clubmirror May 2021
AT THE HEART OF THE COMM UNITY
Cheers! What’s new as clubs throw open their doors Plus: Football Special HQ B UILDI NG TH E BU SI N ES S N E W S S PE C IAL T H E RO LE O F T E CH NOL OGY
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Contents
club mirror AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
MAY 2021
NEWS, VIEWS, CLUB LIFE AND LEGISLATION
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6 News Latest legislation, advice and updates.
8 News special The Association of Conservative Clubs’ Chief Executive calls for an extension of the 5% VAT rate.
9 Club life Club Mirror takes a whirlwind tour of clubs around the country as clubs welcome members back into the club premises.
14 Welcome to the Festival of Clubs 2021 Get the diary out. From trade shows and workshops to dinners and beer festivals, join us as we celebrate getting back together again.
48 Supplier of the Year Awards The last Supplier of the Year Awards took place just ahead of 2020’s Coronavirus lockdowns. Here’s to 2021 – get those votes in!
50 Hospitality Social Media Awards Calling all clubs. Step into the spotlight and take a bow with the Hospitality Social Media Awards 2021.
52 Club Act of the Year Who’ll be pulling in the members post lockdown? Nominate your best acts and your club could win £500.
56 Club Association Special – CIU 159 years’ worth of helping clubs succeed, from legal advice to the Union’s Education Programme.
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UEFA EURO 2020
HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
19 Football’s coming home
30 May Magic
Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the sporting universe this summer as the 24 competing nations aim for a place in the final of UEFA Euro 2020 on July 11.
With sport fans spending 90 minutes longer in the bar than the average customer, maximising the upcoming sports fixtures is a no brainer.
32 Sports Fixtures 21 The ones to watch Club Mirror profiles six players who may well catch your eye in June and July.
What’s coming¨up? Top picks and latest listings for some dramatic June viewing.
36 Building the Business 24 Ready for kick off The low down on fixtures – who’s playing when and where?
As clubs face the excitement of reopening again, Club Mirror offers up expert advice and services from club-supporting suppliers.
26 Contenders ready
38 Boosting trade post reopening
Will there be a new name on the EURO trophy come July 11? We profile the 24 teams who will be competing for the title this summer.
Addressing the concerns and challenges around reopening, with top tips for boosting business.
40 May 17 – dreams can come true 28 Grass roots football So where will the next talent come from? An indepth look at grass roots football.
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Research from amongst 2000 consumers reveals just how much the great British public has missed a pint in their favourite local.
43 Technology’s role in magical moments From arrival to departure, can digital solutions provide members with an even better experience as they rush through the club doors?
58 Product showcase Club Mirror brings you a showcase of latest products on the market, all aimed at boosting club business.
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LEADER
Contributors
Welcome to the merry month of May!
What a month, what a year, what a journey.
Ashley Cairns
Chris Colverd
Sean Ferris
Karen Foreman
David Foster
Larry Hardcastle
Jonathan Hardy
Toby Johansson
Hamish Maclean
Justin O’Regan
Nick Sellens
Jill Slingsby
So here we are, finally in lockdown lift-off, able to welcome back members indoors for the first time in many months. Out of adversity comes ingenuity, and the resilience, determination and forward planning which we’ve witnessed in even the hardest hit clubs during the hardest of times is simply outstanding. The world will continue to change and things which have been forced upon us by the virus may well become a happy norm, from electronic ordering to a heightened hygiene focus. Many clubs who went the route of takeaways and deliveries during lockdown, for example, report having found a new and enduring source of popularity and revenue. Suppliers have been equally ingenious, launching everything from mobile self-service beer stations and remote ordering to new no-low alcoholic drinks and bold brand extensions. One thing that will never change, however, is members’ need to socialise. That’s why they’re members, right? So welcome back to a thrilling season of international sport, drawing in sports fans of all types, from the avid fanatic to the ‘just want to soak it up’ flavour. It’s a win win. On a winning note, the imminent UEFA EURO 2020 tournament – it keeps its postponed ‘2020’ title – will undoubtedly receive an unprecedented welcome this year, with the final being held at our green and pleasant land’s very own home of football, Wembley. So could the highly tipped ‘three lions on shirt’ England team win it at Wembley? Could football truly be coming home? Either way, it will certainly be coming to the club, so enjoy the facts, figures and the ones to watch in this issue’s UEFA EURO 2020 Special (pages 19-28). Finally, and on the topic of ‘special’, we’re delighted to welcome you to the inaugural Festival of Clubs. It’s time to celebrate all that we do together, to share learnings and to shore up for 2022 and beyond, having a lot of fun along the way. Turn to pages 14-17 for details. Join up, join in with Clubland’s biggest party to date. See you there?
Caroline Scoular Editor, Club Mirror
Editor Caroline Scoular Design David Foster Events Jill Slingsby, Karen Foreman, Guy Brennan Display Advertising Margaret Doherty Sales and Marketing Manager Leigh-Ann Ogilvie Circulation Jon Hardy Accounts Andrew Soles Publishing Director Sean Ferris
Club Mirror is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing Ltd, Gainsborough House, 59/60 Thames Street, Windsor SW4 1TX. Tel: 01753 272022. Fax: 01753 272 021 Email: caroline@clubmirror.com; sean@clubmirror.com; leigh-ann@alchemymedia.co.uk; info@clubmirror.com
ACP Gainsborough House 59/60 Thames Street Windsor Berkshire SL4 1TX UK t. +44 (0)1753 272022 f. +44 (0)1753 272021 e.info@alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk www.alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk The views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Club Mirror does not verify the claims made by advertisers regarding their products. CLUB MIRROR 5
CLUB NEWS
WANT MORE INFORMATION? More details are available at www.clubmirror.com/ food- drink-equipment or at this QR Code .
Club Secretary/General Manager required Market Harborough Conservative Club is seeking a Club Secretary/General Manager. The suitable candidate for this role will be computer literate with good organisational skills and knowledge of Xero accounts. Full time, with hours and terms negotiable. Applications with CV, strictly in writing to: The Chairman, Market Harborough Conservative Club, The Lilacs, 6 Fairfield Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9QQ Or email mhconnyclub@gmail.com
Assistant Heath Club Manager – Cairn Group This role is based at WAVE Spa & Wellness within Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross. It is a hands-on role and requires someone who is comfortable managing, developing and coaching a large team but also who has sound commercial knowledge to ensure sales opportunities are maximised, and resources are well utilised, reaching out to members . The facility is open seven days a week so candidates will need a flexible approach to their working pattern. • www.monster.co.uk
Managing Secretary – St Anne’s Old Links Location: Lancashire, England Closing Date: 28 May, 2021 St. Anne’s Old Links Golf Club was established in 1901 and remains one of the fine championship links of England’s north west coast. Following the retirement of the current Secretary, the club is now seeking a new Managing Secretary. • http://www.cmaeurope.org 6 CLUB MIRROR
Club Business 2021 announced As the club world begins reopening its doors, now is the time to embrace opportunities. Here’s one not to miss. Club Business 2021 sees clubs and clubsupporting suppliers, seizing the opportunity to network with their peers, club associations and industry experts, all with the aim of building club business, protecting the bottom line and ensuring that members can enjoy the best possible experience as they come back to their favourite club. The show takes place on Day 2 of the inaugural Festival of Clubs, alongside a series of events, including the Club Awards Celebratory Dinner, the Supplier Awards and workshops with our friends at the Club Managers Association of Europe as we plan
ahead, looking towards a successful 2022. Date: 25 November, 2021 Time: 10.30-17.00 Venue: Doncaster Racecourse, Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6BB
Clubs, associations and broadcasters tackle abuse Clubs, associations and broadcasters including BT Sport and Sky Sports, boycotted social media between 3pm on Friday, 30 April and 11.59pm on Monday, 2 May in a unified attempt to call a halt to online abuse, calling for social media companies to protect people against online discrimination. A joint statement from English football’s governing bodies said that the boycott was a way to ‘emphasise that social media companies must do more to eradicate online hate’, while also ‘highlighting the importance of educating people’. Clubs playing in the Women’s Championship joined the boycott, along with the Football Supporters’ Association, Professional Footballers’ Association and League Managers’ Association.
England Rugby, the RFU and the England and Wales Cricket Board were also among the many sporting bodies to show strong solidarity. Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before. However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social media. This is unacceptable and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative authorities and the social media giants.”
For more details on Club Business 2021 and to register your interest in attending, email info@clubmirror.com or call 01753 272022. Activities are complimentary to Club Mirror readers.
UK Sport launches inspiring mission UK Sport has unveiled a new strategic plan which is guided by a mission to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments, reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation. As part of the new plan, UK Sport has published the nation’s international event-hosting aspirations for the next decade, from the 2030 FIFA World Cup to over 40 World Championships from sports such as boxing and athletics to wheelchair rugby and taekwondo. The list includes 97 events across 44 sports and spans 46 World Championships. Collectively, said UK Sport. They represent a potential boost to the UK economy of close to £7bn (6.83bn), attracting over 13m fans with 95% of the UK population living within two hours of a hosting venue.
The Village Cup celebrates its 50th anniversary The 2021 Village Cup has launched with the final being played in September. Part of the English cricket season since 1972, each year around 300 clubs from villages across the British Isles battle for the chance to play in the final at Lord’s, recognised as the home of cricket. Pictured: Thorpeness Cricket Club, Suffolk
Festival of Clubs 2021 launches November 24-26, 2021 – join us for a celebration of clubland
With events now back on the hospitality agenda, we’re excited to announce the launch of the first ever Festival of Clubs, a series of events built around the prestigious annual Club Awards. For decades the Club Awards have created a unique opportunity for clubs to come together under one roof and to celebrate the best in the business. The last event saw nearly 700 guests enjoy meeting friends and industry peers with an
unparalleled night of food, drink and entertainment. Sadly due to the pandemic, like all events, they didn’t happen in 2020, so we’re making up for it in 2021 with the latest launch from the Club Mirror stable, the inaugural Festival of Clubs. The festival brings together a series of events across Clubland, from awards, lunches and dinners to the all-new Club Business 2021 trade show and businessbuilding workshops. These will take place over three days bringing together clubs, associations and suppliers, all coming together to network, celebrate and to join together to help the sector bounce back after lockdown. Plans are being put together in conjunction with the current Government guidelines for events coming out of lockdown.
Budweiser predicts ‘summer of sport’ for clubs Budweiser Brewing Group is predicting 618 million pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the on-trade reopens and international sport returns. The brewer’s research shows that TV sporting occasions are a huge sales driver for venues, boosting footfall, frequency and spend. Sport fans spend 90 minutes longer in the bar than the average customer and boost rate of sales by 10%.
• Club Act of the Year • Club Mirror Raceday (restrictions permitting) • Updates will be posted on www.clubmirror.com and sent out via twitter
Suppor ted
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All for charity Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, was launched in October 2019, created by the merger of specialist support and information charity Breast Cancer Care and research charity Breast Cancer Now.
• See pages 40-41 in this issue for more details.
September date for CIU Beer & Trades Show The Club & Institute Union has confirmed that its Beer & Trades Exhibition will now take place on September 10 in Blackpool
Events are set to include: • Club Awards Celebratory Dinner • Supplier Awards • Club Business 2021 • Club workshops • Beer Festival • Club Association Lunch • Hospitality Social Media Awards
following Government expectations that COVID-19 restrictions will have been lifted. •More details on pages 55-57.
Liverpool’s Allerton Manor Golf Club is looking forward to a summer of sport. Its Fletcher’s Beer Garden has multiple HD TV screens, easy-dining street food and an extensive range of beers for a capacity of 250 in a COVID-safe environment.
Put a spring in your step this month with friends and family and organise your own sponsored walk, says Breast Cancer Now. Choose your distance – before you start, have a think about how long you want the walk to be. Long walk or step counting – don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Go for something that you’ll be proud of when it’s all said and done. Pick the place – location is important, and the best part about a walking challenge is it’s all up to you. Go for something sentimental – maybe a stroll through where you grew up, or maybe something based on the sights you’ll see along the way. Remember, we’re always here to help you plan it out and make it happen. Track it – finding out how far you’ve gone or how many steps you’ve done has never been easier. Strava is a great app for a walking challenge – it tracks how far you’ve walked and how many steps you’ve
taken in real time. And it’s free, too! Look the part – don’t forget your Breast Cancer Now t-shirt! Let us know you’d like one at community@breastcancernow.org, and we’ll send it through to you to wear on the day. Good luck! Shout about it – make sure you share your walking challenge all over social media. Tell people what you’re doing, and share your JustGiving page so they can donate. On the day, tell everyone how far you’ve gone – screenshots showing your distance walked are always great! • https://breastcancernow.org/getinvolved CLUB MIRROR 7
NEWS SPECIAL
ACC CEO calls for extension of 5% VAT Philip Smith, Lord Smith of Hindhead CBE, has called on government to extend the current reduced 5% VAT rate until April 2023 as a lifeline to clubs and the hospitality sector as a whole.
