For many years supporter group members had hoped to rebuild a strong and dependable relationship that would bridge the gaps left behind since 2006, our last formal meeting with the Club. It was hoped that this meeting would create a sense of security and reliability in the structure and the processes of supporter groups. For far too long it seemed for those of us who lived outside of the boundaries of the city of Melbourne - we would struggle to be able to show our support of the “Navy Blue”, and have that support recognised.
Friday 29 June, 2012, heralded a new beginning at Visy Park as the relationship between Management and Supporter Groups from across Australia was re-established. In this meeting the new Carlton Football Club General Manager Consumer Business and Digital Marketing, Clinton Bown, presented the same vision that he presented to the Carlton Football Club Board 12 months ago. The vision was simple, “Care for our members”.
Thanks to the ongoing commitment of a number of key people, both groups finally sat down and negotiated a vision for Supporter Group that will expand on their current resources. This vision aims to provide supporters, through the Club, a vast array of support processes and initiatives that are exciting and interesting both to metropolitan and country supporters alike.
Carlton is now directly communicating with supporter groups through Bown and his team. In the past supporter groups have tried to engage and motivate our individual communities with few tools and resources but this is all about to change and in a big way.
Carlton will facilitate two strategy meetings per year which will enable supporter group representatives to plan, network, develop strategies for their areas, gain feedback, skills and ultimately development opportunities for supporter group members. This is a wonderful opportunity as some members live thousands of kilometres apart.
It is planned to develop a supporter group logo to use on clothing, letterheads and other items to create a uniform insignia that identifies us as a collective.
Supporter group websites will also have representation on the Carlton website with an events calendar. If you travel interstate you will be able to locate other supporter groups via the Carlton website. Other regular features will be a monthly email with information provided by supporter groups. Our supporter groups will also be mentioned in the 2013 Membership Brochure.
It is planned for supporter groups to converge on Melbourne at least annually and meet up for a match and then dinner which will give supporter group members the opportunity to meet and mingle. The next day a rehab session with the team and a breakfast at Visy Park will close off the day before heading home.
One of the biggest challenges supporter groups face is accessing current and recently retired players. This is being actively considered by the club, who are looking into ways to promote past and present player visits to regional and interstate locations.
It was discussed with Carlton the topic of ongoing support regarding fundraising functions held by supporter groups. Carlton has offered to assist through the use of their certificate of currency. The close proximity of Carlton sponsors near some supporter groups was considered to be an advantage, particularly regarding the possibility of negotiating with these sponsors and seeking their support at local and major events such as race days.
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Supporter groups have played a major role in reigniting a bipartisan approach with the Carlton Football Club and have their voices and ideas heard. As supporter group representatives we would like to thank Bown and his team for supporting all of our groups across Australia. This is a unique opportunity for us all as we have a chance to lay down the foundation stones for a solid future with Carlton for every member and fan both now and in years to come.
