
March 16th 2012 @ 10:46am
The Cattery said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:46am | Report comment
And I’m sure you want to be encouraging of others to take the same journey that you have taken, and in one sense, that is precisely what Mike is talking about.
March 16th 2012 @ 11:08am
Fussball ist unser leben said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Why is this an issue?
Is there any factual evidence that any HAL club is not encouraging multi-sports fans to join? (I don’t consider gossip on internet forums to be factual evidence.)
March 16th 2012 @ 9:04am
striker said | March 16th 2012 @ 9:04am | Report comment
I have to agree to your point, the facts are especially in Sydney that 90% of the old NSL followers would rather go to a NRL game than watch the A-League sad but true.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:21am
Kasey said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:21am | Report comment
ex-NSL fans are a small but vocal minority in football circles IMO. It is more worth the FFAs meagre advertising efforts to engage the people involved in football by other avenues (their kids play, they watch EPL) than to chase those that have made their mind up on everything FFA/HAL being of the devil[/the Waterboy’s mom]
it would be nice to have them on board, but how much effort do you expend? It’s the law of diminishing returns surely?
March 16th 2012 @ 8:44pm
pete4 said | March 16th 2012 @ 8:44pm | Report comment
Striker – I don’t agree with your quote of 90% of NSL followers would rather watch something else rather than the A-League.
Don’t forget no so long ago as the “Great Johnny Warren” used to say we were mere “Sheilas, Wogs and Poofs” to other codes which is what this article should acknowledge rather than incorrectly say we do not welcome other codes fans
March 16th 2012 @ 9:29am
Brett McKay said | March 16th 2012 @ 9:29am | Report comment
Mike, you’d be interested to know what’s been happening in Newcastle this week then. With the Knights playing Brisbane tonight, and the Jets playing Brisbane tomorrow night, there’s been a concerted push of the ‘Team Newcastle v Brisbane’ theme, including promo pics of Knights and Jets players all wearing their blue and red striped kits.
Obviously, with the same owner, strip, ground, major sponsor, etc, Newcastle can do this better than most, and it might even be a luck of the draw case that Brisbane teams both happen to be playing in Newcaslte, too (though Tinkler is a smart guy, the Knights could well have asked for this game on this weekend for this very purpose). I’m not sure if it extends to double-header tickets and so on, but it’s good to see this level of joint promotion.
So it can happen, and when done well, it looks brilliant..
March 16th 2012 @ 9:32am
Midfielder said | March 16th 2012 @ 9:32am | Report comment
Bret that is really good too see… well done to all those involved …
March 16th 2012 @ 11:50am
PeterK said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:50am | Report comment
Hearty congrats to Newcastle for this. I do hope it continues to work better and better for you all.
March 16th 2012 @ 3:43pm
Griffo said | March 16th 2012 @ 3:43pm | Report comment
Brett, was reading through wondering if others had noticed this.
For this weekend there have been no ‘double header’ ticket sales push, only a free bus shuttle to and from Hunter Sports stadium from Lambton Park for both games.
It does surprise me there has not been a ‘Club Newcastle’ push with the overlap of the two teams’ seasons and combined strip, with members of each team getting heavy discounts to attend the other teams matches. This would be something that would benefit the Jets more as the Knights first round home game had close to 30k so getting ‘a few thousand’ from those numbers to what would be the Jets final regular home game this weekend would be good (maybe what is hoped with the free shuttle bus).
In the future I hope there will be a push from HSG regarding a ‘Club Newcastle’ membership package with further discounts. While there are plenty of fans on both sides that wouldn’t want a bar of the other sport, there are plenty who see ‘Newcastle’ and would be in with a good package incentive. If the FFA ever get game again in overlapping the NRL season a bit more, this would only encourage the club membership package more, increase crowd numbers, and bring new fans to either code.
Did have a thought on cross-pollinating of crowds: would those in the future attending a HAL match, with the chanting and singing that might eventually evolve, get carried over to an NRL game? That would be unique to the NRL competition and another way of visiting teams to feel the ‘Newcastle’ experience.
March 17th 2012 @ 1:45am
Nathan of Perth said | March 17th 2012 @ 1:45am | Report comment
I think that’s the sort of thing Tony Sage had in mind when he suggested heading up a Perth RL team and tying it to Glory. Seems like it’s going well for Newcastle though I don’t think it would work here because of WARL and Sage friction.