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ddressing the House of Lords on May 12 following the Queen’s Speech, Lord Smith, who is also the Chief Executive of the Association of Conservative Clubs, emphasised the benefits that the industry brings, stating that ‘a society which socialises together is a stronger and healthier society’. He also pointed to social cohesion created through its diverse workforce. Lord Smith of Hindhead: “Hospitality has always provided social cohesion, but it is also an industry which brings so many people of different backgrounds and abilities together as a workforce, which benefits the UK on many different levels. I hope my noble friend the Minister will consider this suggestion. “My Lords, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate on Her Majesty’s gracious Speech. I will limit my comments to hospitality and, in so doing, ask your Lordships’ House to note my register of interests. “I welcome Her Majesty’s Government’s focus on support for business. I commend and thank them for what has already been put in place to support the hospitality industry, which is particularly poignant considering the challenging times during which these decisions were made. “The Government’s quick thinking and implementation of schemes such as the 2020 lockdown grants, the subsequent tier grants for closure and the current reopening grants—not to mention the furlough and Eat Out to Help Out schemes—have all made this past year just about manageable for a significant part of the hospitality industry.
Philip Smith, Lord Smith of Hindhead CBE “Together with business rates relief and the reduction of VAT to 5% as applied to goods and services in the hospitality, accommodation and attractions sector, the Chancellor has created a safety net that has been vital in supporting an industry which, pre Covid, was the third-largest private sector
employer. Over three million jobs were directly supported through UK Hospitality—some 9% of all UK employees. “However, in spite of this support, many establishments are in rent and loan debt, and are unable to contemplate the costs of reopening or bringing back staff post furlough. “While I very much welcome the announcement that the reduction of VAT to 5% will continue until September this year, and thereafter will be at a transitional rate of 12.5% until March 2022, the hospitality industry would benefit hugely from the 5% rate being extended to April 2023, where significant savings could be made for the industry and consumers. “This would be a lifeline to all sorts of businesses across the country, providing breathing space for the sector to fully recover, saving businesses and jobs, and allowing the economy to bounce back faster. “A society which socialises together is a stronger and healthier society. The UK’s pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants put that into practice every day. Hospitality has always provided social cohesion, but it is also an industry which brings so many people of different backgrounds and abilities together as a workforce, which benefits the UK on many different levels. I hope my noble friend the Minister will consider this suggestion.”
CONTACT DETAILS Philip Smith, Lord Smith of Hindhead CBE, is a British Conservative politician and member of the House of Lords. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours List. Current posts include: • Chief Executive of the Association of Conservative Clubs • Chairman, Committee of Registered Clubs Associations, CORCA • Vice Chairman, All-Parliamentary Beer Group • Joint Chairman, All-Parliamentary Clubs Group • Chairman, Best Bar None Professional & Safer Venues Ltd • Vice Chair, Peers for Gambling Reform • Member, All-Parliamentary Wines & Spirits Group Contactable at: House of Lords, London SW1A 0PW t. 020 7219 5353
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CLUB NEWS
Clubnews
Club Mirror takes a whirlwind tour of clubs around the country in the fastest way possible – by social media.
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CLUB NEWS
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FESTIVAL OF CLUBS 2021
The Festival of Clubs November 24-26, 2021 With events now back on the hospitality agenda, plans for the first ever Festival of Clubs gather apace. See you there? he Festival of Clubs is a series of events, from trade shows and workshops to celebratory dinners and business-building ideas, all designed to welcome back Clubland in a safe, fun, free and invaluable three-day event, all built on the ever popular Club Awards and annual Beer Festival. The Festival brings together clubs, associations and suppliers, all keen to network, celebrate and join together to help each other bounce back from the lates, long lockdown.
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THE STORY SO FAR The Club Awards, owned and run by Club Mirror, are the only awards serving the UK’s buoyant club sector. The eagerly awaited annual event, launched to great acclaim back in 1992, continues to represent an exclusive, rare opportunity to bring together the independent club sector and suppliers at one venue.
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AND NOW IN 2021 Due to Coronavirus, the 2020 Club Awards were unable to take place. Throughout the pandemic, clubs across the land were busy working within their communities, from setting up food banks to acting as vaccination centres. At the same time, they have been refurbishing and revamping their clubs as they prepared for the long-awaited reopening. Our annual Awards in 2021 are therefore a celebration of clubs across the land. EVENTS & ACTIVITIES INCLUDE • Club Awards Celebratory Dinner • Club Business 2021 • Supplier Awards • Club Associations Lunch • Hospitality Social Media Awards • Club Act of The Year • Workshops - planning for the future • Beer Festival (Other activities in the pipeline to be announced.)
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FESTIVAL OF CLUBS 2021
Club Business 2021 The inaugural Club Business Trade Show & Exhibition will see clubs and club-supporting suppliers seizing the opportunity to network with their peers, club associations and industry experts, all with the aim of building club business, protecting the bottom line and ensuring that members can enjoy the best possible experience as they come back to their favourite club. The show takes place on Day 2 of the first-ever Festival of Clubs, where clubs and suppliers can share news, swap views and discuss latest updates on what’s on the market in an infomal setting.
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From workshops to racedays WORKSHOPS Working with the Club Managers Association of Europe and other industry experts, we’ll be presenting thought-provoking workshops and asking what’s in store for 2022, and how do we plan for it? BEER FESTIVAL The much-loved annual Beer Festival looks forward to welcoming guests with old favourites and new brews. And there’ll be some surprises in store as well. HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS The Hospitality Social Media Awards celebrate how social media is helping clubs and the UK hospitality sector as a whole to look after their members, customers and communities during trying times. Social Media has been a lifeline throughout 2020/2021 and now’s the time to offer the recognition that clubs, pubs, bars, hotels and restautants so richly deserve. CLUB MIRROR RACEDAY Participating clubs, suppliers and exhibitors are invited to join us at Club Mirror’s raceday, planned for Friday, 26 November. GOLF INVITATIONALS Linked into the Festival run up and in sunnier months, our golf societies are issuing invitationals to 2021 Festival of Clubs attendees.
CARE TO JOIN US? Whether you’d like to join in the workshops, visit Club Business 2021 or celebrate in style at the celebratory dinner, just drop the team a line and we’ll book you in. e. info@clubmirror.co.uk t.+44 (0) 1753 272022 www.clubmirror.com CLUB MIRROR 17
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UEFA EURO 2020
Football’s coming home Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the sporting universe this summer as the 24 competing nations aim for a place in the final of UEFA EURO 2020 on July 11. Club Mirror looks at the three teams who will be carrying British hopes in the tournament.
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t’s a fair bet that Skinner and Baddiel’s seminal football anthem Three Lions is going to be getting some serious airplay on the nation’s radio stations this summer with football very much set to come home as the delayed 2020 European Championships kick off on June 11 and reaches its climax a month later under the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium. Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales will be expecting a major boost to trade as their national sides take part in the 24-team tournament which will play out in venues across 11 countries. At the time of writing, it is England who are among the bookies’ favourites to lift the trophy on July 11 and secure a major title for the first time since 1966, a scenario which seems all the more likely given that they will be playing the majority of their games at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed a near-perfect record qualifying for the tournament – their only defeat coming in October 2019 when they slumped to a 2-1 loss against Czech Republic – and they look to have a very effective blend of talent at their disposal. Their top scorer in the qualifiers was Tottenham’s Harry Kane and England fans will be hoping that the talismanic Spurs striker and national captain will remain fit throughout the tournament and build on his inspirational showing at the 2018 World Cup. The man himself is certainly looking forward to leading the Three Lions in the Euros and believes that the team will receive a major boost from the form shown by English teams in Europe this season. “We have a lot of English players playing at the top of their game,” said Kane. “That should only help us as a national side. You want them getting exposed
to the biggest games around the world.” “Our group has grown stronger year by year. We’ve got a good mix of experience and young talent and it’s important to have that, especially in a tournament environment. “I’m sure Gareth has got a bit of a headache of who to pick but that’s what we want. We want competition for places and that’s the only way we’re going to be one of the best teams in the world. “We had a great World Cup in 2018. We didn’t quite get over the line, so with the players we’ve got and the manager and the group of staff it’s a great opportunity for us and we’re excited for the challenge. We know it will be difficult but we’ve got enough ability to try and take it all the way.” England – who face Croatia, Czech Republic and Scotland in Group D – will be on familiar territory for much of the tournament. The Three Lions are
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UEFA EURO 2020 the top seeds in the group and all three of their games take place at Wembley. They certainly get off to an intriguing start to the tournament as they take on Croatia, who knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup in the semifinals. They will then face Scotland in a highly-anticipated meeting, before rounding off the group stage against Czech Republic. If they top their group, they will meet the runnersup of Group F – Portugal, Germany, France or Hungary – at Wembley in the Round of 16. If England finish second in their group, they will take on the winners of Group E, one of Spain, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia. There is another possibility for England – they could progress from the group stages as one of the six best third-placed teams. Whichever route they take, England are sure to have a massive groundswell of support behind them as they progress. Scotland As for England’s Group D opponents Scotland, this will be just the third time they have reached the finals of the European Championships, following on from 1992 and 1996 when they were eliminated during the group stages – and this is the first major championship they have been involved in since the 1998 World Cup. There were many edge-of-seat moments before they could qualify – including penalty shootouts in both the play-off semi-final and final – but this gave way to mass euphoria when Steve Clarke’s men successfully booked their place at Euro 2020. One of the key men for Scotland has been Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn who was in fine form for his country during the Euro qualifiers and has carried on in the same vein in the more recent World Cup qualifiers. McGinn believes that taking part in Euro 2020 could be a springboard to even greater achievements. “The excitement is a good thing but the manager stresses that we don’t want it to be a one-off,” he said. “The manager was stressing that we don’t want to be one-tournament wonders and we all share the same belief. “When the manager came in we just wanted to give the country a team to be proud of, we are not quite there yet but we are certainly building towards it.” “I think there has been anticipation building, we had to be professional and focus on these three World Cup qualifiers but it has been tough, we all have our eyes on something we have dreamed about for a long time, not only for us as players but as supporters, everyone involved. “We are just keeping everything crossed that things can develop, the vaccine can keep charging on and we can get some supporters in. “I know a lot of Scotland fans who travel everywhere and have experienced so much disappointment and so many near misses so it is more for them and for us as well.” Scotland’s tournament begins on June 14 at the home of Scottish football – Hampden Park – where
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Scotland host Croatia, before they make the trip to Wembley to face England on June 18 in a match which will rekindle memories of the fiery Euro ‘96 clash between the two rivals at the same venue. The Scots then return to Hampden on June 22 to play Croatia, as they look to book a place in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history. Wales Wales complete the triumvirate of British nations taking their rightful place on the big stage this summer and have a lot to live up to given their heroics in Euro 2016 when they reached the semi-finals where they were beaten 2-0 by eventual champions Portugal. It has not been the smoothest of build-ups to the
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If England finish second in their group, they take on the winners of Group E, one of Spain, Poland, Sweden or Slovakia. Another possibility – they could progress from the group stages as one of the six best thirdplaced teams.
tournament with manager Ryan Giggs replaced due to his ongoing legal issues by Robert Page but confidence will be high given the quality of the squad available for the tournament. Unlike England and Scotland, Wales will not enjoy any home comforts during the group stages with two of the games taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan and one in Rome in Group A. “From the staff’s point of view, we’re fully focused on what’s ahead and we’re all looking forward to it,” said Page. “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to compete against the best in Europe and show what we’re capable of doing.” “We have set a high bar from before and of course we want to match that, so we want to just continue along this path. “We have got a couple of tough friendlies, against France and Albania in June, and some great camps coming up to get us all together. Mentally and physically they will all be ready.” Wales’ fortunes in the tournament will undoubtedly rely heavily on their star players performing. Inevitably, the media spotlight will be on superstar Gareth Bale, who will be expected to put aside a fairly unsettled period at Spurs under now-sacked manager Jose Mourinho and turn on the style for his country. Wales open their Euro 2020 account against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, then take on Turkey four days later before heading to Rome for a showdown with Italy on June 20. Italy will undoubtedly be the favourites to top the group, especially given their home advantage in all three group games, but Wales have every chance of progressing to the knockout stages, particularly if they can recapture the indomitable spirit they showed in 2016. Whichever teams reach the showpiece final on July 11, the delayed Euro 2020 is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and drama for club members this summer. Altogether now: “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, football’s coming home!”
