Marketing and Fans’ Attendance discussed at PLC meeting
The Pro League Committee held a meeting with all clubs on Wednesday 28th September at the UAE Football Association in Dubai, to discuss Marketing and Fans’ Attendance matters. Chaired by Yousef Mohammed Rasool Al Khoory, Vice Chairman of the Executive Office of the Pro League Committee the meeting was attended by Suhail Al Areefi, CEO of the Pro League Committee, and Marketing representatives of all clubs with the exception of Al Nasr and Dibba, as well as members of the media.
Yousef Mohammed Rasool Al Khoory, Vice Chairman of the PLC’s Executive Office, opened the meeting by welcoming all attendees and emphasising the position of football as the number one sport in UAE and the world, therefore underlining the importance of marketing the clubs’ football product in intelligent and effective ways, and reminded all attendees that we are working together towards the same aim; namely the progression of UAE football.
Addressing the attendees, Al Khoory said: “The leadership of the UAE always strives for excellence in innovation and development across all fields, and we should absolutely do the same. UAE football has made great advances in recent years and is cementing its position as one of the leading footballing nations in the Asian continent, and building its profile in the world game, and we can see our National Team and our clubs constantly evolving. For clear evidence of this we only need to look to Al Ahli’s participation in last year’s AFC Champions League Final, and hopefully Al Ain’s progression from the Semi-Finals to the same stage and even further this year.”
Encouraging clubs to reach out to different communities residing in the UAE and engaging them with their team’s activities, Al Khoory also highlighted the benefits of using social media as an instant and far-reaching communication tool, and praised clubs’ efforts to embrace digital media for communications and marketing.
Suhail Al Areefi, CEO of the Pro League Committee, stressed the importance of the role of Marketing Directors within clubs and assured all attendees that the doors to the Pro League Committee are always open to them if in need of advice or assistance. He also explained the steps the PLC has taken to try and aid the clubs’ cause in terms of scheduling fixtures predominantly over weekends, as well as organising multiple workshops for club staff to expand their knowledge and share marketing ideas.
Burak Gurkan, Marketing & Communications Director of the PLC, also presented a number of initiatives and best practices to the clubs with the aim of encouraging fans’ attendance in stadia, and emphasised the need to make match day an all-round entertainment experience. The meeting then concluded with a fruitful and open discussion between all attendees and the Pro League Committee, sharing suggestions and concepts to attract greater crowds.