March 16th 2012 @ 9:38am
striker said | March 16th 2012 @ 9:38am | Report comment
Yeah i think Tinkler has done wonders with newcastle just look at the crowds average over 10k every week and there mid table.
March 16th 2012 @ 9:48am
Lucan said | March 16th 2012 @ 9:48am | Report comment
The headline to this is misleading.
The clubs aren’t closed off to fans of other sports. They may not engage these supporters to everyone’s liking, but that’s different to making them “welcome”. As the article suggests it is really the keyboard code warriors who make Aussie Rules and Rugby fans unwelcome.
Thankfully they’re not the official voice of the HAL and its franchises.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:02am
Ian Whitchurch said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:02am | Report comment
Luncan
“We are Football” isnt exactly welcoming, if you barrack for the Sainters or the Dragons when you go to the football.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:08am
Kasey said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:08am | Report comment
Lucan, I think you’re spot on with the keyboard warriors. Heck there’s even a thread on 442s forums where some bloke is asking ”are you a true football fan?” His measure of truth is if you only support football and don’t give a cent of your entertainment dollar to the big bad AFL/NRL. It has been roundly condemned FWIW:) Me, I like to think I’m old enough to be above such childishness. I grew up watching Aussie Rules in SA, I as always exposed to football(as a junior player and a spectator with my father) but due to a culmination of events, it wasn’t until the late 90s that I finally had a gutful of the AFL as a competition and stopped attending as many AFL games as I used to. At the same time, Adelaide United were created and I jumped at the chance to be a part o something I’d only dreamed of(A Perth Glory type club in my home city) Over the course of time, I now attend many more A-League/Socceroos games than footy games and consider myself a full blooded fan of the round ball code. On the odd occasion that I get a craving for footy, I retrace the steps of my youth and attend the SANFL. It just feels more authentic. It scratches the itch and I enjoy myself.
following sport is not a zero sum game. Ryano had a great article here earlier in the week comparing American Sports fans who change their’ team based on the season. In US Summer a Bostonian might split his time between the Red Sox and the NE Revolution(being Boston, the ‘sawkx’ will always be a part of their life) but make no mistake MLS is a rising trend, especially amongst the important 20-35 male demographic. Once the pennant race is done and dusted, our Bostonian will split his attention between College football, the Pats, the Celtics and the Bruins until March Madness (NCAABB) signifies the approach of summer and soon baseball/soccer again. Due to the cost of tickets, they might be a season ticket holder for only one or none of them, but they will follow their city teams. Maybe in 30 years time after this period of time I think history could record as ‘the expansion wars era ’ of Aussie sport things will have settled down to the point where people are less insecure in their sport of choice and thus less aggressive towards anybody that has multi sport interests? I hope so.
March 16th 2012 @ 11:10am
Nathan of Perth said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:10am | Report comment
“Heck there’s even a thread on 442s forums where some bloke is asking ”are you a true football fan?””
I saw that. Good olde style facepalm ensued.
PS, noticed the San Jose Earthquakes a) beat New England Revolution in the opening round of the MLS and b) have got go-ahead approval on a brand new stadium seating 18,000 for $60m that looks absolutely fantastic.
March 16th 2012 @ 11:16am
Kasey said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:16am | Report comment
I was pretty sure that Poster was a WUM, but just in case I threw my contribution in as ”you idiot!” and slammed him. Not all football fans a re deranged insecure idiots : )
MLS notes:
I have been very impressed by the rate at which MLS teams have been accumulating SSS’s. Houston is almost comlpeted, leaving just DC United and NE as the original 8 that could seriously use a SSS.
Any doubt that a professional SSS environmenmt can boost a team was blown away by LiveStrong Sporting Park in Kansas City Mo. Moving from a minor League Baseball park to that great venue has almost single handedly turned thatfranchise around:)
March 16th 2012 @ 11:37am
Nathan of Perth said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:37am | Report comment
Yeah, facilities definitely play their part.
Off-beat Australian cross-code example. Which team has won both the ABL Championships to date? The one with the only baseball-specific stadium, interestingly enough (great field by the way, commented when I went there that any lower-league team looking to build facilities should come send a fact-finding mission to the Perth Heat).
March 16th 2012 @ 10:03am
Rusty said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:03am | Report comment
Wow this article did not go in the direction I assumed from the heading.
This a well thought out article written with common sense, i just pose one question.
