The latest installment of Trust Week takes a look at some of the things that we have planned for 2019-20.
Our aim as it will be every year is a wish to improve our communication with members. So far, we have committed to reporting on each Trust meeting, whether that be the committee or with the club. Plans are in place to continue our monthly newsletters that members have previously stated has been the best way of obtaining information about the activities of the Trust. This will be a responsibility shared around the Trust committee this next season.
We are looking to improve in a couple of areas during the next season. Whilst the website has seen significant improvements last season in terms of content and communication, we need to improve our coverage on Facebook and Twitter. Previously, we have mainly used these to publicise content on the website but we are looking into how we can take advantage of these platforms.
We have also taken a subscription to Survey Monkey for the next twelve months which will allow us to gauge supporter opinion on a number of matters. Previously, we have periodically conducted supporter surveys, but with the subscription, this will allow us to improve the frequency of these. Equally, we will be encouraging members to approach us at our Trust desk in the Dale Bar before games.
Speaking of the Dale Bar, we’ll be giving away team sheets before home matches again this season, but in a new initiative, there will be a Trust Quiz sheet in the Dale Bar. This will be different from our Quiz Night as the Quiz questions will be on each table before the game. There’ll be no prizes but we hope it will add to your pre-match visit as it gets the old grey matter working.
One new idea we are looking at for the new season is working in advance with away supporters. We have prepared a guide for Away Supporters that covers all aspects of a day out at Spotland. Our inspiration behind this is seeing work done by Doncaster Rovers in liaising with away supporters. Our intention is to work with opposition Trusts and supporters clubs, and by posting our guide on opposition forums. It will be followed by a survey to see what can be learned from each visit. This will in kind influence our guide.
Events wise, we are looking at the usuals such as the Curry Night, Fans Forum Race Night, and Exiles Day, whilst we are currently seeing what other events we can host this next season. We have already agreed two dates with the club for the Meeting with the Directors, and we will be having regular meetings with the club throughout the season. We are looking into the possibility of hosting our first ever Gin Festival, and we’re in discussions with the club to see how we can support a Xmas Party for our Junior members and supporters.
We are looking to improve on our Welfare Section. Last year saw its creation, and we plan on building on that during the 2019-20 season. Equally, we want to make improvements with the Former Players Association. We have previously admitted that we probably tried running before we could walk with this, but we hope to bring some positive news on this soon.
As always, if there are any new avenues you would like the Trust to pursue, then please get in contact via info@daletrust.co.uk.