Football Needs Footfall

Just like every other aspect of the economy, football has suffered a significant loss of revenue during the Helping Your Local Team coronavirus pandemic. The biggest risk to most smaller teams during this For anyone in love with the beautiful game, two pandemic is the inability to balance their books. questions arise: firstly, how will football clubs survive Dwindling income from match-day revenues and amid social distancing and other measures? Secondly, ticket sales have left many clubs with deficits that what can supporters do to keep local teams alive? they will struggle to clear. More than ever, the support The Impact of Coronavirus So Far of their fans is essential for survival. The impact of the lockdown on football included • Buy a season ticket even if you know you are a premature end to League One and League Two unlikely to make it to every game. seasons. English Premier League and Championship • Many clubs have turned to fundraising in an effort games did manage to resume in early June behind to stay afloat so if you can see an opportunity to closed doors, which allowed the leagues to progress both support and spread the word about their to a natural conclusion. plans, make every effort to do so. However, from lost match-day revenues through • Sales of replica kits and badged wear – from scarfs to cancelled contracts for ancillary services e.g. to bags – really make a difference both in club’s advertising and sponsorship, all clubs face a cash-flow revenues and in keeping the club’s name known in squeeze. your local area. The big clubs are generally more financially secure Staying Safe at Football Matches anyway and did manage to recover some revenue There are going to be social-distancing measures in from television rights at the end of last season. The place – that’s a given. But every football lover has a story is very different for the lower league and nonrole to play to ensure football matches remain safe in league teams, which rely on supporter attendance for order to keep stadiums open. Yes, it’s uncomfortable the bulk of their income. to wear a mask – but not half as uncomfortable as The Future of Football in the New Season catching the virus. Yes, your team can’t hear you Even if, by the time you read this article, the shouting or cheering as clearly, but ironically it’s that government guidance has changed to allow football very activity that is ideal for sending the virus out attendance, social-distancing rules will reduce the beyond the usual two metres. number of people allowed in to watch the game live. Support for your local team means more today Lower league teams have smaller turnouts anyway, than ever before. Whether it’s through fundraising, meaning the financial impact will continue well into buying team merchandise or a season ticket, there is the new season and perhaps in the years to come. something every football fan can do to help. 12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts