FEATURE | MAN ON A MISSION

We hear from Terry Brumpton on the future of the printed Matchday Programme

Terry Brumpton is a man on a mission. After being involved in Matchday Programme production for half-a-century, he is keen to bust the myth that clubs lose money by producing printed programmes for each home game.

As Managing Director of JJ Sports Promotions Ltd., his company work with clubs throughout the UK and at all levels of the game, including an ever-expanding number here in the Southern League.

“The question of shall we or shall we not produce a printed Matchday Programme is something that clubs have been increasingly asking in recent years,” he told us. “As we speak, clubs will be having this discussion as they look ahead to the new season that stands before us.

“Sadly, more clubs are opting not to bother, citing losing money as an excuse, and as such a cherished part of the matchday experience is slowly disappearing.

“But it doesn’t have to be that way. Clubs can make a profit from the Matchday Programme and through running JJ Sports Promotions Ltd., I have seen that at first-hand.

“A lot of it comes down to how clubs cost out their Matchday Programme. There are numerous opportunities within the pages to raise additional funds, not just from standard adverts, but also various sponsorships such as player sponsorships, covering players not only in the first-team squad, but also the other affiliated teams, pitch square sponsorships, which is so easy to set up and display, and various page and programme sponsorships.

“There are so many additional revenue streams to explore that can slot in alongside engaging and informative content that covers all aspects of the club and football in general.

“Once you have a product that looks good and reads well, it can easily be promoted ahead of each home game via the various media channels that clubs have at their disposal these days and with a couple of enthusiastic and keen sellers at the game, who are well positioned within the stadium, then the programme has every chance of being successful.

“Clubs need to be pro-active and recognise the worth of their Matchday Programme and the additional revenue that it can bring in. It has become too easy these days just to ignore it, but it’s still very much a part of the fabric of the game and we hear from plenty of ground hoppers who will not attend games if there is no printed programme available.

“There is the argument of how much time and effort is required, particularly for volunteers who often have many other roles at the club. That’s why our ‘all-in’ service has proved to be popular in recent seasons whereby we handle all aspects of Matchday Programme production; design, editorial, print and delivery as well as setting up a subscription service for some clubs too.

“We also have sales experience and have assisted in selling programme advertising and sponsorships on behalf of clubs.

“The ethos of JJ Sports Promotions Ltd. is to help all clubs, regardless of their level and size, have a Matchday Programme to be proud of and keep this long-standing tradition of the game alive and kicking.

“It has been my life’s work for decades and I’m always looking to get new clubs on board to see how we can assist them and continue to build upon our award-winning and glowing reputation.”

Find out more about JJ Sports Promotions Ltd. and how they can assist your club. JJ SPORTS PROMOTIONS LTD. WEB SITE