Dedicated Matchdays For Four Local Charities

[AjcW]

I've just had a little chat with ChatGPT as our mate Anthony.... lets see how many of these we can tick off before the end of the season, I can spot 3 already.

 

"My name is Anthony Herlihy and I am (allegedly) the communications director for Leicester City football club. We're going through a bit of a tricky spell in terms of fan engagement, with protests against our Directors and Owners. Can you come up with some ideas for me to get the fans back on side?"

 

That’s a tough spot to be in, but it’s not impossible to turn things around. The key is transparency, engagement, and demonstrating that the club values its supporters. Here are some strategic ideas to help rebuild trust and connection with the fanbase:

1. Open and Honest Communication

• Fans’ Forum & Q&A Sessions: Host regular live Q&A sessions with club executives, including the owners if possible. A moderated but open platform where fans can voice concerns and get honest responses will help.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Give fans more insight into club operations. Short documentary-style content showing transfer strategy, academy development, and day-to-day club life can help humanize leadership.
• Transparent Decision-Making: Address key concerns openly—whether it’s about finances, managerial decisions, or transfer policies. Even if the news isn’t positive, fans will appreciate honesty.

2. Fan Involvement in Decision-Making

• Supporter Representation on the Board: Even in an advisory role, having a fan representative can signal a commitment to supporter concerns.
• Kit & Branding Consultation: Allow fans to vote on elements of next season’s kit, club motto changes, or stadium improvements.
• Community-Led Initiatives: Involve fans in club charity work and outreach programs. If they see positive impact locally, they’re more likely to feel connected.

3. On-the-Pitch Connection

• Manager & Player Interaction: Organize more informal meet-and-greet events, open training sessions, and interactive media days.
• Playing Style Transparency: If performances have been poor, get the manager to openly discuss tactics and plans to improve results.
• Fan-Selected Captain for a Game: Let fans vote on a matchday captain for a non-crucial game to build a stronger bond.

4. Matchday Experience Enhancements

• Lower Ticket Prices & Discounts: Even a temporary price freeze or promotional deals for families/students can go a long way.
• Pre-Match Fan Entertainment: Bring back club legends for matchday interviews, create fan zones with competitions, or improve the atmosphere with dedicated fan chant sections.
• Safe Protest Spaces: Instead of pushing against protests, why not work with fan groups to create a "structured" way for them to express their views without hostility?

5. Digital & Social Media Engagement

• Fan-Led Content: Invite popular Leicester influencers, YouTubers, and fan channels for exclusive interviews or behind-the-scenes access.
• Transparent Social Media Messaging: Acknowledge fan frustrations rather than ignoring them. For example, a statement like "We understand your concerns, and here’s what we’re doing..." instead of defensive PR language.
• Interactive Challenges: Get players involved in fun, viral-style content (e.g., classic football challenges, FIFA tournaments against fans, “Ask Me Anything” sessions).

6. Bold PR Moves to Win Back Sentiment

• One Big Fan Gesture: A major act of goodwill, like funding away travel for a key fixture, covering ticket costs for loyal season-ticket holders, or even something left-field like free pies at a game.
• Surprise Player Visits: Organize surprise player visits to fan pubs before games or local football clubs to boost morale.
• Owner’s Apology & Vision Statement: If tensions are really high, a heartfelt statement from ownership outlining their mistakes, what they’ve learned, and how they plan to improve could be powerful.

Would love to hear more about the specific complaints from the fans—then I can tailor these ideas even further. What's the main issue they’re protesting?

You said:

The fans are upset about a lack of signings, overpaid players, not involving youth prospects and generally being the masters of our own downfall

ChatGPT said:

Sounds like the frustration is a mix of poor recruitment, bad squad management, and a lack of long-term vision. To turn the tide, you need to show the fans that you’re learning from mistakes, acting decisively, and genuinely care about the club’s future. Here’s how you could approach it:

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1. Address the Transfer & Recruitment Concerns Directly

• Honest Transfer Window Review: Instead of the usual PR spin, acknowledge past recruitment missteps and outline a clear, public strategy moving forward. Something like:
  "We understand concerns around transfers. Our goal is to build a squad that fits our identity, balances experience with youth, and ensures financial sustainability. Here’s how we’re doing that..."
• Recruitment Transparency Series: Release an in-depth video series with the club’s scouting/recruitment team explaining what goes into signing a player. Even if things aren’t going well, giving fans insight into the process builds trust.
• New Transfer Strategy Announcement:
  • Acknowledge mistakes (e.g., overspending on underperforming players).
  • Commit to signing hungrier players rather than expensive "names."
  • Promise investment in key areas (e.g., a new midfielder or striker if that’s the weak spot).
  • If money is tight, outline why and what steps are being taken to fix it.

