Post by Jem on Jun 25, 2015 8:01:43 GMT
Hi all
Apologies for the rather long post(!), but below are the notes from the OxVox meeting with OUFC's Commercial team that was held last week. These notes were sent directly to members yesterday.
We'll be picking up further on various points and will keep everyone updated. We'll also be directly getting back to members on specific points over the next couple of weeks.
Cheers!
Jem
OxVox Meeting with OUFC Commercial Team
Date: Thursday 18th June 2015
Attendees: Kevin Smith, Sarah Gooding, Andy Wooldridge (part), Caroline Robbins, Neil Holdstock, Matt Cavill, Sue Trafford, Michael North, Simon Bradbury, Graham Butler, Jem Faulkner
Apologies: Myles Francis, Maurice Earp, Terry Winter
Start: 7.00pm. Finish: 10.00pm
Minutes / Notes
Apologies for the rather long post(!), but below are the notes from the OxVox meeting with OUFC's Commercial team that was held last week. These notes were sent directly to members yesterday.
We'll be picking up further on various points and will keep everyone updated. We'll also be directly getting back to members on specific points over the next couple of weeks.
Cheers!
Jem
OxVox Meeting with OUFC Commercial Team
Date: Thursday 18th June 2015
Attendees: Kevin Smith, Sarah Gooding, Andy Wooldridge (part), Caroline Robbins, Neil Holdstock, Matt Cavill, Sue Trafford, Michael North, Simon Bradbury, Graham Butler, Jem Faulkner
Apologies: Myles Francis, Maurice Earp, Terry Winter
Start: 7.00pm. Finish: 10.00pm
Minutes / Notes
The meeting opened with introductions from all and an explanation from the OUFC team of their individual responsibilities.
JF explained that there had been a number of questions (50+) from members that related to the Clubs commercial activities and also a number of suggestions that might be of interest to the Club. These questions and suggestions had been sent to the club in advance of the meeting.
KS said that he and his team had reviewed the questions and that they were in a position to answer/discuss most, if not all the various points raised. There were however a few questions that they would need to find out more information about and that they’d try to respond to these in due course.
It was agreed to ‘group’ some of the points as they were either similar of linked in terms of their content.
1. Web Site and Yellow Player. It was acknowledged that neither were particularly great. Both mediums were being reviewed, historic contracts had made changes difficult. These contracts however were coming to an end and that fans could expect to see improvements in both the Web Site and Yellow Player in the coming months.
2. New Shirt Sponsor. Although unable to give the name of the new sponsor, it was confirmed that a significant 3 year deal had been agreed and that it would be announced within 2 weeks. The new Kit will be launched in good time ahead of our first friendly on 11th July
3. Kit Sizes. It was explained that new kit and merchandise arrangements had now been agreed and would mean that the club has far more flexibility in stocking a wider range of merchandise and larger kit sizes than previously. Historic minimum order quantities meant that the club had to buy in minimum lots of 100 whereas the new contract will allow the club to buy in 20’s. This will enable larger kits to be purchased with less ‘risk’ (XXXL ETC). Larger sizes will be available this season.
4. Open Day and Fans Forum. It was confirmed that there will be an open day, but a date is still to be confirmed. It is however likely to be in the first few weeks of the new season. This is precautionary to give our new pitch more time to settle in.
Instead of a single fans forum event at the stadium, it is proposed that there will be a series of ‘on the road’ open days that will combine with fans forum events at various locations around the County. These events will include players and senior club officials and give fans the opportunity to ask questions. Details and locations will be announced soon.
5. Club Song / Pre Match Music. The club are open to any fan suggestions on ‘music’ and suggested that OxVox co-ordinate fans suggestions. The club offered any nominated fans the opportunity to come into the stadium to actually play suggested tracks. This seemed a good idea as it was noted that things might sound different in a stadium. OxVox will put this out to members and other fans ASAP to gauge opinion.
6. Half Time Entertainment. This is being looked at, but suggestions are always welcome and ideas should be directed to SG.
7. Match Day / Outside Bar. Following the success last season, this is something that will definitely be repeated. It is not felt that it should be for every game, but selected games will be identified and communicated properly in advance.
8. Away Fan Season Tickets. This will be discussed separately as people were unsure if the club could create a season ticket for our travelling fans as it would need the co-operation of all other clubs in our league. OxVox will follow this up.
9. Marketing to Away fans. It was felt that more could be done to encourage larger numbers of away fans to travel to us. The creation of a fans pack and match day ‘offers’ was discussed that could be sent out in advance to visiting clubs for distribution to their fans and encourage more to travel. This would increase OUFC revenue. This will be discussed further.
10. Pre-Match ‘Meet the Players’ and Stadium Tours. Both these items were deemed good ideas. Players not playing on the day tend to be occupied with various corporate clients, but the club will look at opportunities. Organised Stadium tours will also being considered.