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UEFA EURO 2020
Players to watch One of the pleasures of major tournaments such as the Euros is the chance to spot Premier League players performing for their national sides. Club Mirror profiles six players who could catch the eye in June and July. ENGLAND Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) The England captain has become a talismanic figure for the national side and is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in club colours, despite the well-publicised problems experienced by Spurs over recent months. Winner of the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, England fans will be hoping that Kane’s rumoured wish to head to another club will not distract him from the job in hand. The 27 year old has not only been in scintillating goal-scoring form – he is currently on course to finish the domestic season as the Premier League’s top scorer – but has also demonstrated genuine creativity, threading inch-perfect cross through to team-mates Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn. Given his global reputation, Kane is sure to receive plenty of attention from defenders during the tournament, but the centre-forward appears to be far more robust this season than in previous years. Kane will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy this summer after the disappointment of England’s semi-final defeat in the last World Cup and will be straining every sinew to lead his men to glory at Wembley. SCOTLAND Andy Robertson (Liverpool) It hasn’t been a vintage season for the Reds but Robertson has never let his standards drop. No wonder then that the left-back has been an almost ever-present in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season. Admittedly, his statistics are not as stellar this time around as during the last season when Robertson’s ability to press forward and supply his strike force with perfectly placed balls was a key factor in Liverpool’s Premier League title win, contributing two goals and 12 assists during the season. Having performed at the highest level for his club, Robertson will relish the chance to appear for his country in a major tournament and has been an inspirational figure for Scotland since making his debut back in 2014 with an eye-catching appearing off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Poland. Robertson further cemented his place in the Scotland team by scoring his first international goal in a friendly against England at Celtic Park in November of that year scoring Scotland’s only goal as they were beaten 3–1. Robertson was duly appointed as Scotland captain by then manager Alex McLeish in 2018 and has continued to impress with his work rate, passing skill and ability to motivate his teammates.
CLUB MIRROR 21
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UEFA EURO 2020 WALES Daniel James (Manchester United) Regarded as a star of the future, Daniel James has been enjoying life during his debut season in the Premier League having cut his professional teeth at Swansea City. The 23-year-old winger signed for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in June 2019 and has become an established squad player in a highly competitive environment. Stats junkies will know that, in February, he scored United’s Premier League record-equalling goal in the 9–0 home win against Southampton. James received his first senior call-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Serbia in 2017 by manager Chris Coleman and subsequently made his full Wales debut under Coleman’s successor, Ryan Giggs, in a match against Albania in November 2018, playing the first 58 minutes of the game. James scored his first Wales goal in only his second cap, netting the only goal of the game in the opening minutes against Slovakiain in his competitive home debut. Welsh fans will be expecting James to make a giant leap forward during the summer. ITALY Jorginho (Chelsea) It is unfortunate that Brazilian-born Italy midfielder Jorginho was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in May when his schoolboy error in the Premier League clash against Arsenal gifted the game to the Gunners. It was a fairly uncharacteristic mistake from
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a man who has been in excellent form for the Blues this season and who was instrumental in helping his team make it to the UEFA Champions League Final. He arrived at Stamford Bridge from Italy back in 2018 on a £50 million transfer and has settled into his versatile role in the squad. Making his international debut for Italy in 2016, Jorginho failed to make the
squad for Euro 2016 and with Italy failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, he will be aiming to make an impact in his first major tournament for his adopted country. The 29 year old is a specialist penalty taker, a skill that will undoubtedly come into play during the upcoming tournament.
DENMARK Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) Schmeichel has almost become part of the furniture at the King Power Stadium such is the Denmark goalkeeper’s loyalty to Leicester City where he has been for the past 10 years. Now 34, Schmeichel continues to be a steadying force for the Foxes during what has been an excellent season for the men from the East Midlands. He was also a rock for Denmark during the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, most notably in his man-of-the-match performance in the key win against Switzerland back in 2019. Previous to that, Schmeichel was in fine form during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he started in three group stage matches. His clean sheet in the opening match contributed to a Man of the Match award and helped Schmeichel set a new record for minutes without conceding a goal for Denmark, surpassing his father Peter’s record. During the Round of 16 match against Croatia, Schmeichel was named Man of the Match after saving a penalty kick taken by Luka Modric in extratime and two penalties during the subsequent shootout, although his opposing counterpart Danijel Subasic saved three penalties in that shootout to eliminate Denmark. In what will be his last major tournament for his country, Schmeichel will be going all-out to help Denmark challenge for the title.
FRANCE Paul Pogba (Manchester United) World Champions France have plenty of talent at their disposal and will be among the favourites to win the title. Among their dazzling stars is Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, who while much criticised in
the UK and France, looks to be hitting peak form just in time for the Euros. Pogba is certain to feature in United’s Europa League Final plans and will then have the chance to show his creativity for his country on the European stage. An integral part of the squad which finished as runners-up in Euro 2016
and then World Cup winners in 2018, Pogba played exceptionally well throughout both previous tournaments, indeed scoring in the 4-2 World Cup Final win over Croatia. Fans of Les Bleus will be hoping that the midfielder is back to his best during the summer to spearhead another success for France.
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UEFA EURO 2020
EURO 2020 – fixture facts UEFA EURO 2020 is set to be one of the most important sporting events ever for clubs and their members, coming as it does so soon after lockdown lift-off. Is your club ready for the action? Make sure your club is the go-to venue for all of these fixtures. Have a great tournament! Date
Time (GMT)
Team
Team
Stage
Venue
11 June
20:00
Turkey
Italy
Group A
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
12 June
14:00
Wales
Switzerland
Group A
Olympic Stadium, Baku
12 June
17:00
Denmark
Finland
Group B
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
12 June
20:00
Belgium
Russia
Group B
Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
13 June
17:00
Austria
North Macedonia
Group C
13 June
20:00
Netherlands
Ukraine
Group C
Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
13 June
14:00
England
Croatia
Group D
Wembley Stadium, London
14 June
14:00
Scotland
Czech Republic
Group D
Hampden Park, Glasgow
14 June
17:00
Poland
Slovakia
Group E
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
14 June
20:00
Spain
Sweden
Group E
San Mamés, Bilbao
15 June
17:00
Hungary
Portugal
Group F
Puskás Aréna, Budapest
15 June
20:00
France
Germany
Group F
Allianz Arena, Munich
16 June
17:00
Turkey
Wales
Group A
Olympic Stadium, Baku
16 June
20:00
Italy
Switzerland
Group A
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
16 June
14:00
Finland
Russia
Group B
Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
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Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă
Date
Time (GMT)
Team
Team
Stage
Venue
17 June
17:00
Denmark
Belgium
Group B
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
17 June
14:00
Ukraine
North Macedonia
Group C
17 June
20:00
Netherlands
Austria
Group C
Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
18 June
17:00
Croatia
Czech Republic
Group D
Hampden Park, Glasgow
18 June
20:00
England
Scotland
Group D
Wembley Stadium, London
18 June
14:00
Sweden
Slovakia
Group E
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
19 June
20:00
Spain
Poland
Group E
San Mamés, Bilbao
19 June
14:00
Hungary
France
Group F
Allianz Arena, Munich
19 June
17:00
Portugal
Germany
Group F
Puskás Aréna, Budapest
20 June
17:00
Switzerland
Turkey
Group A
Olympic Stadium, Baku
20 June
17:00
Italy
Wales
Group A
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
21 June
17:00
North Macedonia
Netherlands
Group C
Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
21 June
20:00
Russia
Denmark
Group B
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
21 June
20:00
Finland
Belgium
Group B
Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
21 June
17:00
Ukraine
Austria
Group C
22 June
20:00
Croatia
Scotland
Group D
Hampden Park, Glasgow
22 June
20:00
Czech Republic
England
Group D
Wembley Stadium, London
23 June
17:00
Sweden
Poland
Group E
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
23 June
17:00
Slovakia
Spain
Group E
San Mamés, Bilbao
23 June
20:00
Portugal
France
Group F
Puskás Aréna, Budapest
23 June
20:00
Germany
Hungary
Group F
Allianz Arena, Munich
26 June
17:00
Runner-up Group A
Runner-up Group B
R16 Match 38
Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
26 June
20:00
Winner Group A
Runner-up Group C
R16 Match 37
Wembley Stadium, London
27 June
17:00
Winner Group C
Third Group D/E/F
R16 Match 40
Puskás Aréna, Budapest
27 June
20:00
Winner Group B
Third Group A/D/E/F
R16 Match 39
San Mamés, Bilbao
28 June
17:00
Runner-up Group D
Runner-up Group E
R16 Match 42
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
28 June
20:00
Winner Group F
Third Group A/B/C
R16 Match 41
29 June
17:00
Winner Group D
Runner-up Group F
R16 Match 44
29 June
20:00
Winner Group E
Third Group A/B/C/D
R16 Match 43
Hampden Park, Glasgow
2 July
17:00
Winner Match 41
Winner Match 42
QF Match 45
Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
2 July
20:00
Winner Match 39
Winner Match 37
QF Match 46
Allianz Arena, Munich
3 July
17:00
Winner Match 40
Winner Match 38
QF Match 47
Olympic Stadium, Baku
3 July
20:00
Winner Match 43
Winner Match 44
QF Match 48
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
6 July
20:00
Winner Match 46
Winner Match 45
SF Match 49
Wembley Stadium, London
7 July
20:00
Winner Match 48
Winner Match 47
SF Match 50
Wembley Stadium, London
11 July
20:00
Winner Match 49
Winner Match 50
Final
Wembley Stadium, London
Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă
Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă
Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă Aviva Stadium, Dublin
CLUB MIRROR 25
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UEFA EURO 2020
Contenders ready Will there be a new name on the Euros trophy come July 11? We profile the 24 teams who will be competing for the title this summer. Group A Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland. TURKEY Qualifying record: P10; W7; D2; L1; F18; A3 Qualifying top scorer: Cenk Tosun (5) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2008) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Senol Günes Fun fact: Turkey have qualified for five of the last seven EUROs, having made it to the finals for the first time in 1996. ITALY Qualifying record: P10;W10; D0; L0; F37; A4 Qualifying top scorer: Andrea Belotti (5) UEFA EURO best: winners (1968) UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 6-5 to Germany on penalties after 1-1 draw Coach: Roberto Mancini Fun Fact: Italy’s EURO qualifying campaign ended with a 9-1 win against Armenia in Palermo. It was their national-record 11th straight victory, and gave them ten wins in a calendar year for the first time. One more goal and it would also have matched their biggest victory ever: 9-0 against the United States in 1948. WALES Qualifying record: P8; W4; D2; L2; F10; A6 Qualifying top scorers: Gareth Bale (2), Kieffer Moore (2), Aaron Ramsey (2) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: semi-finals, lost 2-0 to Portugal Coach: Robert Page Fun Fact: Founded in 1876, the Football Association of Wales is the third-oldest national association in world football, behind England (1863) and Scotland (1873). SWITZERLAND Qualifying record: P8; W5; D2; L1; F19; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Cédric Itten (3) UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 5-4 on penalties to Poland after 1-1 draw Coach: Vladimir Petković Fun Fact: Switzerland have successfully
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Portugal, jubilant winners of the 2016 tournament. negotiated every group stage under Petković but are yet to win a knockout match: at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, EURO 2016 and the UEFA Nations League.
Group B Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia DENMARK Qualifying record: P8; W4; D4; L0; F23; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Christian Eriksen (5) UEFA EURO best: winners (1992) UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Kasper Hjulmand Fun Fact: Denmark failed to qualify for EURO ‘92 but were drafted in ten days before it started after Yugoslavia were excluded. FINLAND Qualifying record: P10; W6; D0; L4; F16; A10 Qualifying top scorer: Teemu Pukki (10) UEFA EURO best: N/A UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Markku Kanerva Fun Fact: The Finland national team nickname is ‘Huuhkajat’ which translates as the Eagle-Owls. BELGIUM Qualifying record: P10; W10; D0; L0; F40; A3 Qualifying top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (7)
UEFA EURO best: runners-up (1980) UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 3-1 to Wales Coach: Roberto Martínez Fun Fact: Belgium are currently top of the FIFA rankings and are priced at 11/2 to win the title by bookmakers William Hill and Paddy Power. RUSSIA Qualifying record: P10; W8; D0; L2; F33; A8 Qualifying top scorer: Artem Dzyuba (9) UEFA EURO best: winner (1960, as USSR), semifinals (2008) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov Fun Fact: Russia have not won in five EURO finals games. Their last win was a 4-1 victory over Czech Republic in their UEFA EURO 2012 opener.
Group C Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia. NETHERLANDS Qualifying record: P8; W6; D1; L1; F24; A7 Qualifying top scorer: Georginio Wijnaldum (8) UEFA EURO best: winners (1988) UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Frank de Boer Fun Fact: The Dutch missed out on EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. It is their longest absence from major finals since the mid-1980s –
when they marked their return by winning EURO ‘88. UKRAINE Qualifying record: P8; W6; D2; L0; F17; A4 Qualifying top scorer: Roman Yaremchuk (4) European Cup best: group stage (2012, 2016) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Andriy Shevchenko Fun Fact: This is the first time Ukraine have qualified for a EURO directly although they make it as co-hosts in 2012, and beat Slovenia in the play-offs to reach the 2016 event. AUSTRIA Qualifying record: P10; W6; D1; L3; F19; A9 Qualifying top scorer: Marko Arnautovi? (6) UEFA EURO best: group stage (2008, 2016) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Franco Foda Fun Fact: Austria’s last victory at a major finals was when they beat the United States 2-1 at the 1990 World Cup. NORTH MACEDONIA Qualifying record: P10; W4; D2; L4; F12; A13 Play-offs: Kosovo (h) 2-1, Georgia (a) 1-0 Qualifying top scorer: Eljif Elmas (4) UEFA EURO best: N/A UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Igor Angelovski Fun Fact: North Macedonia’s third place was their highest finish in any of the 13 qualifying groups they have contested since independence (though their play-off spot came via the UEFA Nations League).
SCOTLAND Qualifying record: P10; W5; D0; L5; F16; A19 Play-offs: Israel (h) 0-0, 5-3 pens; Serbia (a) 1-1, 54 pens Qualifying top scorer: John McGinn (7) UEFA EURO best: group stage (1992, 1996) UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Steve Clarke Fun Fact: Scotland also faced England at Wembley at their last EURO finals in 1996. CZECH REPUBLIC Qualifying record: P8; W5; D0; L3; F13; A11 Qualifying top scorer: Patrik Schick (4) UEFA EURO best: winners (1976, as Czechoslovakia) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Jaroslav Šilhavý Fun Fact: Czech Republic are ever-present at the UEFA European Championship as an independent nation, reaching seven successive final tournaments.
Group E Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia SPAIN Qualifying record: P10; W8; D2; L0; F31; A5 Qualifying top scorer: Álvaro Morata, Sergio Ramos, Rodrigo (4) UEFA EURO best: winners (1964, 2008, 2012) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 2-0 to Italy Coach: Luis Enrique Fun Fact: Spain are the only team to have successfully defended the EURO title, having won tournaments in 2008 and 2012.
Group D England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic. ENGLAND Qualifying record: P8; W7; D0; L1; F37; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Harry Kane (12) UEFA EURO best: third place (1968) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 2-1 to Iceland Coach: Gareth Southgate Fun Fact: The Three Lions went 43 successive European Championship and World Cup qualifiers without defeat until October 2019’s loss to Czech Republic. CROATIA Qualifying record: P8; W5; D2; L1; F17; A7 Qualifying top scorer: Bruno Petkovi? (4) UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (1996, 2008) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 1-0 aet to Portugal Coach: Zlatko Dalić Fun Fact: Croatia climbed 122 places in the FIFA rankings from 125th to third between 1994 and 1999.
SWEDEN Qualifying record: P10; W6; D3; L1; F23; A9 Qualifying top scorer: Robin Quaison (5) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (1992) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Janne Andersson Fun Fact: In 1992, hosts Sweden won a group ahead of England, France and eventual victors Denmark before being edged out 3-2 by Germany in the semis. POLAND Qualifying record: P10; W8; D1; L1; F18; A5 Qualifying top scorer: Robert Lewandowski (6) UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 5-3 to Portugal on penalties after 1-1 draw Coach: Paulo Sousa Fun Fact: Jakub Błaszczykowski is Poland’s alltime EURO top scorer with three goals; Lewandowski needs one more goal to match him.
SLOVAKIA Qualifying record: P8; W4; D1; L3; F13; A11 Play-offs: Republic of Ireland (h) 0-0, 4-2 pens; Northern Ireland (a) 2-1 aet Qualifying top scorer: Róbert Boženík, Marek Hamšík, Juraj Kucka (3) UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 3-0 to Germany Coach: Štefan Tarkovič Fun Fact: Eight of the Czechoslovakia XI that won the 1976 final were from Slovakia.
Group F Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany HUNGARY Qualifying record: P8; W4; D0; L4; F8; A11 Play-offs: Bulgaria (a) 3-1; Iceland (h) 2-1 Qualifying top scorer: Willi Orban (3) UEFA EURO best: third place (1964) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 4-0 to Belgium Coach: Marco Rossi Fun Fact: Hungary got to two of the first four semi-finals, in 1964 and 1972, but didn’t qualify again until 2016. PORTUGAL Qualifying record: P8; W5; D2; L1; F22; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (11) UEFA EURO best: winners (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: winners Coach: Fernando Santos Fun Fact: October 2019’s loss to Ukraine was the first Portugal had suffered under Fernando Santos in a EURO game – qualifier or final tournament – since his appointment in September 2014. His only past defeats were in the World Cup. FRANCE Qualifying record: P10; W8; D1; L1; F25; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Olivier Giroud (6) UEFA EURO best: winners (1984, 2000) UEFA EURO 2016: finalists, lost 1-0 aet to Portugal Coach: Didier Deschamps Fun Fact: France will be appearing at their 13th straight final tournament. They haven’t missed one since the 1994 World Cup, and have reached five finals during that sequence, winning three. GERMANY Qualifying record: P8; W7; D0; L1; F30; A7 Qualifying top scorer: Serge Gnabry (8) UEFA EURO best: winners (1972, 1980, 1996) UEFA EURO 2016: semi-finals, lost 2-0 to France Coach: Joachim Löw Fun Fact: The finals will be Germany’s 26th consecutive major tournament, namely World Cup or EURO.
CLUB MIRROR 27
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NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM
Discover the best kept secret in UK sport You don’t have to be a football fan to have heard of Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool. Not so Bowers & Pitney, Hornchurch, Witton Albion and the thousand-plus others from Hadrian’s Wall to Land’s End that make up one of the best kept secrets in sport. Mark Harris Chairman, Northern Premier League, explains.
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arely written about and often unknown outside of their own villages, towns and cities, clubs in the National League System (NLS) nevertheless play an essential role in their local communities. The NLS is the umbrella term for the six levels of the English football pyramid below the English Football League (EFL), often dubbed ‘non-league’, despite every club belonging to one of 57 leagues across the country. The NLS pyramid The NLS pyramid is unique in the world of football. It enables any ambitious team to progress from parks football to the Premier League if they have the drive, facilities, and finance to do so. There is a single division at the apex of the pyramid, with the number of divisions doubling at each level downwards to Step 6. Promotion and relegation between the different steps are mandatory, with two clubs being promoted and relegated between Step 1 and League 2 every year. Different leagues manage the levels of the NLS. Each is autonomous but sanctioned by, and under the auspices of the Football Association (FA), supervised by the FA’s Alliance Committee (for Steps 1 – 4) and Leagues Committee (for Steps 5 – 6). For example, Steps 1 and 2 are managed by the National League, whilst Steps 3 and 4 comprise regional competitions – the Northern Premier, Isthmian and Southern leagues, known collectively as the Trident Leagues. The different levels of the English football pyramid can be confusing. The Premier League is the top tier of English football, so Step 1 of the NLS is the fifth tier; Step 2 is the sixth, and so on. We should probably standardise, but it sounds a lot better to say your club is playing at Step 3 than in the seventh tier! Non-league myths Most clubs who fall through the EFL trap door into the NLS look at their predecessors and shudder. After all, it took Barrow almost half a century to regain Football League status after dropping out in 1972. Southport, Workington, Bradford Park Avenue
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and, more recently, York City, are still trying. A spell in non-league can help turn clubs’ fortunes around. Bristol Rovers, Colchester United, Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town are examples of clubs who accepted they were playing at a lower level, brushed themselves down, got on with the business of winning promotion – and succeeded. In times past, the main difference between professional football and non-league was that professionals got paid and no-league plays did it for the love of the game. This was always a fallacy but nowadays the distinction is even more blurred. Most National League clubs are full-time, and whilst all players at Steps 2 and below are part-time, some clubs like York City (National League North), South Shields (Northern Premier League and others have also gone full time in search of promotion to the higher levels of the pyramid. Laying solid foundations Although, sadly, money plays a big part in foot-
balling success at all levels, there is more to professionalism than money. The majority of NLS clubs may only get 100 fans attending games but they are often vibrant businesses. All clubs at Steps 1 – 4 are licensed to operate annually by the FA. They are required to demonstrate their viability via regular financial up-dates. They also have to up-grade stadium facilities as they progress upwards through the leagues. Thanks to financial support from the FA via the Football Foundation, hundreds of clubs have invested heavily in their facilities, up-grading spectator areas, installing 4G pitches and supporting infrastructure to generate additional income. In the NLS, twice-weekly games are just the tip of the operating iceberg. The Northern Premier League’s 81 clubs have around 3,000 adult, junior, women’s and disabled teams. Soccer schools, mental health initiatives and food banks are just a few examples of community engagement taking place now. Over 90% of our clubs have attained FA
South Shields Captain Robert Briggs signs a two-year contract extension. The 29-year-old was able to commit to the club’s full-time training regime thanks to the flexibility of his other employer.
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Soccer schools, mental health initiatives and food banks are just a few examples of community engagement. Over 90% of our clubs have attained FA Charter Standard status, which recognises the role those clubs play in their local communities.
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Charter Standard status, which recognises the role those clubs play in their local communities. Unique fan experience The collapse of the European Super League, thanks to a combination of government intervention, the FA taking a firm stance and, above all, football fans collectively making their opposition clear, highlights why hundreds of thousands of people watch NLS fixtures. The owners of the ESL clubs showed how disconnected they are with their fans. In non-league football, no club owner or director can afford to ignore their fans – quite literally. Whilst Premier League income through turnstiles and secondary spend from paying spectators makes up 20 – 25% of gross revenues, at Step 2 of the NLS downwards, fans contribute around 90% of all income. Outside Steps 1 and 2 there is no TV money to be shared, so food and beverage sales often make the difference between losing money and breaking even. Social clubs and bars are the focal point of every non-league club, second in importance only to the pitch! Enjoying a sensibly priced pie and pint in safe surroundings, mingling with the players after the game and feeling part of an extended family are all part of the unique fan experience in the NLS. After all, if Liverpool’s Mo Salah misses a sitter, most fans can’t approach him afterwards to find out how. At our level of the game, you can. It remains to be seen whether supporter disillusionment at the top level of the game translates into supporters turning instead to non-league football. But there is no doubt that it is a safer and significantly cheaper alternative. NLS post-pandemic Like the local communities they serve, NLS clubs have been hit hard by the pandemic. Both the 2019/20 and 2020/21easons were curtailed. Government regulations meant no paying fans
York City Football Club announces pre-season friendlies with Whitby Town and Championship side Middlesbrough. could be admitted to matches, thereby cutting off clubs’ primary income source. Live streaming of matches only generates a fraction of income from turnstiles and can never generate the same level of F&B income. When the new season kicks off on 14 August this year, the vaccination programme will hopefully enable us to mount a full season with limited interruption. Like the rest of the hospitality sector, we can’t wait to get fans back into our stadia – and not just for financial reasons. Fans are an essential part of the football product, and never more so than in the NLS. Thanks to social media, there is no shortage of keyboard warriors who believe that every stage of the pandemic should have been predicted and managed differently. That was never the problem. The real challenge lay in trying to predict the government’s response to COVID-19. So, what are we doing to make things better?
Witton Albion’s pre 2021/22 NPL Season kicks off on Saturday 24 July against Northwich Victoria. As administrators, we can put contingency plans in place, but there are so many factors that can impact on whether our clubs can stage football matches safely. In the meantime, we will encourage our clubs to maintain Coronavirus protocols and do all we can to keep fans, players, volunteers, and everybody who loves non-league football safe.
Bristol Rovers got on with the business of winning promotion and succeeded. This month, Under-16s playmaker Kyrie Pierre join Aston Villa in a record fee for the club’s Academy.
CLUB MIRROR 29
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BT SPORT – MAY MAGIC
Get them in to see the season out May will be a month to remember with a whole host of action coming up on the pitch and in clubs across the land. And as the trade finally opens up, there’s plenty of sport to keep your members entertained, says BT Sport.
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UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL Man United vs Villarreal Wednesday May 26, 8pm There could be two European trophies heading to Manchester this month. However, Unai Emery is a specialist when it comes to the Europa League. He won it three times with Sevilla and got to another final during his troubled tenure at Arsenal. Can he do it again or will Ole have another magical night in Europe with United? EUROPEAN RUGBY CHALLENGE CUP FINAL Leicester Tigers vs Montpellier Friday May 21, 8pm It’s down to Leicester now if any European silverware is coming back to these shores. They take on Montpellier on the Friday night ahead of the Champions Cup Final. EUROPEAN RUGBY CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL La Rochelle vs Toulouse Saturday May 22, 4.45pm While football’s major European final is an all English affair, rugby’s version sees two French sides go head to head. First time finalist’s La Rochelle will look to find a way past Toulouse to win.
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(Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL Man City vs Chelsea Saturday May 29, 8pm Just two years on from Liverpool’s triumph over Spurs and we have another all English UCL Final to enjoy. Football fans across the country will be desperate to see who comes out on top in the battle of the Blues. Will City land the one that has eluded them so far, despite so much recent success, or will Thomas Tuchel do in four months what Pep has not been able to achieve in four years at the helm. Quite simply, unmissable.