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2. Tackle the Overpaid Players & Squad Mismanagement Issue

• Performance-Based Pay Policy (If Possible): Publicly commit to restructuring contracts so new signings earn based on performance (goals, assists, appearances).
• Loan/Exit Strategy Update: Outline plans to move on deadwood players—show that the club is being proactive in clearing wages and making smart moves. Even small loan exits or player sales should be announced with clear reasoning.
• Fan-Driven Player Accountability: Introduce a "Fan Player of the Month" award that goes beyond popularity—fans vote based on performances, with the winner donating to a Leicester-based charity. This encourages engagement while subtly reminding players they need to earn respect.

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3. Give Youth Prospects a Proper Chance

• Publicly Commit to Youth Integration: Create a Leicester Academy Pathway Plan where you name three U21 players set for first-team involvement each season. Even a symbolic promise will excite fans.
• Senior Player & Youth Mentorship Initiative: Pair senior stars with young players in an official club program, showing a commitment to internal growth. Have players like Jamie Vardy talk about their own experiences rising through the ranks.
• Fan-Voted U21 Player Matchday Feature: Let fans vote for an U21 player to be in the squad for cup games or non-crucial matches. Adds an element of excitement and involvement.

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4. Show That Leicester Is Learning & Moving Forward

• “We Are Leicester” Vision Statement: Release a clear, three-year strategy video/message that addresses all concerns:
  • Transfer & recruitment plans
  • How youth will be integrated
  • What the club’s playing philosophy is
  • How finances will be handled to avoid past mistakes
• Bring Back Club Legends for a Summit: Organize a fan event where Leicester legends (Schmeichel, Cambiasso, etc.) discuss the club’s direction. A familiar, respected voice can help regain trust.
• Regular Fan Forums with Decision-Makers: Make these a normal thing, not just damage control. Even a quarterly update/Q&A can stop resentment from building up.

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5. One Big “Make It Right” Gesture

If tensions are high, a bold move could turn sentiment:

• Club covers away travel for key fixture (Fans love these gestures)
• Cheaper home tickets for rest of season (Even a slight reduction goes a long way)
• Open training session with free access & Q&A with players (Bridges the gap between team & fans)

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Messaging & Tone:

• Own the mistakes, don’t deny them.
• Show a clear plan for improvement.
• Bring fans & club legends into the conversation.
• Back it up with at least one real action immediately.

Would love to hear if any of this feels realistic, or if there are specific players/fan groups I should keep in mind when crafting the approach.

[The boy Linacre]

20 hours ago, moore_94 said:

https://www.lcfc.com/pages/en/media-article/leicester-city-confirm-dedicated-matchdays-for-four-local-charities
 

Leicester City Confirm Dedicated Matchdays For Four Local Charities

 

We’re delighted to announce a series of dedicated matchdays in support of The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation’s four nominated charities for the 2024/25 season, giving the Blue Army an opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the incredible service they do for our communities.
 

Through the VS Foundation, we’re proudly supporting Heartwize, LOROS Hospice, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and Leicester Hospitals Charity this year, with each of these organisations to take centre stage on a matchday at King Power Stadium.

 

On these special days, supporters will have the chance to learn more about the life-changing work these charities deliver, as well as contribute to matchday donations that will help further their valuable work.

Our designated fixtures are as follows:

 

Heartwize - Brentford (Friday 21 February)

 

LOROS Hospice - Manchester United (Sunday 16 March)

 

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People - Liverpool (Saturday 19 April)

 

Leicester Hospitals Charity - Southampton (Saturday 3 May)

 

Through in-stadium engagement, fundraising initiatives, and visibility across Club channels, each charity will have the platform to highlight their invaluable impact on the lives of people across Leicestershire and beyond.

 

Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “The Club has a very proud history of supporting important community causes, repaying the faith and the backing of our communities by celebrating and raising funds for charities that make an enormous difference to the lives of people in Leicestershire. It was the very reason we created The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation and will continue to be its guiding principle.

