Matchball sponsorship

[Spirits High]

Hi everyone,

At this time of year I start to think about doing something a bit different to get the name out and about the local area.

As most of you know I relocated from Belfast in Sept of 2007 to Chesterfield.Things are going ok but I don't seem to picking up much local work ie within say 30 miles of here.

I did 3 wedding fairs last year trying to cover a triangle around Chesterfield (Pride Park, Hodsock Priory Worksop & St Pauls hotel Sheffield) but it didn't really give me the results I was looking for.

So I'm now looking at Matchball sponsorship at Chesterfield FC :eek:

It costs between £180- 250 + vat (depending on opponents). For that you get an advert in the programme, mentions on the PA system and get a presentation on the pitch before the game.

The bit I like is you also get 4 directors box tickets, complimentry bar & buffet :D

So realistically you get your name out to around 4,000 people, (ok not all of them will be in the market for a wedding / paty disco) mentions in print and watch a game of footy for not a lot of price difference from a wedding fair ;)

Has anyone ever done this kind of advertising before and if so how did it go?

ps - Tony & Dave watch out for a diary date, I can see a meeting of the knights of the E Midlands table coming on :D :D

[Vectis]

I'd look on it as a day out with the nosh/bar etc. and maybe invite a couple of influential folks along as a 'corporate day out' type thing - maybe someone from your local chamber of commerce, or a functions bod from a local hotel you're trying to schmooze.

I can't see you pulling in much work directly from that type of exposure, but as you say if it gets the name out there then it's planting the seed for future business.

The tax rules on 'entertaining' are different to regular expenses, though, so you might want to put it down as 'advertising' ;)

Might be worth trying one or two to see how it goes.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What you have to think, is when was the last time you ordered something 'cos you saw it advertised at a footy match.

[Spirits High]

What you have to think, is when was the last time you ordered something 'cos you saw it advertised at a footy match.

if it was something I was after then I think the name would stick in my head and I'd invistigate further.

It's a bit of a doubled edge sword really as my other aim aswell as getting the name out and about is to try and get in with the Football clubs commercial team as the recommended disco for the new stadium that's being. It should be finished this time next year with a conferencing / banqueting suite, nicely placed for next years wedding season ;)

[ppentertainments]

I'm with Darren on this one.

You can get a lot of advertising for £180 +VAT. It would be good for a corporate 'day out' but as far advertising I think there is far better methods.

[illuminations disco]

i think it's a good idea, market research has shown that football fans tend to remain loyal to brands or companies associated with there team, also if chesterfield strengthen there squad in the january transfer window there would probably be an oppourtunity to sponsor that player for the rest of the season which would get you in the programme for the remaining matches plus usually a photo with the player ect which you could send to the local press ect.

[Spirits High]

if chesterfield strengthen there squad in the january transfer window there would probably be an oppourtunity to sponsor that player for the rest of the season which would get you in the programme for the remaining matches plus usually a photo with the player ect which you could send to the local press ect.

if they don't strentgthen the squad then they could be in trouble ;)

watched them on boxing day against Luton and they had a couple of loanees playing there last game before going back to thier clubs in the transfer window.

[Penfold42]

I like the idea of this......I'll look into it.

Maybe worth a punt......2 bookings you get your money back.
I'm not sure about Lincoln though.......bit like MK Dons. :sofa:

[wensleydale]

sounds like an interesting idea- i dont think its going to bring home enough bookings to keep you going but if you put a value on the 4 tickets and meals then it becomes much more attractive.
especially if you are trying to get into the club anyway,

go for it.

might even look into it for afc wimbledon given they are just down the road from me.....


What you have to think, is when was the last time you ordered something 'cos you saw it advertised at a footy match.

i'm a big liverpool fan and i drink a lot of carlsberg.

thats no coincidence.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ive just had a look at our local team (Carlisle Utd) and theyve got a huge section on sponsorship/advertising, from ground boards to programme sponsorship. may have to have a look into this, i think its a good idea, even just to lay the foundations for getting your name out there.

[ppentertainments]

Ive just had a look at our local team (Carlisle Utd) and theyve got a huge section on sponsorship/advertising, from ground boards to programme sponsorship. may have to have a look into this, i think its a good idea, even just to lay the foundations for getting your name out there.

Hands off, thats one of my patches :D :D :D :p :p :D :D :D
I don't advertise with them though.

[Spirits High]

sounds like an interesting idea- i dont think its going to bring home enough bookings to keep you going but if you put a value on the 4 tickets and meals then it becomes much more attractive.
especially if you are trying to get into the club anyway,

go for it.

might even look into it for afc wimbledon given they are just down the road from me.....



i'm a big liverpool fan and i drink a lot of carlsberg.

thats no coincidence.

now you're talking Rich :D That's my team (like you didn't know ;) ) I know they do something similar for the same kind of price. They also have 2 function rooms that are used during the season as well as when it's close season.

Here's a linky for you

http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/commercial.php?Psection_id=7

;)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hands off, thats one of my patches :D :D :D :p :p :D :D :D
I don't advertise with them though.

