New Initiative from Rochdale

Like most other lower Leagues sides, Rochdale football club is struggling to attract enough supporters through the turnstiles. However they are about to launch a new initiative designed to try and increase numbers.

In essence regular supporters are being asked to try to encourage people that you know to come to Spotland. And we want these strangers to come, if possible, with you because Matchday at Spotland can be daunting to someone who has never been.

Voucher books will be given out to supporters at their home game against Wycombe with the aim of lifting the gate for the following home game which is against Chesterfield. Each voucher allows entry to the game for just £10.

The deal is being aimed at the adult market in Rochdale and supporters are being asked to choose carefully who they distribute the vouchers to. Maybe a lapsed fan? Maybe a fan of a Premiership club who has recently stopped going?

In return for helping with this idea Rochdale has launched a competition the winner of which will be the supporter who brings the most new supporters to the Chesterfield game. After the end of the match a count will be made and the fan who has introduced the most new supporters will receive a prize worth over £1000.

Please do not hand out these vouchers for the sake of it, to anybody. Choose carefully amongst your friends, family and colleagues as to who you feel will come and more importantly will come again says the club.

We feel that we have a product that is worth selling but also realise that Rochdale AFC carries something of a stigma in football terms amongst some of the townsfolk. We want to break this barrier and with your help we can!

Hereford United have tried various ideas to increase attendance at home games including giving season ticket holders an extra free ticket for certain games. However most of those tickets appear to have gone to other regular supporters as opposed to 'new' supporters. Time will tell if the Rochdale idea has the desired effect as it will probably be difficult to pin point who is a new fan as opposed to a regular fan wanting cheaper admission for a game.

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