(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
ith trading restrictions now eased as of this month, clubs will be able to welcome members indoors to a feast of May sporting action, with the football and rugby union seasons reaching a thrilling conclusion.
(Photo by Tullio Puglia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Get personal with posters With venues re-opening indoors and plenty of May fixtures still to look forward to, it’s time to let members know you are back in business. “To help spread the word we have seriously upped our Point of Sale game for BT Sport Business customers,” says the company. “You can still get hold of our monthly poster packs, but there’s also a load more you can do to put your members in the picture.” Personalise posters As well as receiving monthly packs, registered users can to create and tailor posters for their businesses. Simple to use tools allow you to add venue details to posters and pick fixtures to showcase that are most relevant to members. • Sign up by visiting https://btsportbusiness.com/ how-do-i-order-monthly-posters-my-venue The dream theme Templates include posters specific to top Premier League clubs. So if, for example, Man City are your team you can pick a template to match and make their fixtures a priority on your posters. You can do the same with other sports too, so if you have a rugby-strong customer base, there’s a template for you, and BT Sport will also help you add fixtures for games being screened by other broadcasters. Templates are also available to promote other club events such as quiz nights. • Visit https://btsportbusiness.com/how-personaliseposters Doing digital BT Sport’s portal allows clubs to create personalised digital assets so that, like the posters, you can highlight the sports and upcoming fixtures that are most relevant to your members. • Visit https://btsportbusiness.com/how-personalisesocial-assets PoS Shop BT Sport has also created a one-stop PoS shop to help venues top up on extra items to promote live sport, from beermats and bar runners to snap frames and staff t-shirts. • Visit https://btsporthub.co.uk/
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LIVE SPORTING FIXTURES FROM
The best of Friday, June 11, 8pm – ITV
There is plenty ot top sport coming up in June, including including Wimbledon and the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament, postponed due to COVID-19.
Euro 2020: Turkey v Italy After a year-long delay due to the pandemic, the European Championship gets underway. A total of 24 teams will be playing across 51 matches in 12 cities. It all ends at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 11.
Sunday, June 6, 1pm Sky Sports F1
Sunday, June 13, 2pm BBC
F1: Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Euro 2020: England v Croatia
Held for the first time in 2017, this race is staged on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign and will be aiming for revenge having been knocked out of the 2018 World Cup by Croatia at the semi-finals stage.
Thursday, June 10, 7.45pm Sky Sports
Super League: Castleford Tigers v Hull FC
Saturday, June 26, 5pm – Sky Sports
Lions Tour: British & Irish Lions v Japan Edinburgh is the venue for this first outing of the 2020 Lions, a team composed of the best rugby union players drawn from the ranks of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The Tigers enjoyed a roaring start to their Super League campaign, winning four out of their five first matches but will face a major test against a streetwise and tough Hull side. Friday, June 11, 7pm ITV
Euro 2020: Turkey v Italy
After a two-year hiatus, tennis returns to SW19 as the AllEngland Club hosts one of the most illustrious sporting events on the planet. British fans will be hoping that former two-time champion Andy Murray will be back to show his skills after a torrid time with injury.
Euro 2020: Scotland v Czech Republic Scotland have won their last three encounters with the Czechs, the latest victory coming in October, 2020 when they won 1-0. Monday, June 14, 8pm BBC
Euro 2020: Spain v Sweden
The first match of the delayed Euro 2020 competition. Italy will be very wary of Turkey given their recent 4-2 victory over the Netherlands in a World Cup qualifying tie.
Spain won back-to-back Euro titles in 2008 and 2012 and will surely be a force to be reckoned with this time around, especially with veteran defender Sergio Ramos leading the team out.
Friday, June 11, 7.45pm Sky Sports
Tuesday, June 15, 1pm ITV
Super League: Leeds Rhinos v St Helens
Horse Racing: Royal Ascot – Opening Day
Another chapter in one of the most enduring rivalries in Rugby League as the Rhinos host Saints. Leeds enjoyed a perfect start to the season but Saints will be out to upset the form book.
The annual five-day sporting and social occasion gets underway in Berkshire in the presence of the Queen who arrives at the event in a procession at 2pm.
Monday, June 28, 12 noon – BBC
Tennis: Wimbledon ‘21
Monday, June 14, 2pm BBC
Saturday, June 12, 2pm ITV
Euro 2020: Wales v Switzerland Wales go into Euro 2020 with a caretaker manager in charge after incumbent Ryan Giggs was stood down in May but have a clutch of talented players at their disposal.
Tuesday, June 15, 8pm ITV
Euro 2020: France v Germany A massive game for both sides as two of the giants of world football meet in Group F. This is the most competitive pool in the competition given that the group also contains title holders Portugal and Hungary.
For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com 32 CLUB MIRROR
June’s live sport The UEFA EURO 2020 kicks off on June 11. Could football be coming home?
ALSO COMING UP... Friday, June 18, 5pm Sky Sports
Super League: Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos Saturday, June 19, 1pm ITV
Horse Racing: Royal Ascot – Day 5 Wednesday, June 23, 5pm ITV
Euro 2020: Sweden v Poland Wednesday, June 23, 8pm BBC
Euro 2020: Germany v Hungary Wednesday, June 16, 7.45pm Sky Sports
Friday, June 18, 8pm ITV
Saturday, June 26, 5pm Sky Sports Main Event/Channel 4
Wednesday, June 23, 8pm BBC
Super League: Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers
Euro 2020: England v Scotland
Rugby Union: British & Irish Lions v Japan
Euro 2020: Portugal v France
The combined might of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales take on Japan in Edinburgh ahead of the tour of South Africa. Japan are famous for their fast style of play and will throw everything at the Lions’ defence.
Saturday, June 26, 12.30pm ITV
Trinity lost their first five games of the season and will be desperate to turn around their fortunes but may struggle against a high-flying Tigers side.
These two proud sides have contested 114 previous matches since 1872, making it the world's most played international. They also met in the group stages of the 1996 Euro Championship.
Friday, June 18, 2pm BBC
Sunday, June 20, 5pm ITV
Euro 2020: Sweden v Slovakia
Euro 2020: Italy v Wales
Group E action from St Petersburg. This should be a close match given that the teams last met in a 1-1 draw at Solna’s Friends Arena in 2018.
Action from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Italy have won seven of their nine matches against Wales, although the Dragons can take heart from the famous win back in 2002.
Friday, June 18, 5pm BBC
Euro 2020: Croatia v Czech Republic A Group D tie. After winning the gold and bronze (twice) as Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic have also been tournament regulars since 1996, when they finished runners-up to Germany. Croatia will be favourites to win here.
Tuesday, June 22, 8pm ITV
Horse Racing: Northumberland Plate Day, Newcastle Saturday, June 26, 3pm BT Sport
Monday, June 28, 12 noon BBC
Rugby Union: Premiership Final
Tennis: Wimbledon Championship – Day 1
Saturday, June 26, 8pm BBC/ITV
Back after a two-year gap, the world's most famous tennis tournament returns. Simona Halep and Novak Djokovic are the defending singles champions.
Euro 2020: Round of 16
Euro 2020: Czech Republic v England
Tuesday, June 29. 10.30am Sky Sports Cricket
During qualification for Euro 2020, England beat the Czechs 5-0 before losing 2-1 in the away leg, both ties taking place in 2019. England will surely have too much firepower for their opponents this time around.
International Cricket: England v Sri Lanka - 1st ODI England take on Sri Lanka in a white-ball international at the Emirates Riverside, Chester-leStreet.
Sunday, June 27, 8pm BBC/ITV
Euro 2020: Round of 16
www.Sports4Bars.com
For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com CLUB MIRROR 33
HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
As clubs face the excitement and the challenges of reopening again, Club Mirror offers up new opportunities and expert ‘building the business’ advice from club-supporting suppliers. In this issue we focus on how to ensure people feel safe when returning to their favourite venue – your club. Now is the time to make sure that members, visitors and staff can return to the club with confidence, knowing that it is in the best possible Covid-safe shape.
Coronavirus – new world here we come HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS is here to help clubs come out of the Coronavirus pandemic in fighting fit shape. Take a look at just some of these key products and services, all designed to ensure a Covid-safe environment.
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rom utilities and energy savings to procurement and financial services, HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS is here to help clubs come out of the Coronavirus pandemic in the best possible shape. This issue the focus is on maintaining safety for all levels of post-lockdown stages, from outdoors-only to welcoming members back into the club itself. By working with supporting partners and suppliers, this complimentary service for readers saves time and resources, freeing club officials to run the important bits of club life – looking after members. Sanitiser products and Personnel Protective Equipment Sanitiser products and Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) are available to readers with an additional 10% saving on first orders for products such as: • Face masks • Safety visors • Detergents, hand and cleaning • Disposable gloves • Dispensers Quote HQWELCOME10 on your first order. Deep cleaning assistance Technicians will disinfect areas and objects that pose a threat of cross contamination using Steri-7. Steri-7 is a high-level surface disinfectant, killing up to 99.99% of a broad range of pathogens within seconds of contact. The areas disinfected will be all touchpoints in club premises, such as door handles, light switches, tales, seat arms and kitchen surfaces etc to help minimise the risk of microbial transfer. Additional ultra-low volume (ULV) disinfection fogging can be used when required for the treatment of large areas in a short space of time as the small droplets of the disinfectant fog settle underneath, on top of and on the sides of many objects and inaccessible areas to help make your club clean and safe.
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single camera system on the market today. It is UK developed and ISO27001 Certified. Alcohol based sanitiser room bombs This product sanitises a room in less than one hour, killing germs making the room virus free and at the same time smelling fresh. You can see the demonstration video at this link. Sanitiser Room Bombs, suitable for rooms up to approximately 12 m2 per single use can.£117.60 + vat per case of 12 cans + £10 delivery UK wide. To order or receive a product spec sheet please contact 07495893993 or email enquiries@hqbuildingthebsuiness.com.
Fevercam systems and equipment Manage the temperature of everyone before entering the club without the need for direct human contact, protecting staff, members and volunteers. • The technology medically measures people’s temperature (with facial recognition) • Camera units can be used for high or low people volume, able to measure multiple faces simultaneously • Ideal for unmanned receptions or staff entrances with real time alerts • Can integrate access control systems • Can detect the presence of face masks • Cloud based dashboard for ease of access and control The company can also work with existing club camera systems and can add its propriety software to enable ‘Facial recognition’ enabled and ‘temperature’. Enabled, links are then added back into the existing systems for monitoring and compliance. Cameras can be purchased on a supply only basis. Fevercam is one of the most sophisticated multi or
MORE INFORMATION With no costs involved, HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS is committed to helping clubs build their business, offering expert advice, comparative energy sites and access to discounts at club-supporting suppliers. e. enquiries@hqbuildingthebusiness.com t. Call the team on 07495 893 993 Services include: Covid-safety Products and Solutions, Energy Management & Compliance, Office supplies, Telecoms, IT & digital support, Waste Management, Fire Equipment & Maintenance, Boiler & Air-conditioning Replacement & Maintenance, Renewable Technologies, Health & Safety, HR, Transaction Handling, Food & Drink, Business Insurance, ANPR / Parking Facilities, Refurbishment & LED Projects.
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HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
Top tips for boosting trade after club reopenings Heineken UK has commissioned research into the on-trade’s biggest concerns and challenges around the reopening of their venues across the UK. Here, the brewer shares its findings.
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lubs across the UK are determined make up for lost lockdown time as they welcome back members back through the club doors. Outdoor areas have of course proved invaluable, in the run up to lockdown lift-off, but being able to open the club doors is a landmark moment. Recent research from Heineken UK may provide some key pointers on boosting trade in the coming months. According to the research’s findings, there are three main challenges which will be concerning clubs and their hospitality colleagues. These are: attracting new custom (20%), retaining current customers (18%) and managing costs (17%). To this end, Heineken UK has put together the top-line advice for ‘future proofing’ your club. Attracting new people Even the most successful of clubs are keen to bring new members into their venues. Heineken recommends having a digital presence
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as the best way of helping people discover and visit your venue – especially when research shows that 87% of people search online before they choose where to spend their money. If your club doesn't already have a website or your
current one is looking a bit tired, Heineken recommends visiting Useyourlocal, which is accessible at a discounted rate via the Heineken Buying Club – one of the tools that sit within the brewer's Benefits Bar. Useyourlocal can help create a club website in just
20 minutes and once it is set up, your members can like or follow your club to receive newsletters and updates to encourage them to visit more often. You can also integrate your social media channels into the website in order to keep your members up to date with live entertainment dates and other upcoming events. Heineken also offers support on what type of content to share (and when) to connect with members, as well as free social media training for bar staff. Retaining current members After reopening, the vast majority of members are undoubtedly looking forward to a perfectly poured, quality pint from their club bar, but that is just one reason of many to visit the club. Reminding current members of all the reasons they love their club and showcasing the ways in which they will be kept safe in the post-pandemic era will boost confidence and encourage them back into your venue. This includes such things as displaying social distancing signage and sanitising tables regularly, to hosting fun events like quizzes, bingo sessions or meat draw nights. Re-establishing these types of activities and getting members back into the swing of the regular club schedule will help drive trade during the traditionally quieter periods, rather than the club having to rely so heavily on the weekend trade. Heineken has created its POS Direct service to help in this regard, so its customers can access professional point of sale and digital assets, from safety and reopening POS to personalised events and promotions. Meanwhile, Heineken points to recent research
which found that 42% of consumers are excited to try new drinks brands and 37% plan to make their on-trade visits more special by choosing more premium drinks. Managing costs From equipment to utilities, running a club isn’t cheap – and now more than ever you’ll want to make financial savings where you can. Simple measures like introducing more energyefficient light bulbs and better insulation for boilers and pipes can help to chip away at running costs. Reviewing your club's supplier base is always an opportunity to ensure you continue to get value for money, although this can take time to fully research and negotiate with suppliers.