11. OUFC Merchandise in the City centre and other Towns. The club has approached numerous retailers to try and get OUFC merchandise stocked in other locations, but have so far been unable to get any retailers to take part. OxVox agreed to investigate, through contacts, if something can be done, but all fans are asked to contact the club if they have any contacts or know of retail outlets that would be prepared to stock OUFC merchandise.
12. Stadium Shop and Online Sales. The club confirmed that we have exited the shop at the stadium and a new location would be announced soon. The range of merchandise and ease of ordering will also be greatly improved and further details will be announced shortly.
13. Stadium Food. It was confirmed that Lindley Catering are being replaced and the Club is talking with the stadium Company about the quality and pricing of food/drinks. It is hoped that improvements can be made for this season.
14. North Stand – Centre Section – Season Tickets. The Club will be inviting all North Stand season ticket holders to come in and discuss if they want to switch their tickets to the half way line section. This has currently been left empty. It is important that any fans that do switch are made aware that for certain games they may need to vacate their seats when large visitor followings are expected. This will be fully explained and the options made clear when fans are contacted.
15. ‘Austria’. OxVox’s involvement was recognised and all are excited about OUFC in Europe! SB asked for a written piece to be included in the match day programme. JF will write this and liaise with the club. SB will send it to Weiner Neustadt SCWN.
16. OxVox Sponsorship Opportunities. The committee members confirmed that the Trust is keen to sponsor certain OUFC activities and these will be discussed further. It was confirmed that age group sponsorship is unlikely as a new sponsor is likely to pick up all teams including the ladies teams. OxVox is keen to get involved in community projects and potential opportunities will be explored in the coming weeks.
17. OUFC Exiles. This was not discussed in detail, but JF (as an exile himself!) will pick this up with the club and the OxVox Committee to see if there could be better communication and/or opportunities for regional activities ETC so that fans around the country (and the World!) can get and feel more involved).
18. OxVox Projects. The committee made the club aware of a couple of initiatives it is working on with fans, namely – the Blue Plaque at the Britannia Pub in Headington and the centre spot project within the Manor Hospital. The club thought both ideas were great!
19. London Welsh. The Club were not in a position to confirm if London Welsh were staying at the stadium this season.
20. The Clubs Communication with Fans. The committee stated that messages from fans made it clear that the clubs communication with fans was first class and the ‘best it’s been in years’! Special mention for Sarah Gooding who, in a very short space of time, has become the voice of OUFC on all forms of Social Media.
21. Yellow Army. It was suggested by all that, if possible, it would be beneficial to co-ordinate activities between YA and OxVox to ensure no duplication of effort and achieve the best possible results for fans. a meeting of interested parties will be organised ASAP.
22. It was noted that some fans had their flags confiscated at the Wycombe away game. It was suggested that information about any away ground restrictions should be published ahead of games and therefore pre-warn fans of any potential issues. The club will consider how to do this.
The meeting ended at 10pm and it was agreed that there should be 3 or 4 formal meetings such as this each year that could co-ordinate fan questions and provide an additional conduit for better fan engagement and communication. These sessions would be in addition to the regular meetings with the OUFC Board that are already in place
JF explained that there had been a number of questions (50+) from members that related to the Clubs commercial activities and also a number of suggestions that might be of interest to the Club. These questions and suggestions had been sent to the club in advance of the meeting.
KS said that he and his team had reviewed the questions and that they were in a position to answer/discuss most, if not all the various points raised. There were however a few questions that they would need to find out more information about and that they’d try to respond to these in due course.
It was agreed to ‘group’ some of the points as they were either similar of linked in terms of their content.
1. Web Site and Yellow Player. It was acknowledged that neither were particularly great. Both mediums were being reviewed, historic contracts had made changes difficult. These contracts however were coming to an end and that fans could expect to see improvements in both the Web Site and Yellow Player in the coming months.
2. New Shirt Sponsor. Although unable to give the name of the new sponsor, it was confirmed that a significant 3 year deal had been agreed and that it would be announced within 2 weeks. The new Kit will be launched in good time ahead of our first friendly on 11th July
3. Kit Sizes. It was explained that new kit and merchandise arrangements had now been agreed and would mean that the club has far more flexibility in stocking a wider range of merchandise and larger kit sizes than previously. Historic minimum order quantities meant that the club had to buy in minimum lots of 100 whereas the new contract will allow the club to buy in 20’s. This will enable larger kits to be purchased with less ‘risk’ (XXXL ETC). Larger sizes will be available this season.
4. Open Day and Fans Forum. It was confirmed that there will be an open day, but a date is still to be confirmed. It is however likely to be in the first few weeks of the new season. This is precautionary to give our new pitch more time to settle in.
