redhat Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quote:Originally posted by The Beaver Sorry, what does the sponsor get from their association with us? Would we have to wear CIBC shirts? I'd wear Jerry Dobson T-shirts if it would mean Sportsnet would sponsor our section. As for what's in it for sponsors: (a) they easily get cheap advertising for the event ( perhaps they get a link or free advert on the V's website © the banner (also featuring their corporate logo) will be featured on TV highlights, as the Canadian players will run to OUR section. eg. "Here's Lombardo running to the CIBC Voyageurs section..." (d) they can get/start marketing lists (if members agree), with discount coupons offered for products to Voyageurs. Imagine getting 10% off Sony products if you sign up for the section! (e) sponsors can offer samples/stuff to that section. Imagine getting Sony t-shirts, Telus accessories, CIBC money (doubtful), etc. Imagine a raffle to members for a Sony PSP. I said "imagine"... (f) everytime a Voyageur takes a picture with a players, their t-shirt or hat would mention the corporate logo All I know is that Voyageurs are passionate fans who travel to see OUR teams. Which fans are the best to represent our country? The quiet ones who sit and spin on their seats? Or the ones with the MONEY to spend, cheering our team? Another problem with the CSA is that they are targeting the wrong market. The kids don't have the money to buy RRSPs and mortgages(CIBC). Nor are they the only ones to buy MP3 players & Vaios (Sony), Blackberrys and Treos (Telus), and buy jerseys (Adidas). For this (the section) we need to be more structured as an organization. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beaver Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quote:Originally posted by redhat I'd wear Jerry Dobson T-shirts if it would mean Sportsnet would sponsor our section. As for what's in it for sponsors: (a) they easily get cheap advertising for the event ( perhaps they get a link or free advert on the V's website © the banner (also featuring their corporate logo) will be featured on TV highlights, as the Canadian players will run to OUR section. eg. "Here's Lombardo running to the CIBC Voyageurs section..." (d) they can get/start marketing lists (if members agree), with discount coupons offered for products to Voyageurs. Imagine getting 10% off Sony products if you sign up for the section! (e) sponsors can offer samples/stuff to that section. Imagine getting Sony t-shirts, Telus accessories, CIBC money (doubtful), etc. Imagine a raffle to members for a Sony PSP. I said "imagine"... (f) everytime a Voyageur takes a picture with a players, their t-shirt or hat would mention the corporate logo All I know is that Voyageurs are passionate fans who travel to see OUR teams. Which fans are the best to represent our country? The quiet ones who sit and spin on their seats? Or the ones with the MONEY to spend, cheering our team? Another problem with the CSA is that they are targeting the wrong market. The kids don't have the money to buy RRSPs and mortgages(CIBC). Nor are they the only ones to buy MP3 players & Vaios (Sony), Blackberrys and Treos (Telus), and buy jerseys (Adidas). For this (the section) we need to be more structured as an organization. Good stuff, mi amigo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Boy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quote:Originally posted by redhat [Another problem with the CSA is that they are targeting the wrong market. The kids don't have the money to buy RRSPs and mortgages(CIBC). Nor are they the only ones to buy MP3 players & Vaios (Sony), Blackberrys and Treos (Telus), and buy jerseys (Adidas). There are over 500,000 of them who are very easily succeptble to brand identity and have parents (that drive them to their games and events)who use the products whereas there are only a few hundred Voyageurs with money. That's why the CSA targets that audience. I still like the sponsorship idea though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhat Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quote:Originally posted by Danny Boy There are over 500,000 of them who are very easily succeptble to brand identity and have parents (that drive them to their games and events)who use the products whereas there are only a few hundred Voyageurs with money. That's why the CSA targets that audience. I still like the sponsorship idea though. If 500,000 kids show up to the games you're absolutely right. But since their parents are paying, I think that's the bonus. Believe me, "500" paying Voyageurs with cool gear also translates to a lot more. eg. "Hey Danny, where did you get that Treo phone?" "Why at the Canada soccer game. Our section was sponsored by Telus." The problem with the CSA is that they're showcasing the fact that 800,000 players are registered, but they forgot that WE ALSO HAVE PRETTY GOOD SOCCER TEAMS with a LARGE following. CIBC ads, for instance, feature lines of credit and mortgages instead of EDUCATIONAL PLANS for their tots. Who are they targetting? Not the kids, who are interested in the mascot or being on TV. But rather than argue, we really should develop this sponsorship thing if we have enough people to agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Boy Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quote:Originally posted by redhat If 500,000 kids show up to the games you're absolutely right. But since their parents are paying, I think that's the bonus. Believe me, "500" paying Voyageurs with cool gear also translates to a lot more. eg. "Hey Danny, where did you get that Treo phone?" "Why at the Canada soccer game. Our section was sponsored by Telus." The problem with the CSA is that they're showcasing the fact that 800,000 players are registered, but they forgot that WE ALSO HAVE PRETTY GOOD SOCCER TEAMS with a LARGE following. CIBC ads, for instance, feature lines of credit and mortgages instead of EDUCATIONAL PLANS for their tots. Who are they targetting? Not the kids, who are interested in the mascot or being on TV. But rather than argue, we really should develop this sponsorship thing if we have enough people to agree. The CSA already has a sponsorship deal with CIBC etc... so your point is moot. Whether they are targeting the right audience or not. Getting those same companies on board to help reserve seats for the hard-core fans may be a more daunting task since there are only hundreds of us, that's the point I'm trying to make. Southsiders aren't necessarily Voyageurs and vice versa. Gee... I'm a glass half-empty kinda guy aren't I? It's still a good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnie Monster Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 As a passionate fan, I would be very, very reluctant to hop into the sack with any corporate entity associated with the CSA. The second you get involved in something like this, you are one step down a dark path to forfeiting your right to cheer your team - and criticize the CSA - as you see fit. As the Sony Ericsson Voyageurs, you will find yourselves beholden to a pack of media-fearing, PR conscious pricks who will do everything humanly possible to ensure every last one of you is on their best behavior. As the Telus Mobility Voyageurs, you will be told to watch the language lest ye be offendin' the soccer moms six sections over. As the CIBC Voyageurs, you will be asked to drink your alcohol in other parts of the stadium lest people get the wrong idea about the banking and financial planning industry. Sound drastic? Maybe... but remember these corporations ar there for one reason only - brand awareness... and as such, "our section" will inevitably become all about "their" ad\PR strategies whehter we like it or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beaver Posted May 30, 2006 Share Posted May 30, 2006 quote:Originally posted by Johnnie Monster As a passionate fan, I would be very, very reluctant to hop into the sack with any corporate entity associated with the CSA. The second you get involved in something like this, you are one step down a dark path to forfeiting your right to cheer your team - and criticize the CSA - as you see fit. As the Sony Ericsson Voyageurs, you will find yourselves beholden to a pack of media-fearing, PR conscious pricks who will do everything humanly possible to ensure every last one of you is on their best behavior. As the Telus Mobility Voyageurs, you will be told to watch the language lest ye be offendin' the soccer moms six sections over. As the CIBC Voyageurs, you will be asked to drink your alcohol in other parts of the stadium lest people get the wrong idea about the banking and financial planning industry. Sound drastic? Maybe... but remember these corporations ar there for one reason only - brand awareness... and as such, "our section" will inevitably become all about "their" ad\PR strategies whehter we like it or not. Yeah, I made the same point earlier--in this post?--and suspect that you aren't exagerating one bit. Which does raise the core issue here: for those who want to effect change, then perhaps doing so via a site devoted to being a FAN of Canadian soccer is not the way to go. The Voyageurs is a wonderful thing, but should it be anything more than a fan site? Or, for that matter, can it realistically be more than a fan site? There is nothing wrong with it being exactly what it is: a fan site for pretty hard core Canadian soccer fans. Why should it do more? Now, if a dozen or more individuals associated with this site are driven to effect change, then perhaps they should band together, set a mandate and goals and get on with it. Of course, this organized group would take pains to keep Voyageurs informed of all actions and events and plans--where possible--but it would not be obliged to heed the demands of the Voyageurs, though it should always be open to feedback and ideas and criticism from all soccer groups, the Voyageurs included. A great example of just such a movement is the Pro Vancouver Stadium organization. The Voyageurs is a wonderful resource, but it isn't the only one. I, for one, would be curious about starting an organization of concerned Canadian soccer fans who want to make real changes, especially in how our teams are supported and promoted etc. Perhaps this discussion should be taken somewhere else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhat Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 I'm glad we're having this discussion, so that we can openly find some solutions. The reluctance to "align" with corporations is understandable. But aren't corporate sponsorships important to the survival of sports? I mean, doesn't the Raptors play in AIR CANADA Centre? Doesn't the Brazilians get sponsored by Telebras or Embraer? Didn't Carlsberg sponsor Euro 2004? Didn't Budwiser sponsor sections at WC2006? Doesn't the community-owned Winnipeg Blue Bombers play at CanadInn Stadium? Wait, for every EPL team what's on their jersey? And for each sponsor, did you as a fan get FORCED to do anything? Like buy their products? Or have a corporate guy tell you to keep quiet? Or forced to wear their clothes? No, because really that's not what sponsors are after. They only want an opportunity to show or offer their products or services, and you don't have to buy or try. But if you have a need, which company should be foremost in your minds? I only made the sponsorship suggestion, because it is a LANGUAGE THAT THE CSA UNDERSTANDS. If it works, we get a Canadian section and nothing assenine like taking down banners and soca dances will happen. We need a partner as a "co-voice" in these soccer matters because we need some clout. Or else NOTHING will change, your banners will be torn down, you'll get hassled by RCMP or stadium security, and you'd still be told to sit down and be quiet --- in our own country! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhat Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 By the way, to clarify, I'm only advocating for a corporate sponsorship of a CANADIAN SECTION only during these MNT games. I'm not for the corporate sponsorship of the Voyageurs... But if I can get a PSP or Plasma screen at 30% off, well ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beaver Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 quote:Originally posted by redhat By the way, to clarify, I'm only advocating for a corporate sponsorship of a CANADIAN SECTION only during these MNT games. I'm not for the corporate sponsorship of the Voyageurs... But if I can get a PSP or Plasma screen at 30% off, well ... Ahh, that makes much more sense. I like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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