Upgrading outdoor space Heineken’s research also revealed that venues with outside space can benefit from upgrading their outdoor facilities. First impressions are everything; you can drive footfall and promote dwell time with a smart, clean environment. Simple housekeeping like pressure washing the path up to your entrance or adding flowers and benches will make your space attractive to members and shows you care about safety and hygiene. If you have the necessary funds, it might also be worth investing in coverings, lighting and heating to weather-proof your space and encourage people to stay longer. • www.heineken.co.uk
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HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
The Euros represent a great opportunity for clubs. During the 2018 World Cup, fans drove a 39% increase in incremental spend.
May 17 saw dreams come true for 3.3m UK adults The ongoing reopening of indoor areas as of May 17, will be a resounding success, if research from AB InBev’s Budweiser Brewing Group is anything to go by. The brewers research amongst 2000 consumers reveals just how much the great British public missed a pint in their favourite locals during lockdown.
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udweiser Brewing Group’s (BBG’s) recent research has revealed that as many as 3.27 million UK adults have actually dreamt about their first pint back in their local after the long lockdown. One in five of the 2000 respondents have found themselves talking about this landmark moment with their friends, 45% surveyed ‘are simply looking forward to enjoying a drink with friends and family’ and 10% are most looking forward to catching-up with their favourite bar staff. The research also reveals that safety comes first. The vaccine rollout (48%) is the most cited reason for punters feeling safe to enjoy a pint out, followed by warmer weather – allowing for better ventilation and being outside – (40%), and venues enforcing strict social distancing, masks and cleaning (37%). JD Thumelaire, On-Trade Sales Director for Budweiser Brewing Group, said: “We’re urging Brits to support their locals in a safe way over the coming
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weeks by visiting them to enjoy a pint with friends and family. All the while we’ll continue to work around the clock to supply our customers with fresh kegs, as punters flock to enjoy their first proper indoor post-lockdown pint.” Top tips on building business post lockdowo Meal Occasions – With 93% of consumers seeing a
meal deal as a positive influencer when choosing a venue, Stella Artois launched ‘The Life Artois’ meal occasions campaign to help venues tap into key mealtime moments. A suite of social media assets and point of sale are also on available for clubs wanting to showcase meal deals around occasions such as Bank Holidays and Father’s Day. Outdoor Space – Last year, outlets with outside space drove volume recovery +4.5% versus the average. BBG is offering customers a range of outdoor support to cater for increased consumer demand including Stella Artois outdoor packages which include a mobile bar, takeaway cups, parasols and aboards.
Over 90% of consumers see a meal deal as a positive influencer when choosing a venue.
Summer of Sport – BBG predicts that 618m pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the ontrade reopens and international sport returns. And according to research, sports fans spend 90 minutes
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BBG predicts that 618m pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the on-trade reopens and international sport returns. And according to research, sports fans spend 90 minutes longer in the bar than the average customer, boosting rate of sales by 10%.
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longer in the bar than the average customer, boosting rates of sales by 10%[1]. During the 2018 World Cup, over one in every three drinks sold in the ontrade was a beer[2] and on average, fans drove a 39% increase in incremental spend.[3] The Budweiser family of Official Beers of the England Men’s Football Team, is launching a scan to win mechanic where consumers can win a range of prizes including merchandise, beer and LG TVs as well as point of sale including pint carriers, cups, coasters etc, and limited-edition glassware and tap badges for Bud Light and Budweiser which include the England crest. “Beer and sport go hand in hand for many consumers, and for the on-trade, sporting occasions drive mammoth sales within the beer category,” said Neil Baker, Head of BBG Category Management. “This year, as consumers celebrate the long-awaited return of sporting events, as well being able to return to the bar, the Summer of Sport will be bigger than ever for the on-trade.”
BBG and BT Sport team up for 50% discounts Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) has tied up with BT Sport to offer new BT Sport customers a saving of 50% on annual subscription when they add a BBG draught brand to the club bar, including hero brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck’s. The partnership, formed in August 2020, also offers existing BT Sport customers money off their subscription by taking incremental BBG brands. BT Sport is the home to Premier League Football, UEFA Champions League, Rugby Union, Boxing and UFC amongst others, and the discounted offer comes with a range of both physical and digital support tools so clubs can get the most out of their subscriptions, says the company.
How to register If you’d like to learn more about the offer and sign up, please give us a call at 0800 917 3196 and one of our BBG Rep contacts will help run through the offer and get you registered. BT Sport’s Bruce Cuthbert, said: “This partnership between BT Sport and Budweiser Brewing Group will provide welcome discounts for both new and existing customers, at a time when businesses need to carefully balance cost control with sound investments to encourage customers back into their venue.”
• For more details visit www.savepublife.com (applicable to club customers) Sources: [1]CGA and MatchPint – 2020; [2] CGA OPM 7 WE 14 July 2018; [3] CGA Brand Index 29 December 2020.
CLUB MIRROR 41
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2021 FOOTBALL CLUB OF THE YEAR
OPEN FOR ENTRIES
Enter the 2021 Football Club of the Year email info@hsma.biz
REGISTRATION HOTLINE 01753 272022
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – TECHNOLOGY
Technology’s role in the customer journey A new report from GO Technology, in association with CGA and Zonal, examines how digital solutions can provide members and guests with even better experiences from arrival to departure as they return to clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants post lockdown. And just in time for the Euros aswell.
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he pandemic has intensified consumers’ use of technology at every stage of their interaction with the hospitality sector since early 2020, and greater availability and adoption is leading to greater satisfaction it seems. With Insights from Zonal and powered by CGA, the research found that two in five (40%) of people agree that tech has improved their experiences, compared to just 11% who disagree. But what will your members like most about it? Technology’s top five consumer benefits Speed and convenience Nearly a third (31%) of consumers think the quick and convenient nature of technology is its top benefit. From researching a venue to settling the bill,
technology makes it quicker for guests to move through a venue. Convenience is king in so many parts of consumers’ lives now, and they see tech as a gateway to that. Ease of ordering Close behind speed and convenience is the fact that technology makes ordering easy (29%). While many guests still prefer to order face to face, digital menus have given them an appealing new option for ordering food and drinks, both at the table and in advance of a visit. Tracking Apps and other digital ordering and payment methods make it easier for consumers to stay in
control of their finances, and one in six (17%) cites the ability to track their orders as the top benefit of technology. As well as improving their management of club restaurant, pub and bar spending, they make delivery and takeaway ordering more convenient (see box overleaf). Safety Technology has given consumers a new layer of protection during the pandemic, and advance bookings, app-based ordering and contactless payment have all helped them feel more confident about going out, and one in seven (14%) consumers cites safety as a top technology benefit. However, as confidence about safety increases in the wake of the vaccine programme, we can expect
CLUB MIRROR 43
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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – TECHNOLOGY to see the convenience-related benefits of technology increase even further.
Ordering in: how tech has supported consumers in the delivery revolution
Seamless service Around one in eight (13%) consumers cite seamless service as the top benefit of technology. This proves that technology doesn’t have to be visible to consumers to improve their experiences: integrating consumer-friendly solutions with kitchens, stock control, payment technology and many more aspects of operations means service stages can be invisibly joined for seamless service.
CGA’s data has shown how delivery and takeaway sales have soared in the last year, helping consumers to recreate the out-of-home experiences they have missed during long periods of lockdown. As this list of priorities shows, the quality and range of food and drink are just as crucial to delivery as they are in eating-out. But time-related issues like short waiting periods and quick ordering and payment are important too — as are ‘extras’ like tracking orders and personalising experiences. Technology has a major part to play in meeting these and many more needs, and has made it easier than ever for consumers to order in. As lockdown eases, the big question is to what extent people start to cut their delivery spending in favour of out-of-home visits?
Four steps to better service GO Technology’s survey reveals consumers’ priorities and pain points at four key stages of their visits— arrival, placing orders, receiving orders and settling bills—and highlights how technology can drive improvements at each step.
Top priorities for an enjoyable ‘at-home’ experience via click and collect/delivery 41% The quality of food and drink 30% Short wait times for delivery 23% Good food and drinks range 20% Being able to order and pay quickly and easily 16% The ‘options I want’ available on the menu
Arrival First impressions count in hospitality, and greeting guests warmly can get their experiences off to a great start. More than a third (37%) of consumers like to be recognised as regulars when they step into a venue, and that number rises to nearly half (46%) among visitors to late-night bars, where familiarity and VIP treatment can be particularly powerful. This kind of hosting is less important in food-led and quick service venues though, where a more general friendly greeting is preferred. Where technology comes in – By integrating booking systems with guests’ previous visits, venues can get a holistic view of their preferences. That can help staff to prepare personalised arrivals—by showing guests to a preferred table, for example, or suggesting menu items based on past orders. A tailored approach is crucial though, as not everyone will appreciate venues researching their habits. Placing orders The research reveals the three clear priorities for consumers when they order their food and drinks: friendly, efficient and knowledgeable service. Similar concerns emerge when guests are asked about their biggest frustrations in the ordering process (see box, right). Identifying the appropriate speed of service is paramount: not so fast that guests feel rushed, but not so slow that they feel neglected. Where technology comes in – Technology can’t make servers more friendly, but it can give them thetools they need to do their job well. Digital ordering and payment processes ease the pressure on teams on the floor and help them avoid duplication of tasks—like taking orders by hand then entering them into a till. That frees up servers to spend more time at tables or respond promptly to guests’ needs. Technology can also give staff easier access to availability information and answers to common queries about dishes, equipping them with better knowledge for better service. Receiving orders Well over a quarter (29%) of consumers prioritise the
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IAlthough many aspects of hospitality were gradually becoming more digitised even before the pandemic, the last 12 months have certainly accelerated this adoption. What this new research shows is that having accepted the technology, consumers now see how it improves their hospitality experiences. This is because technology not only removes pain points that have always existed, such as not being able to get the attention of a server or having to wait too long to settle the bill, but it also helps operators deliver more tailored and personalised experiences to their guests. Letting technology take some of the strain of service also frees up staff to concentrate on those elements that consumers rate so highly like greeting guests and swiftly answering queries. Businesses that can offer customers such a journey will reap the rewards this year and beyond. Alison Vasey, Group Product Director, Zonal
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cooking and temperature aspects of food when they receive their orders. Those factors rank well ahead of other aspects, like delivery of food and drinks within a reasonable time (19%), receiving everything that has been ordered (13%) and the attentiveness of staff in delivery (12%). In the same vein, speed, temperature and accuracy emerge as the three biggest bugbears of receiving orders (see box, left). But it’s important to remember that delivery is more about timing than speed, because serving food too quickly can damage perceptions of quality. Where technology comes in – Digital solutions that improve communication between front of house teams and kitchens can solve all three of guests’ top frustrations when receiving orders—by speeding up service, facilitating swift delivery of food when it’s cooked, and ensuring everything that is ordered is delivered. Settling bills The last impressions of a visit are as important as the first, and making it quick and easy to settle bills leaves guests with positive impressions. Being able to pay immediately and by the method they prefer emerge
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as the two top priorities in the GO Technology research, while a long list of frustrations is led by the automatic addition of a service charge (18%), an incorrect bill (14%), struggling to get a server’s atten-
Digital solutions are making consumers’ journeys through venues easier, faster and safer, and an industry that once lagged behind others in its adoption of technology is taking great strides forward. As they get back to eating and drinking out, consumers will be engaging with technology more deeply than ever before, and it is going to be a key battleground for market share in 2021 and beyond. Ensuring that all digital solutions provide a genuine benefit, and balancing them with the face-to-face elements of hospitality that people have missed so much, will be crucial. The businesses that can make best use of tech at both front and back of house could well be the quickest to recover in the months ahead. Karl Chessell, Business Unit Director – Hospitality Operators and Food, EMEA
tion (14%) and having to wait to get their bill (11%). Where technology comes in – The growing popularity of app-based payment is speeding up the bill stage of customers’ journeys, while handheld readers have made things quicker for card users. Digital ordering solutions meanwhile improve accuracy, and can help to facilitate requests to split bills.