Is it that the A-league fans are not accepting of league fans?
This is new to me. I live in Sydney and through my experiences with league fans, non league fans, and A-League fans, i never once had this thought that A-League fans are not accepting of league fans, or fans of other codes – hey we are happy to have people to talk football with at the “water cooler” (its a refreshing change). I do find that league fans are more likely not be accepting of A-league fans.
Not saying Mike is wrong, just my experience.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:12am
Kasey said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:12am | Report comment
Specifically that 30 years I mentioned might just elevate the A-League from fly-by-night-irritant-league of a ‘non-sport’ in some (AFL/NRL)fans eyes to relevant part of the Australian sports landscape – this would go some way towards demolishing the insecurity that some football fans have regarding the apparent lack of respect shown our game by fans of other sports.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:15am
Michael said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:15am | Report comment
I guess Mike is trying to point to the elitism which is apparent in some quarters – “Football is bigger than your code worldwide so we are better and will overcome you eventually – resistance is futile.” It’s possibly true that football will, in a hundred years, be the dominant code in Australia, but the superior attitude doesn’t help. Mind you, I’ve heard plenty of NRL folk slag off soccer too.
The most pertinent point you make, Mike, is that there is very little promotion of the A-League outside of the converted. I have never seen A-League promotion on free to air TV, and I’ve only ever seen it immediately prior to or during a HAL game. It’s apalling.
Fortunately for me, I live in Newcastle, where the Jets are huge, they’re all over the local news all the time and we have decent attendances. The Knights pull bigger crowds, but the Jets are close to equal footing now, and I would say that’s because of a lot of cross-code fans.
March 16th 2012 @ 11:12am
Kasey said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Michael:
I can understand some football fans retreating into the “We are global so suck that!” retort as for many years the only thing positive that football fans could hang their hats on was this fact and the hope that this global aspect would allow it to leverage itself into bigger and better places. Now a days domestically football is undergoing unprecedented growth and although there have been serious mis-steps from FFA, the game continues to grow locally so as I mentioned before. Once the local league has 10-30 years of history behind it and people become used to the idea that Sokkah is in the Australian sports landscape there will be less need to resort to petty insults to ‘defend the game’ as the mere fact that it continues to grow here should be all the solace needed for a football fan.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:21am
Roarchild said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:21am | Report comment
I was always under the impression it was in the AFL states that the us against them attitude was greatest but given that Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne Victory have all been well supported compared to other clubs I guess you are right. I never really encountered any grief for liking or playing football/soccer/league so if it’s not in the Northern states and it’s not in the Southern states it must just be the internet.
I grew up in Western Sydney and also support the Eels, I wasn’t born in Westmead hospital but my siblings were. I’m doing the living in Asian thing after living in Brisbane though Mike so our life paths have diverged
March 16th 2012 @ 11:17am
Nathan of Perth said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:17am | Report comment
“but given that Perth … have all been well supporte”
And when you consider what we’ve had to put up with for the last seven years!
March 16th 2012 @ 10:26am
whiskeymac said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:26am | Report comment
eels? oh mike. truly?=)
otherwise nice article.
sport has a great ability to define a region and represent it so its good to hear that newcastle is doing its thing. would have been interesting if others had been allowed to as was proposed, if i remember rightly, by mV not so long ago. I could see the mariners and reds being able to do it aswell, and NQ but they are caput sadly.
March 16th 2012 @ 7:29pm
dohmatt said | March 16th 2012 @ 7:29pm | Report comment
Parramatta, uber alles! Blue & gold till I die. And at least the Eels are a local symbol with real meaning.
Of course there’s loads of crossover appeal & sports marketers should exploit this; I love the A-league too but until they bring in the west I will stay at home; and please don’t give us something so twee as ‘Sydney Rovers’.
March 16th 2012 @ 10:29am
The Cattery said | March 16th 2012 @ 10:29am | Report comment
In the first seasons of the Fury and GCU, I can recall reading a few supporters’ threads where Cowboys and Titans fans were set to support the new A-League franchises but were made to feel distinctly unwelcomed, and found the constant League bashing quite distasteful.
I have not come across similar things in the Heart forum.
Not saying that’s typical – it’s just something I can recall seeing from the early days of the two new teams (now both gone).
March 16th 2012 @ 11:18am
Nathan of Perth said | March 16th 2012 @ 11:18am | Report comment
The Titans have fans? … do they know?