Sheff Utd - Programme Notes

[NathanDRFC]

The VSC programme notes from the Sheff Utd game

The Viking Supporters Co-Operative Trust welcomes all Sheffield United supporters to the Keepmoat Stadium wish you all a Happy New Year. 

No doubt you are all tired of watching end of year reviews based around some big village sports day in London and hearing how Wednesday fans wanted Dave Jones to be knighted in May then calling for him to be sacked by December! Anyway, with printing deadlines etc, here is the VSC review:


The main big success story in 2012:
*Successfully introduced the 'fan engagement' concept to DRFC which became the DRFC 'In Rovers We Trust' campaign to significantly improve the relationship between the club and its core supporters. The VSC attend DRFC head of department meetings, and the VSC members views are put directly to the people that can make things change.
*Negotiated with the club on Season Ticket and match day prices plus encouraged the elimination of match categories. This is again taking place for next season.
*Assisted with the creation of add-ons for Season Ticket holders. One such add-on will see season ticket holders be able to bring up to 5 people for free to a future Rovers home game this season – season ticket holders should see the latest season ticket newsletter for more details.
*The behind the scenes work to ensure the Keepmoat Stadium was retained as a community benefit for the local community but especially DRFC supporters
* We contributed to the 'Rovers Promise' and assisted with updating the clubs charter
*  Renaming of the Lakeside Bar to the Belle Vue Bar
* Donated memorabilia to brighten up the Belle Vue Bar and launched a campaign for fans to be able to donate their memorabilia to display too.
* Raised funds and donated VSC memorabilia to Billy Sharp's LJS Foundation
*  Sponsored children's football activities at the Keepmoat – the sponsorship and support of football festivals pre-match. This scheme returns in the new Year. Last season clubs from the Doncaster Junior League and Sheffield & District Junior League took part.
* Met with SYPTE and DRFC officials to resolve the post-match public transport issues.
*The Trust started the Tomorrow’s Rovers project, investing in the Rovers youth setup. To date, we have sponsored two teams and are always collecting money for that project. Visit our website, www.drfc-vsc.co.uk to donate.

Coming in 2013 :
*In the New Year, we hope to announce a project which will see the Trust linked up with Bluebell Wood, to enable people who would otherwise not be able to attend fixtures the opportunity to do so. Without members, this sort of worthwhile community action cannot be achieved, so thank you to all our members, and if you are not a member yet, you can join today at www.drfc-vsc.co.uk.
*Also in the early part of the New Year, the Trust is bringing the Safe Standing Roadshow to the Keepmoat. As you may have read, Rovers have put their weight behind the Safe Standing Campaign (www.safestandingroadshow.co.uk).
*As you will be aware, the Keepmoat is hosting an England U19 international in February, and the VSC is supporting that fixture by making available old England car flags that the Trust was given many moons a go, to children who purchase tickets for the fixture against Denmark.
*A media project for the VSC, for which we require current members (ideally who are media students), to come forward to assist us with. This will a help with their media portfolio for coursework etc, plus offer something for the current VSC members. If interested, email the VSC Chairman (nathan.batchelor@drfc-vsc.co.uk) or the VSC Press officer Mike Follows (mike.follows@drfc-vsc.co.uk)
* Some of you will be aware that one of the Rovers legends from the Conference years, Ian Duerden, is currently in the process of setting up a foundation for his son Oliver, who has an extremely rare genetic disorder. The VSC have invited Ian and his family to join us for a match in the future and they have accepted this offer, and we will release further details of this closer to the date. On the day we will be looking to increase awareness of Oliver's condition and raise some much needed funds for his foundation. I'm sure you will all agree this is an excellent cause and I know Ian will have your full support on the day.

That is just a brief outline of some of the things we are currently trying to do in increasing our work in the community in 2013, something we think the VSC may have slipped away from in recent years. We are essentially a Community Trust and it is important we are seen as this, rather than just as an extension of the Football Club. If you have any other ideas on how the VSC can increase our presence in the Community, then please feel free to email dave.burkitt@drfc-vsc.co.uk with your suggestions.

As well as having members subscription fees, the Trust needs to bring in money from commercial partners. The VSC should look to exploit to increase it's revenue stream and it's reputation amongst the businesses in the community – The VSC website is extremely popular so a good place to promote your product/service to the Rovers faithful. Contact Kevin Twell (kevin.twell@drfc-vsc.co.uk ) for more info.

The VSC works hard to be the critical friend to the club, helping the club improve and meet the expectations of supporters. If you have not already done so, please renew or join the VSC. Membership only costs £12 to join, and you can pay £1 a month. By becoming a member of the VSC you are part of an organisation that is a significant shareholder in the club. To become a member visit www.drfc-vsc.co.uk and click on the Join VSC link at the top. If you are having any problems joining, then simply contact Membership Officer: Lee Croft (lee.croft@drfc-vsc.co.uk)