ABOUT THE DATA
This report is based on figures from Zonal and CGA’s GO Technology survey, a sample of 5,000 nationally representative British consumers. All figures are taken from the February 2021 edition of the survey. For further information on GO Technology, please contact info@zonal.co.uk
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CLUB MIRROR AND ITS PORTFOLIO IN ACTION
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ISSUE 1
Premier League Fixtures Preview of all the action
CLUBHOUSE SPORTSCLUB ISSUE 23
EUROPE
Reaching out via Social Media? Time to shine – page 20
CMAE news – CMAE partners with Golf Saudi European Conference – hailed a virtual success HQ Building the Business – protecting the bottom line CCM Success – testimonials from across the globe
SPORTS SPECIAL WITH SPORTS4BARS
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MANAGEMENT
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SUMMER SPECIAL 2021
From the sidelines – the players to watch
Could you be our Football Club of the Year 2017?
Hey big spenders – which clubs are paying top dollar?
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Behind the Bar – quirky quizzes and footie facts
Brands Report – top performing club brands revealed
CLUB REPORT 2021
Sound business advice for club professionals
Olympics 2021 – on the road to Tokyo Summer of Sport – what’s on, when UEFA EURO 2020 – is football coming home?
Positive perspectives for 2021 Club Mirror’s annual guide with expert advice for the year ahead
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Cheers!
AT THE HEA R T OF THE C OMMU NITY
May 2021
AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E C O M M U N I T Y
Open for business! Clubs welcome back members post lockdown SPORTS LISTINGS
LEGAL EAGLE
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SPOTLIGHT ON ATHENS
C L U B N E W S • HQ • FIND ING FUND ING • C O V ID - 19 R E PO R T
What’s new as clubs throw open their doors Plus: Football Special HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS NEW S SPECIAL THE ROLE OF TECHNOL OGY
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2021 HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS
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SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2021
Supplier of the Year Awards The Supplier of the Year Awards were launched to recognise the brands that can and do pull in business to the club bar. Now, and more important than ever with the advent of May 17’s lockdown lift-off, which suppliers are going above and beyond in their support of Clubland?
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he Supplier of the Year Awards recognise both the importance of best-selling brands as well as the commitment of suppliers to Clubland as a whole. The coronavirus pandemic lockdowns have witnessed a different set of circumstances for clubs and suppliers alike, so as well as the breadth of range and business support, we’re also celebrating those companies who have gone above and beyond in terms of supporting clubs and the communities that they serve. Club Mirror HQ is busy compiling your nominations to date – from our Spring Survey, postal entries and emails – and is now open for your postlockdown nominations.
Deadline: July 31, 2021
The first Supplier of the Year Awards took place in November 2019, just ahead of 2020’s Coronavirus lockdowns. Here’s to 2021 – get your votes in!
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CLUB MIRROR 49
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HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS 2021
Hospitality Social Media Awards Calling all clubs! Are you a tweeter? Or a Facebook fanatic? Have you been using social media to build club business? Are you using it now to help your members with the current Covid-19 pandemic? Then step into the spotlight and take a bow with the Hospitality Social Media Awards 2021.
he Hospitality Social Media Awards (HoSMA) are the only pan- industry awards designed to celebrate licensed outlets of all types and sizes who are using social media to build their business. Clubs of all shapes, types and sizes, along with colleagues from across the Hospitality spectrum, are invited to enter these exciting awards. Want a sense of the event? If you couldn’t be at the last awards then head over to www.facebook.com/HSMAwards for a flavour of what’s in store. To see our current title holders, then it’s www.hsma.biz/news. And don’t forget our twitter
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handle –twitter.com/HSMAwards. What are they again? Just to recap! The Hospitality Social Media Awards celebrate how social media is helping clubs and the UK hospitality sector as a whole to build their business. Last year saw hundreds of entries from all forms of hospitality imaginable - from social clubs and football clubs to rugby clubs and sports clubs and from pubs and bars, to hotels and restaurants. So whatever your club, whether you’re a prolific tweeter or a facebook aficionado, we’re waiting for your entry. See opposite page for how to enter. Good luck!
Current Title Holders
Club Insure’s Jason Cook (left) presents Leicestershire County Cricket Club with Sports Club of the Year.
Golf Club of the Year goes to the impressive Formby Golf Club, presented by Bob Williams (centre).
BT Sport’s Ed Cracknell (centre) presents worthy winners South Shields FC with the Football Club of the Year trophy.
Canterbury Rugby Club’s Ian Lloyd (right) collects the Rugby Club of the Year trophy from Club Control’s Chris McNally.
HOW TO ENTER
Dransfields’ Trevor Roberts (left) congratulates Northern FC on becoming joint winner of the Community Club of the Year Award.
To enter online – visit www.hsma.biz/enter or use this QR code. Alternatively – email info@hsma.biz with your details and we’ll send you a self-entry form.
Wortley Men’s Club celebrate their joint win of Community Club of the Year, collecting their trophy from Trevor Roberts, Dransfields (centre).
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CLUB ACT OF THE YEAR 2021
Club Act of the Year takes to the stage Club Mirror is searching for the best club acts in the country and we’re asking for your help. Just nominate your favourite acts and you could be on your way to winning £500. Time to take a bow.
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oubling up as a nationwide membership rive as clubs are able to open their doors once again, the Club Act of the Year is a showcase for clubs and club entertainment across the country. This award aims to raise the profile of clubs and their live entertainment throughout the UK, and to provide a platform for acts who are thriving on the club scene. Have a look at your entertainments schedule and tell us who you’d like to shine a spotlight on. Which comedians have always had the last laugh? Which singers will always drawn in the crowds? And which bands will always warrant an encore, time and time again? From comedy acts to, bands, duos and soloists, we’ll be announcing finalists by category and then category winners. Finally comes the ultimate accolade – Club Act of the Year. The winning act will perform live at the prestigious Club Mirror Awards, and the nominating club will receive £500. How to enter your favourite acts Just send us their name and contact details (or who you book them through) and we’ll do the rest. So let’s get nominating! Good luck!
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“
Doubling up as a UK-wide membership drive, the Club Act of the Year is a showcase for clubs and club entertainment across the country.
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CLUB ACT OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS I would like to nominate the following act/acts. Please include contact details of the acts. This could be their email address, facebook page, web address or agent. We will advise them of your nomination. Deadline for nominations: 30 June, 2021 1. __________________________________________________________ Act contact details: _____________________________________________ 2. _________________________________________________________ Act contact details: _____________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________ Act contact details: _____________________________________________
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Your Name: __________________________________________________
Nominate your favourite acts and you could be on your way to winning £500 for the club.
Club:
__________________________________________________
Address:
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
Email:
__________________________________________________
Mob/Tel:
__________________________________________________
Fill in this form and send to: Club Act of the Year, Alchemy Contract Publishing, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX.
CLUB MIRROR 53
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CLUB ASSOCIATION SPECIAL – CIU
CIU announces September date for 2021 Beer & Trades Show The Club and Institute Union (CIU) has confirmed that its 29th Beer & Trades Exhibition will be staged on the afternoon of Friday, September 10 at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.
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he Club & Institute Union (CIU) is to stage its 29th CIU Beer & Trades Exhibition on Friday, September 10 as part of its rescheduled Conference Weekend. The annual event, usually held in April, had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The event, exclusive to CIU member clubs, is held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel’s exhibition centre where club suppliers share information, products and services, all targeted at helping clubs to boost trade, save money and bounce back from the various lockdowns which have been imposed over the past year, while taking part in some fun activities along the way.
Blackpool’s Norbreck Castle Hotel, venue for the CIU Trade Show
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CLUB ASSOCIATION SPECIAL – CIU
The CIU – 159 years of helping clubs to prosper Here’s an in-depth look at the many services and benefits offered by the CIU to its affiliated clubs, including legal advice, the chance to learn about club law and finance through the Union’s Education Programme and the opportunity to take part in national and regional competitions in a variety of sports and games Advice and Help for Clubs Affiliated clubs can take advantage of the resources of the CIU through their local Branch Secretary and from Head Office with assistance offered in legal proceedings where matters of club principles are involved. The Union produces a series of contracts and handbooks which take in the current legislative requirements, including the Club Secretary Handbook which is regularly updated to include the most recent changes to employment law. The Union also runs an Arbitration Training programme.
Education The Award in Club Management (ACM) is a qualification which comprises three self-contained units each taking one day of classroom- based study to complete. Unit 1 covers Law & Regulation, Licensing, Unit 2 covers Other Law and Regulations and Unit 3 covers Management, Finance and Administration. The course is open to all CIU members but is specifically aimed at people who are going to be sitting on club committees and occupying positions of authority within clubs for the first time.
Club Journal Club Journal is the Union’s official monthly magazine and is a must-read for CIU members. Each month the magazine features news from around the branches, club profiles, opinion columns from leading Union figures, business-building advice from the experts, sporting news and results, plus details of the CIU Racing Club discounts available to members. Each affiliated club receives one free copy of the monthly magazine while an annual subscription of 12 issues costs £7.50.
Charity CIU clubs are at the forefront of raising funds for an array of national and local charities with members getting involved in a range of activities – from charity darts marathons and sponsored bike rides to special fundraising concerts and entertainment nights. As well as countless local charities, many national charities benefit from CIU events that are held throughout the year at our clubs, including he Alzheimers Society, the British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Lobbying on Behalf of Clubs Union officials have been at the forefront of helping shape legislation across a number of areas of crucial importance to clubs through the CIU’s involvement with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for NonProfit Making Private Members’ Clubs. This group, which meets regularly at Westminster, gives the Union direct access to both Members of Parliament and Peers from across the political spectrum. The CIU also plays a leading role in the Committee of Registered Clubs’ Association (CORCA).
Rules The CIU Rules Department deal with all matters relating to rules on behalf of clubs, the Union and the Branches. The preparation of all rule changes for the approval of the club members, the registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the printing through the Union’s printer, are all dealt with at Head Office. Head Office also deals with clubs’ affiliation to the Union. The Union has produced a Generic Rules Book especially to help clubs which are currently unaffiliated to the CIU.
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HQ – THE LATEST FROM HEAD OFFICE
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repayment from HMRC as set out in HMRC’s Revenue & Customs Brief 05/2020. Recently HMRC have confirmed that they are beginning to receive confirmations from HMCTS that applications in respect of protective assessments are accepted, thus allowing HMRC to process repayments. Remember, HMRC should make payment of the amounts of overstated VAT, interest thereon and repay the interest they charged when seeking recovery of payments made in 2014. Interestingly, having set out requirements for taxpayers to provide significant amounts of information to support claims in HMRC’s Revenue & Customs Brief 05/2020, HMRC have not raised any objections to the response provided by many taxpayers when requesting repayment using the template letter provided by WMCIU. This letter rejects the suggestion that the taxpayer should provide the information on the basis that all the information said to be required was already within HMRC’s knowledge. Despite this good news, there are a significant number of taxpayers in the situation where HMRC are rejecting requests for repayment on the basis that no valid appeal is in place. Where HMRC issued a decision to reject the claim shortly after it was made, and any taxpayer has failed to appeal against that decision, this seems to be a correct stance for HMRC to take. However, there are a significant number of cases where HMRC failed to issue a decision, thereby denying taxpayers the right to submit an appeal. It seems only fair and reasonable not to discriminate against those clubs because of a failing on HMRC’s part.
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Events - CIU Beer & Trades Exhibition Normally staged during Conference Weekend, the CIU Beer & Trades Exhibition provides a great opportunity for club delegates to attend a free trade show which is specifically targeted at the needs of CIU clubs. The show provides a great day out for club men and women, as the many exhibitors – including several of the CIU’s Preferred Suppliers such as Dransfields, Heineken UK, Higos and Matthew Clark – show attendees how they can help increase profits and save money on running costs at their clubs.
The CIU Racing Club In normal times, the CIU Racing Club enables clubs to take advantage of special discounted tickets for club outings to a variety of racecourses across the country. When spectators are allowed back into racecourses, Club Journal will publish a list of fixtures for race meetings throughout the year for which CIU members can obtain their discounted tickets, as well as giving details of exciting ‘one-off’ offers and packages, including racedays at some of the country’s top racing venues, including Chepstow and Haydock Park.
Sport & Games The Union is one of the biggest organisers of sporting competitions in the country with trophies being competed for at both a National and Branch level. The following Indoor Championships are held annually within the CIU: Team Darts, Team Pool, Team Snooker, Individual Snooker, Individual Darts, Individual Pool, Dominoes 5s and 3s, Dominoes Straights and Cribbage Pairs. Many nationally ranked snooker and darts players first honed their skills at their local CIU club.
CIU Official Website The CIU’s official website (www.wmciu.org.uk) provides a wealth of information regarding the activities going on throughout the Union, as well as contact details for Head Office and Branch personnel. It also has a ‘Breaking News’ section which will keep you abreast of the latest Government information on financial support for clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as links to the Union’s Preferred Suppliers. It also has a database of all the clubs affiliated to the CIU.
Events - CIU National Charity Raceday Dransfields CIU National Charity Raceday is an annual event, held at Wetherby Racecourse in November. This is one of the highlights of the CIU calendar and the 2019 event saw 1,000 Union members enjoying a fantastic day out as they raised over £1,700 for the CIU’s Education Programme. The CIU marquee is situated next to the Winners Enclosure, with discounted beer and hearty food on offer. The CIU also runs an annual Greyhound Racing night each September in Sheffield.
PRS Tariff The CIU has negotiated a special discount for its clubs with the Performing Right Society (PRS) which collects and distributes licence fees for the use of music on behalf of songwriters, composers and performers. The PRS licence covers music played through radios, CDs, streaming on the internet, music on TVs and also live music performances. The tariff for Members’ Clubs is printed annually and placed in Club Journal. It can also be downloaded from the CIU website: www.wmciu.org.uk
CLUB MIRROR 57
PRODUCTS SHOWCASE
What’s new? Productupdates Along with our weekly Bulletins, Club Mirror showcases brand news and latest products to hit the club market, all aimed at boosting club business.
Together again with Aperol – celebrating reopenings Aperol is celebrating reopenings by picking up the tab for up to 100,000 servings of Aperol Spritz. With the tag line, Aperol Spritz, Together Again, Aperol will be sharing social media assets with clubs and customers to enable venues to support the campaign on their own channels. Outlets who sign up can also appear on the Aperol UK website as part of an ‘official bar finder’, as well as geo-targeted paid ads. Drinkers share a pair of Aperol Spritz with someone who matters, and Aperol will pick up the tab for one of them using an online redemption mechanic. Members/guests can take up the drink any time before 31 August (one registration and redemption permitted per person). Brad Madigan, Managing Director at Campari Group UK, said: “The industry so urgently needs customers back at tables and filling outdoors areas, and this is our way of helping to reconnect customers with their favourite venues. Customers can redeem their drink whenever they feel ready over the summer.” Members can register at this link. • www.aperolspritzsocials.com New 200ml mixer range from Fentimans Fentimans, the independently owned premium drinks brand, is launching a new range of 200ml mixers and tonics. The move is part of a renewed focus to tap into the growing popularity of long mixed drinks and better meet the needs of its
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customers, who are increasingly seeking bigger serves and greater versatility of range, says the company. With a growing number of people seeking to enjoy longer mixed drinks, served in the ubiquitous goblet glass, this innovation marks a move away from the Fentimans 125ml classic serve, which has been the anchor of its mixer range over the last decade. Fentimans Marketing Director, Andrew Jackson, said: “as more and more consumers continue to enjoy longer serves, and experiment with a range of mixers to pair with their personal spirit repertoires, it’s important that Fentimans creates a serve size that meets the needs of our consumers, whilst providing the best drinking experience. With the launch of our new 200ml pack format, we have responded to the ever-evolving needs of our customers and the growing number of people who enjoy Fentimans drinks.” Flavours available in the new 200ml format: • Premium Indian Tonic Water Connoisseurs Tonic Water Light Tonic Water • Ginger Beer • Ginger Ale • Soda Water • Rose Lemonade • Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water • Valencian Orange Tonic Water (Bartenders Brand Awards ‘Category Champion’) • Oriental Yuzu Tonic Water • Pink Rhubarb Tonic Water • Tropical Soda (designed for pairing with spiced rum) • www.fentimans.com Campari launches non-alcoholic aperitivo Campari Group UK’s non-alcoholic Italian aperitivo, Crodino, has been launched in answer to growing consumer demand for no-and-low alcohol drinks. Described as having a deep Italian heritage with a flavour profile of 15 high-quality spices, herbs and roots, Crodino has a complex bittersweet taste. The launch is supported by a multi-channel marketing campaign called ‘Surprisingly Crodino’. Brad Madigan, Managing Director of Campari Group UK said: “We recognise the evolving needs of our consumers and the demand for non-alcoholic options, and are proud to continue inviting them into the sociable nature of Italian culture with an authentic Italian, non-alcoholic Aperitivo that can be enjoyed without compromising on taste or experience.” • www.crodino.com
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PRODUCTS SHOWCASE
Brixton Brewery launches Generation Pale Ale Brixton Brewery has launched Generation Pale Ale, the first beer purpose-brewed to raise money for Age UK Lambeth. After hearing that Age UK Lambeth had experienced a huge surge in demand for services over the past year – from 21,000 people to 70,000 – the brewery teamed up with the local charity to create the brew as a celebration of older people who are ‘as likely to enjoy a great night out with a pint as any young whippersnapper’. With all proceeds going to Age UK’s vital services, Generation Pale Ale (3.8%) is described as a ‘sprightly pale ale’, crafted with modern British hops, Olicana® and Harlequin™. • www.brixtonbrewery.com/trade New campaign for Thatchers Gold Over 20 million people are expected to see the new Thatchers Gold advertising campaign this summer via TV, video on demand and digital media. Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker said: “This new campaign focuses on the perfection in every glass of Thatchers Gold from the energising bubbles through to the smoothness settling in the glass, and of course, its deliciously rich golden colour. We’ve been able to get close up and personal right down to the very last drop in this campaign bringing it into the homes of over 20 million people this summer. “Once that last drop lands in the glass, we’re left in no doubt where the origin of this perfection lies – the apple!” Thatchers Cider is the family-owned cider maker based in Sandford, Somerset. Its brands include Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze and Thatchers Cloudy Lemon, launched in Spring 2020. Thatchers Gold is crafted from a blend of West Country apple varieties, including bittersweet Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey, and the sharp, deep-red Porter’s Perfection. The brand has shown value growth of +60% in the off-trade in the last 12 months (IRI value sales 52 w/e 27 Mar 21). • www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8z6LcPaI5Q Watermelon & Lime cider from Old Mout Old Mout has introduced a new Watermelon & Lime variant (4.0% ABV). Made from natural flavours, the cider is gluten free, vegan friendly and is the brand’s lowest sugar recipe to date. An extensive digital media plan supports the
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launch throughout the summer, and support includes bespoke point-of-sale launch kits. “In 2019, our Old Mout Pineapple & Raspberry launch was an outstanding success and we’re ready to do it all over again with the arrival of our new Watermelon & lime flavour,” says HEINEKEN UK Cider Marketing Director, Rachel Holms. “Enjoying a flavoured cider over ice in a club garden will be a huge pull for customers returning to the on-trade, so our latest innovation – with its dynamic flavour combination and exceptional consumer taste test results – is the perfect option this summer.” Old Mout over indexes with 18-34-year-olds who prefer to buy brands that have a social and environmental commitment[2]. The premium flavoured cider category is now worth over £400m in the on-trade.
made through an inbuilt system. The unit also includes storage space for a beer keg, CO2 cylinder and glasses, all in one secure, selfcontained mobile unit. Constructed from durable 430 grade stainless steel, the powder coated Beer Station is clad with inset stainless steel panels which can have either a vinyl wrap on the outer face or a magnetic wrap which will allow for the branding or theme to be changed periodically. Lockable hinged doors allow access for servicing of the BeerMatic Dual Tap at the rear of the unit, and for changing empty beer kegs at the lower front of the ‘Beer Station’. As the BeerMatic Dual Tap beer dispenser has an internal chilling system, clubs can connect directly to a standard keg kept at room temperature, meaning that even venues with limited facilities are able to add freshly poured, chilled pints to their menus. Lockable casters make the Beer Station easy to move and secure once it is in position. • www.hoshizaki-europe.com
Sources: [1] CGA Data to 26th Dec 2020; [2] YouGov 2021, CCS 2020.
• www.heinken.co.uk Sustainable apple cider launches HEINEKEN has launched Inch’s apple cider on draught, made from 100% British apples. All apple waste at the factory is repurposed as green energy, The medium cider has a taste that consumers already love, according to the brewer[1], with four out of five 18–34-year-olds saying they prefer the taste to that of the nearest competitor [2].
Around 5m pints of apple cider are poured in the on-trade every week[3] and mainstream brands account for every two in three pints of apple cider[4]. Premium glassware, founts and coasters are available for on-trade as well as garden items including umbrellas and windbreakers to boost visibility. Sources: [1] Versus a leading competitor, Cardinal Monadic liquid test (120 18–34-year-old L4W LADs drinkers) – September 2020; [2] Versus a leading competitor, Cardinal Monadic liquid test (120 18– 34-year-old L4W LADs drinkers) – September 2020; [3] CGA Strategy, 28th December 2019;[4] CGA Strategy, 26 Dec 2020.
• www.inchscider.co.uk Hoshizaki mobile self-serve ‘beer station’ Hoshizaki’s ‘Beer Station’, developed in conjunction with Victor Manufacturing, automatically pours a pint at the push of a button after payment has been
New ‘Diligence’ pot & utensil washer Nelson has launched a new, undercounter utensil and pot washer aimed at busy operators needing a dependable machine to clean and sanitise all types of pots, pans, trays and utensils. With the capacity to process up to 60 baskets per hour, its seven available programmes can address anything from light soiling to resistant residues. The durable double skinned, AISI 304 stainless steel construction has thermo-acoustic insulatiofor quiet in operation, and rinse water can be heated up to a maximum of 85°C for thorough disinfection. Accessories include 500 x 500mm baskets and 600 x 400mm trays as well as multiple baskets and trays for holding gastronorm pans, mixer bowls, trays, dishes, utensils and cutlery. • www.nelsonwashonline.co.uk Rosinox – Rosichef Signature range Rosinox’s modular cooking range, Rosichef Signature 900, offers flexibility, efficiency and performance, says the company, designed to help chefs to create their ideal suite by using interchangeable appliances, including fryers, bains-maries, hobs, induction units and planchas. The new Optima plancha heats 100% of the surface and can achieve 320°C in less than four minutes. The new pasta cooker offers a 53% energy saving and a steam mode to reinforce the versatility of the unit. The adaptability and modularity of the Rosichef Signature 900 also extends to different types of mounting – whether on feet, on a base, on a bridge or installed on refrigerated undercounters. • www.jestic.co.uk/brand/rosinox
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WHAT The new Greensmaster® eTriFlex Series flagship electric riding greensmowers.
MATTERS Unparalleled, outstanding cut quality, quiet operation, and no onboard hydraulic fluids.
Greensmaster eTriFlex Engine/Generator
Greensmaster eTriFlex Lithium-Ion
MOST Routine compliments from members and improvements to your bottom line!
What Matters Most to You Matters Most to Us. The all-new Greensmaster eTriFlex Series riding greensmowers provide all the innovative features of the original TriFlex and more. The eTriFlex lineup includes a Lithium-Ion powered and an Engine Generator model, with no onboard hydraulic fluid. The new Radius Dependent Speed (RDS™) System, in combination with the Lift-In-Turn cutting unit leveling feature virtually eliminates the effect known as “Triplex-Ring”. This along with many new features provide added versatility, simplified service, and ultimately, more productivity.
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The curtain specialist for clubs, schools & theatres
ARE YOU SWITCHED ON WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR ENERGY BILLS? If you’re not switching, you’re not saving... Let Smarter Business do the hard work for you.
Stage Curtains
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For more information, contact us today and quote CLUB to arrange a free site visit to discuss your requirements.
Tel: 01354 677796 • Email: sales@cameocurtains.co.uk
Visit our website: www.cameocurtains.co.uk
We’ll compare quotes in minutes and find your club the best energy deal, saving you up to 30% on your energy bills!
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Trouble free solutions for troublesome times At Northstar, we understand that now more than ever, caring for members is a club’s top priority and we remain fully committed to help make it happen in a safe and easy manner. Adapting to the times, we have launched Northstar Cares, a suite of products and services that help promote a environment at the club, ensuring safety contact-less contac and well-being of members and club staff.
Facilitating convenience and safety for members and an additional revenue stream for clubs with delivery and pick up options for essentials.
Enabling clubs to offer value added services like expedited food pick up & delivery
Utilizing employee downtime with over 40 educational webinars
Bolstering communication between the Club & the members with an additional 40,000 emails per month
with love, FOR MORE INFORMATION info@globalnorthstar.com www.globalnorthstar.com/nscares
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59club delivers the expertise, intel and motivation to breed customer loyalty, increase spend, secure referral and repeat business.
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We can start working with you for as little as £600 p.a. Contact Matt Roberts, 59club Director matt@59club.com
“The service from 59club has allowed us to embed standards, motivate the team and reward excellence. We are now amongst the very best venues in terms of the visitor & member experience in world golf.” Chris May CEO, Dubai Golf
www.59club.com enquiries@59club.com 01827 908349
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