 

“The charities chosen by the Foundation’s trustees for this season each have a special relevance to the Club, through a combination of our supporters, our players, and our staff. Each provides a very special and meaningful service to the people of our city that can touch the lives of any of us at any time. It’s our hope that, in the months ahead, we can bring valuable attention to their work and raise important funds that can help it to continue.”

 

The first of these fixtures will be for Heartwize, a volunteer-driven charity established in 2014 by cardiologists Prof. William Toff and Dr. Doug Skehan. With around 86 volunteers, Heartwize is truly community-led, offering hands-on training that encourages each participant to practice with a manikin under expert guidance.

 

This approach has enabled Heartwize to reach over 60,000 people across Leicestershire to date, including many who attend King Power Stadium on matchdays.

 

The charity has also formed a close bond with Leicester City, delivering training sessions to players, staff and fans, and even hosting half-time demonstrations. Through this collaboration, Heartwize highlights the importance of quick bystander CPR and early defibrillation, which can be the difference between life and death in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

 

Supporters can look forward to a range of activities on each matchday, including matchday collections, special guest appearances, and opportunities to engage directly with the charities and their beneficiaries. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference.

 

The Club will also be undertaking a series of activities in the build-up to these dedicated fixtures, using its platforms and visibility to highlight the relevance of each charity’s work to our own values and providing unique opportunities for the charities to benefit from the wider capabilities of our personnel.

 

Further details on each charity’s matchday will be shared in the lead-up to their respective fixtures.

 

The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha 2024/25 Nominated Charities

 

Heartwize

Founded by two cardiologists, Heartwize focuses on training secondary school students and the community in lifesaving skills, including the use of portable defibrillators. Since its inception, Heartwize has trained over 60,00 people across the county. Their initiatives aim to create a generation of lifesavers by equipping young people and community members with the skills necessary to respond to cardiac emergencies effectively.

LOROS Hospice

A dedicated charity providing free, high-quality care to over 2,500 terminally ill patients annually in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. LOROS’s comprehensive services include inpatient care, home outreach, day therapy, counselling, and complementary therapies. LOROS Hospice focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients, offering physical, emotional, and spiritual support tailored to individual needs. Their multidisciplinary team, including social workers and compassionate volunteers, ensures holistic care and support for both patients and their families.

 

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People

A charity that supports over 400 children, young people, and their families across the East Midlands who are living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. The organisation offers a range of services including symptom management, end-of-life care, bereavement support, and various therapies aimed at enhancing the quality of life. Founded in memory of Laura Moore, Rainbows provides holistic, compassionate care and creates lasting memories for families.

 

Rainbows cares for hundreds of families every year who have a baby, child or young person with a serious or terminal illness that means that their lives will be shorter than most. The charity supports every baby, child and young person to fulfil their potential, and help families make the most of every precious moment, while capturing memories and keepsakes to treasure.

 

Leicester Hospitals Charity

Leicester Hospitals Charity exists to support patients, their carers, and the NHS staff who look after them in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and beyond.

Leicester City and the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation have provided particular support to Leicester Children’s Hospital, which offers a wide range of services including surgery, emergency care, and specialised treatment for conditions like cancer and cardiac issues. Located within Leicester Royal Infirmary, the hospital is equipped with dedicated facilities and a multidisciplinary team focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes and comfort for young patients and their families.

This is a very meritorious approach, we cannot take that away from the club, but the groundwork they have laid over the last 2-5 years generates the feedback we see in this chat which is more than a shame and where the fans on here are with this club/ownership.

I totally understand both sides of this and find it a shame it is so divisive, but we are where we are.

My one comment is great charities all, and totally deserving BUT the Vichai Foundation runs every season and picks a number of charities, and this is a rhetorical question, BUT why from February 21 to May 3rd??? 

Should this not have happened in Sept/Oct/Nov etc. and brought these wonderful charities to our notice much earlier, where we might ALL have donated earlier and more whilst raising our awareness.

[jammie82uk]

2 hours ago, The boy Linacre said:

Should this not have happened in Sept/Oct/Nov etc. and brought these wonderful charities to our notice much earlier, where we might ALL have donated earlier and more whilst raising our awareness.

It wasn’t done then because of various other themes like “rainbow laces” “kick it out” and remembrance fixture, also wasn’t done in December due to amount of games and Xmas