You a carlisle lad Chris? :)

[DJ INDIE]

Its not a bad idea at all - especially if you angle as much at getting in with the club as any potential bookings from fans.

Maybe to get yourself known to the people with the influence you could keep enquiring / communicating with them, suggesting that you 'might' be interested (even though you are) and let them chase you for a bit and engage conversation - this way youll get a lot more conversation from them on different occasions and more of a chance to get in with the people with influence.

Im just thinking this 'synical' route, rather than asking to be a sponsor, then wam bam its all done and dusted before you know it and youve spent your cash without really having chance to get your foot in the door?

could be worth a shot?

[wensleydale]

now you're talking Rich :D That's my team (like you didn't know ;) ) I know they do something similar for the same kind of price. They also have 2 function rooms that are used during the season as well as when it's close season.

Here's a linky for you

http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/commercial.php?Psection_id=7

;)
I know that Paul- I think you mentioned it once.

I did have a sneaky look myself before you posted as I reckon it would be a good day out regardless of whether it produces any bookings, but they have no prices for the package.
Brentford do but you need 8 people at about £80 a pop- its suddenly starting to get pricey.

[ppentertainments]

You a carlisle lad Chris? :)

No but lived in the lakes for 10 years and cover one or 2 places in carlisle and cumbria - Not getting into regional arguments, but can get more money over there, even taking into consideration the travelling.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i'm a big liverpool fan and i drink a lot of carlsberg.

thats no coincidence.

Really? And do you own Candy appliances and use Crown paint?

I'm a Reading fan, but I don't shop at Waitrose.

[wensleydale]

Really? And do you own Candy appliances and use Crown paint?

I'm a Reading fan, but I don't shop at Waitrose.

i know plenty of people who drink carlsberg because they sponsor liverpool- the pubs around the ground are far more likely to have it on tap than other beers (assuming they are free of tie).

it works the other way though- i know plenty of evertonians who wont touch it.

you should shop in waitrose daz. its a nice supermarket.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So you don't own Candy appliances or use Crown paint then, which rather disproves your theory.....

I would drink a beer because of it's taste, not because of who they sponsor.

[wensleydale]

So you don't own Candy appliances or use Crown paint then, which rather disproves your theory.....

I would drink a beer because of it's taste, not because of who they sponsor.

I'm not sure if Candy are still in existance and I have no need for paint at the moment, however if you really dont think that sponsorship works why do so many multi national and FTSE 100 companies do it?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not sure if Candy are still in existance and I have no need for paint at the moment, however if you really dont think that sponsorship works why do so many multi national and FTSE 100 companies do it?

I didn't say sponsorship doesn't work, just not on some levels and not for a small disco company.

I would drink something I didn't like or use a product I didn't need 'cos someone is sponsored by it.

There again, some people aren't as intelligent as me...:D

[Penfold42]

There again, some people are as intelligent as me...:D

Probably! :sj:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

No but lived in the lakes for 10 years and cover one or 2 places in carlisle and cumbria - Not getting into regional arguments, but can get more money over there, even taking into consideration the travelling.

Nah, no regional arguments from me, the whole worlds fair game as far as im concerned :D :D

[DazzyD]

Paul, I'm going to disagree with most posts and look at things from a different angle. Bookings from fans are likely to be minimal but it's worth knowing that lots of locals businesses are involved with local football clubs so this may be an ideal opportunity to pitch your company for corporate work. I also think that, at the prices you quoted (from £180-£250) then these are fairly reasonable rates to attack the local corporate market. But you have to aim your sponsorship at relevant times of the year (spring for summer BBQ-type bookings, autumn for Christmas parties, etc.). I wouldn't recommend doing it in the winter as I don't feel you'll see a decent return.


No but lived in the lakes for 10 years and cover one or 2 places in carlisle and cumbria - Not getting into regional arguments, but can get more money over there, even taking into consideration the travelling.

What? :eek: Surely not! Surely Nigel will have something to say about this!!! :D :D :D

[PropellerHeadCase]

if it was something I was after then I think the name would stick in my head and I'd invistigate further.

It's a bit of a doubled edge sword really as my other aim aswell as getting the name out and about is to try and get in with the Football clubs commercial team as the recommended disco for the new stadium that's being. It should be finished this time next year with a conferencing / banqueting suite, nicely placed for next years wedding season ;)

I think THAT aspect of it is a stronger argument than the sponsorship itself. Do the sponsorship 'cause it's not much more than a wedding fayre and you get a decent day out - as suggested see if you can invite a genuine possible client along - but get as much mileage as you can out of being an active supporter interested in supplying to the new stadium.



Really? And do you own Candy appliances and use Crown paint?

I'm a Reading fan, but I don't shop at Waitrose.

Is there a Waitrose conveniently located to you that you could shop at if you were swayed? If not then it's kind of a null argument.

Marketing, market forces and buyer behaviour is really quite a fascinating area:

I'm constantly amazed how many people stick with name brands rather than own-brand - interestingly research says that brand loyalty, especially for groceries, tends to be a trait of the ill-educated/unintelligent rather than, necessarily, the wealthy. So people who don't really have the buying power would rather buy - to use a recent example from my shopping - Strepsils as opposed to the identical Boots own brand equivalent, the latter being more than 50% cheaper than the former.