Instead of a single fans forum event at the stadium, it is proposed that there will be a series of ‘on the road’ open days that will combine with fans forum events at various locations around the County. These events will include players and senior club officials and give fans the opportunity to ask questions. Details and locations will be announced soon.
5. Club Song / Pre Match Music. The club are open to any fan suggestions on ‘music’ and suggested that OxVox co-ordinate fans suggestions. The club offered any nominated fans the opportunity to come into the stadium to actually play suggested tracks. This seemed a good idea as it was noted that things might sound different in a stadium. OxVox will put this out to members and other fans ASAP to gauge opinion.
6. Half Time Entertainment. This is being looked at, but suggestions are always welcome and ideas should be directed to SG.
7. Match Day / Outside Bar. Following the success last season, this is something that will definitely be repeated. It is not felt that it should be for every game, but selected games will be identified and communicated properly in advance.
8. Away Fan Season Tickets. This will be discussed separately as people were unsure if the club could create a season ticket for our travelling fans as it would need the co-operation of all other clubs in our league. OxVox will follow this up.
9. Marketing to Away fans. It was felt that more could be done to encourage larger numbers of away fans to travel to us. The creation of a fans pack and match day ‘offers’ was discussed that could be sent out in advance to visiting clubs for distribution to their fans and encourage more to travel. This would increase OUFC revenue. This will be discussed further.
10. Pre-Match ‘Meet the Players’ and Stadium Tours. Both these items were deemed good ideas. Players not playing on the day tend to be occupied with various corporate clients, but the club will look at opportunities. Organised Stadium tours will also being considered.
11. OUFC Merchandise in the City centre and other Towns. The club has approached numerous retailers to try and get OUFC merchandise stocked in other locations, but have so far been unable to get any retailers to take part. OxVox agreed to investigate, through contacts, if something can be done, but all fans are asked to contact the club if they have any contacts or know of retail outlets that would be prepared to stock OUFC merchandise.
12. Stadium Shop and Online Sales. The club confirmed that we have exited the shop at the stadium and a new location would be announced soon. The range of merchandise and ease of ordering will also be greatly improved and further details will be announced shortly.
13. Stadium Food. It was confirmed that Lindley Catering are being replaced and the Club is talking with the stadium Company about the quality and pricing of food/drinks. It is hoped that improvements can be made for this season.
14. North Stand – Centre Section – Season Tickets. The Club will be inviting all North Stand season ticket holders to come in and discuss if they want to switch their tickets to the half way line section. This has currently been left empty. It is important that any fans that do switch are made aware that for certain games they may need to vacate their seats when large visitor followings are expected. This will be fully explained and the options made clear when fans are contacted.
15. ‘Austria’. OxVox’s involvement was recognised and all are excited about OUFC in Europe! SB asked for a written piece to be included in the match day programme. JF will write this and liaise with the club. SB will send it to Weiner Neustadt SCWN.
16. OxVox Sponsorship Opportunities. The committee members confirmed that the Trust is keen to sponsor certain OUFC activities and these will be discussed further. It was confirmed that age group sponsorship is unlikely as a new sponsor is likely to pick up all teams including the ladies teams. OxVox is keen to get involved in community projects and potential opportunities will be explored in the coming weeks.
17. OUFC Exiles. This was not discussed in detail, but JF (as an exile himself!) will pick this up with the club and the OxVox Committee to see if there could be better communication and/or opportunities for regional activities ETC so that fans around the country (and the World!) can get and feel more involved).
18. OxVox Projects. The committee made the club aware of a couple of initiatives it is working on with fans, namely – the Blue Plaque at the Britannia Pub in Headington and the centre spot project within the Manor Hospital. The club thought both ideas were great!
19. London Welsh. The Club were not in a position to confirm if London Welsh were staying at the stadium this season.
20. The Clubs Communication with Fans. The committee stated that messages from fans made it clear that the clubs communication with fans was first class and the ‘best it’s been in years’! Special mention for Sarah Gooding who, in a very short space of time, has become the voice of OUFC on all forms of Social Media.
21. Yellow Army. It was suggested by all that, if possible, it would be beneficial to co-ordinate activities between YA and OxVox to ensure no duplication of effort and achieve the best possible results for fans. a meeting of interested parties will be organised ASAP.
22. It was noted that some fans had their flags confiscated at the Wycombe away game. It was suggested that information about any away ground restrictions should be published ahead of games and therefore pre-warn fans of any potential issues. The club will consider how to do this.
The meeting ended at 10pm and it was agreed that there should be 3 or 4 formal meetings such as this each year that could co-ordinate fan questions and provide an additional conduit for better fan engagement and communication. These sessions would be in addition to the regular meetings with the OUFC Board that are already in place