Why (if) a member of a footy club?

[TroyGFC]

After the thread on membership numbers is going this way I thought should do a seperate posting on why we are members and not just barrack for a team.

Me- I have always barracked for Glenelg but have only been member since round 4/5 last season after I started to go to away games as well as home ones. The benefits of being a member of GFC is members draw, cheaper meals and ever so slightly cheaper booze. I dont see it as a donation though, that is what fundraising is for, eg- Glenelg sell supporter pavers, and meat raffles (which I try to win each week if on dayshift). I also joined up as had nowhere else to go on weekends and have always liked a club atmosphere and knowing people down there on Thursday nights and at games.
After last yeAR I almost gave up my membership due to the sacking of coach and way club was being run but after board changed renew my membership this season.
I was also a member of Brisbane Lions from 98-01 but found it pointless so gave it up, I still barrack for them though.

[Adelaide Hawk]

I have followed Norwood since 1965 and was a member of the Norwood Football Club from 1975 through to the late 1990s but lost interest in football around 1999 for some reason, I just became disenchanted by the game.

To give you Rooster fans an idea of just how disinterested I was, today I stumbled across a name in the 2000 State Team who I had honestly never heard of. His name was Ben Setchell. I thought I would have at least heard of a state player had I been the least bit interested at the time.

I realised recently that Norwood weren't to blame for the reasons footy was off my menu so I signed up again. Also, I am enjoying SANFL footy just as much now as I was in the 1970s.

Why Norwood? I played there as a junior, and a number of my mates went on to play league, so I kept an interest in the club. A lot of winter Saturday nights were spent at the old clubroom, or in Sam's disco upstairs. I am also a volunteer helper at the club in a project at the moment which has rekindled my enthusiam for most things "Norwood".

I have been a member of the Hawthorn Football Club since the early 1980s when they were a great club, uneffected by the plastic greed of corporate football. I had followed them since 1968 because Peter Hudson was my childhood hero. A wonderful club to be a member of, they could never do enough for me. I also helped them with some recruitment duties in the 1980s. It's such a pity the AFL was formed and screwed up two great football clubs.

[Booney]

With both of my Grand-fathers having worked on ketches on or out of Port Adeliade in the early 1900's I was destined to be a Port Adelaide supporter,like it not.Believe me,I like it!

I have been a member of Port Adelaide since the club entered the AFL in 1997,and have been a paid up and proud member of the Magpies since I was a bout 8 or 9,so 83/84 and that has lapsed at times,once or twice since the Power's inception,not that that was the reason,more financial strain.With increased income for both my partner and myself the memberships shall never lapse again,for both myself and my son,currently 9.

I see it as a direct source of income for the club,and lets face it,the more members you have it does have an impact on on-field success.So I pay up,show up,and barrack hard.

[Magpiespower]

Became a member in 1986 when the club was on it's knees.

However, I've been a bit slack since I left Adelaide...

[MightyEagles]

It's the local side/club and became member about 5 years ago and started to help the Underage sides last year.

[Aerie]

For me it's two reasons. Firstly, as others have said, it helps out the club and secondly, at $100 for a membership and season ticket if you go to most games you're only paying on average a bit over $5 per game as opposed to $8. With the lack of coverage in the media, it's also good to be kept in the loop with regards to monthly newsletters, annual report and online news (which is free anyway).

[offensive_Line]

I think in sa the culture of the game still exists,

I am from NSW and a devoted rugby league supporter but have come to enjoy the club atmosphere that is SANFL since I moved here back in 03,

In NSW the clubs don't care if you pay for a membership, They just want you on the pokies in the swarve clubs and eating at their restaurants, numbers are going down at games and gate prices are on the rise.

My fiance and family here in SA are devoted roosters fans and I have latched onto this and what you get for $$ is excellent!!!

I say if you support them SUPPORT THEM!!!!

Keep Footy alive,

And if in doubt, Go for the West tigers in the ARL!!!