[rob1963]

I'm constantly amazed how many people stick with name brands rather than own-brand - interestingly research says that brand loyalty, especially for groceries, tends to be a trait of the ill-educated/unintelligent rather than, necessarily, the wealthy. So people who don't really have the buying power would rather buy - to use a recent example from my shopping - Strepsils as opposed to the identical Boots own brand equivalent, the latter being more than 50% cheaper than the former.

I usually go for own brand things, and often even the value/basics type stuff.

It's not because I can't afford more, but simply because It makes sense to use things which offer the best value. Why spend more than I need to?

Maybe that's also the reason why I never use Denon kit for my disco.

:shrug:

[DJMIKEYR]

I done it for my local football club and sponsered a match. It never drummed up loads of business but it got me into DJing for the club parties and they also have a function room which has loads of parties for 18th and 21st and because I supported the club they have been recommending me to people who hire the function room. This year I have sponsered a board which should I hope work better as the boards get seen in the photos and the photos appear in the local papers and hey presto a nice bit of free advertising in the local papers which hits 40000 people plus!!! Oh and then the is the away team and if they get in their local paper as well the is even more oppurtunity.

Every bit of advertising either small or large will always be good just to get the name out there to the public. First key of sales that!!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Is there a Waitrose conveniently located to you that you could shop at if you were swayed? If not then it's kind of a null argument.



Honestly Al, you post as if everyone is stupid at times!

Yes, there is a Waitrose near me, but I find it more expensive and not as much choice as other supermarkets.

It has nothing to do with Reading FC's sponsorship where I shop, what computer brand I use or the alcoholic beverage I prefer.

If Carlsberg sponsored Reading, I wouldn't drink it. Why? Because it's tastless fizzy standard lager. The same could be said for a lot of other products too.

[wensleydale]

i diasgree with a lot of the comments here.
i think the matchball sponsorship (and sponsorship in general) could work for what paul is looking to achieve.

as for the whole "brand" debate, everyone can have different views but brands do work otherwise they wouldnt exist, wouldnt be able to charge more than none branded items and wouldnt spend millions on advertising.

i for one value the brand of my "sole tradership" and I am sure others do the same.

[Bouncy Dancefloor]

tax deductable day out? wahoo!

[PropellerHeadCase]

Honestly Al, you post as if everyone is stupid at times!

Not intentionally, Darren and, to be fair, no more than you do, at times.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Not intentionally, Darren and, to be fair, no more than you do, at times.

Aimed at others, yes, but not when quoting your good self.

[wensleydale]

I'm constantly amazed how many people stick with name brands rather than own-brand - interestingly research says that brand loyalty, especially for groceries, tends to be a trait of the ill-educated/unintelligent rather than, necessarily, the wealthy. So people who don't really have the buying power would rather buy - to use a recent example from my shopping - Strepsils as opposed to the identical Boots own brand equivalent, the latter being more than 50% cheaper than the former.

People buy brands because they know them, recognise them, have confidence in them, because they see the advertising, and a whole host of other reasons.

Not always because they are stupid.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

People buy brands because they know them, recognise them, have confidence in them, because they see the advertising, and a whole host of other reasons.

Not always because they are stupid.

Certainly because they have no taste...

Who would drink Carlsberg otherwise? :D

[Corabar Steve]

Danes














































Probably :sj:

[PropellerHeadCase]

People buy brands because they know them, recognise them, have confidence in them, because they see the advertising, and a whole host of other reasons.

Not always because they are stupid.

But that's the point - often times the name brand and the own brand are produced in the same factory by the same people just packaged differently - and one is more than twice the price of the other - if they haven't investigated the possibility that the cheaper product may in fact be the same IS stupid (or at best uninformed).

[Excalibur]

Honestly Al, you post as if everyone is stupid at times!


Sensible policy I'd have said. ;)


But that's the point - often times the name brand and the own brand are produced in the same factory by the same people just packaged differently - and one is more than twice the price of the other - if they haven't investigated the possibility that the cheaper product may in fact be the same IS stupid (or at best uninformed).

I agree totally but:-













Sofa time again. :sofa:

[rob1963]

But that's the point - often times the name brand and the own brand are produced in the same factory by the same people just packaged differently - and one is more than twice the price of the other - if they haven't investigated the possibility that the cheaper product may in fact be the same IS stupid (or at best uninformed).

Spot on, Al

:thumbsup:

[Excalibur]

Spot on, Al

:thumbsup:

Tight git. :p Find your own sofa. ;)

[wensleydale]

But that's the point - often times the name brand and the own brand are produced in the same factory by the same people just packaged differently - and one is more than twice the price of the other - if they haven't investigated the possibility that the cheaper product may in fact be the same IS stupid (or at best uninformed).

and lots of times their not and they are inferior quality.
you pays your money, you takes your choice, but if your argument was correct why would brands exist?

[Excalibur]

and lots of times their not and they are inferior quality.
you pays your money, you takes your choice, but if your argument was correct why would brands exist?

Snobbery. Next question please.

[Corabar Steve]

This has gone decidedly :offtopic: