Notes from Last Weeks Supporters Meeting : Tue Jan 16, 2024 10:18 am
Sorry thought I'd posted these already:Squad
The club have signed 25 players; 16 of these have been retained from last year's squad. The new signings have championship and super league experience complementing the existing squad. A big thank you to Club Doncaster in backing the Dons to enable them to assemble a strong and exciting team for the 2024 season ahead.
The training facilities have now been upgraded which has made a big difference. Training is going well and the players' fitness is looking good as the first game against Hull on 21 January approaches. A good crowd is expected for the first run out and ticket sales are going well with Hull expected to bring a large contingent.
The club have been encouraged by the fans' feedback and response to the new signings, as we look to build on last year's success.
The club have appointed a new doctor for the new campaign.
Commercial
The club has enhanced its commercial offer over the last 12 months securing partnerships and sponsorship with new sponsors, as well as continued support from our existing sponsors. Gaynor Waddington, has made a tremendous difference to the match day experience and is continuing to work within the community to expand our commercial offer and number of partners. There has been positive feedback from fans and sponsors re the match day experience and this now leads the way across Club Doncaster. The take up for the legends lounge has been successful.
Player sponsorship has been successful and the club have had a significant increase in shirt sponsorship for the season ahead.
A launch event will be held on Friday 26 January at the stadium to launch the away kits, meet the team and gain updates on a number of match day initiatives and season tickets. The night will also include food tasting as a taster of what is on offer throughout the season and an opportunity for photographs with the players and last year's trophy will be on offer. The event will be free however tickets will need to be booked in order to provide catering. Further details will follow.
The club have sold 541 season tickets; which is over a 50% increase in recent years. The match day price has increased this year, so the season tickets remain exceptional value. Early bird tickets will continue to be available throughout the season. 4 games will be priced at a discounted £10 and these will be Whitehave, Toulouse, Widness and Barrow.
Community
It is proposed there will be two community open age games and these provisionally to be held on 28 April and 9 May. This is to be confirmed.
There is an increase in games this year and for each game, there will be children’s games on the pitch, mascots, flag bearers and dancers. There will be a lot more local games this year so it is expected that there will be a good uptake in community activity. All children who take part in match day events for the first 4 games will be issued a free season ticket.
Moorends have now launched an under 15 team and have set up a masters team, increasing the number of teams across Doncaster. A recent camp was held at Bentley which was enjoyed by a number of local children, and the Club will be visiting local clubs prior to the start of the season.
The postponed race night will be rescheduled in the next 4 to 6 weeks at Bentley, further details will follow.
An advert for volunteers has had an encouraging response. If anyone else would like to participate, please follow the link in the previous comms.
Questions
Will the club produce a third jersey like many other clubs? No, the club will release a home and away shirt along with a range of training wear.
Will more stock be available in the club shop? Yes, the club has ordered more stock and this will be available shortly.
Will more merchandise be available? The club will look into the cost and feasibility of expanding the current offer of merchandise.
Could a heritage shirt be produced? This was positively received and the club will look into this.
Will a match day programme be available? LIke most clubs, the club have moved away from this in recent years, The club are looking into a similar season magazine as last year; further details of this will be available at the launch night.
Will buses be running to away games? With a number of games this year being local, due to the increased cost of buses, this is unlikely to be viable. However the club will look at buses for selected longer distance games. Further details will follow.
Will the club be providing any packages to Toulouse? No, as this would not be feasible due to cost and numbers. Details can be shared on flights, hotel and stadium location to enable fans to book their own trips.
Will the club look at disabled parking as difficulties were encountered last season? Yes, spaces are numbered and will be allocated to those who require disabled parking.
Will the club issue freebies like last season i.e. posters / passport? This is currently being looked into and further details will be provided on the launch night.
Is the ‘Parky’ mascot available to be brought back? This is available and the club will look into this.
On a final note, everyone at the club wishes Stewart Piper well and a swift recovery.
