Description

This is a really insightful chat with Ryan Sparks, Director of Communications & Commercial at Bradford City AFC.

Ryan's background is in Rugby League, having worked for both Featherstone Rovers and city neighbours Bradford Bulls previously. As a result, Ryan learned his trade in a much tougher environment where techniques of persuasion of fans are more important to get right.

He talks about the hard yards he did at Bradford during a really difficult period at the start, and how he's taken that approach on and helped to rebuild the club's reputation around sincerity, honesty and straightforward dealing.

He's been a great exponent of taking the conversation to where the fans are - geographically as well as online - as the face of Bradford City to many fans, and has contributed a huge amount to the club's recovery as an organisation. This is evidenced in the recent virtual fans forum the club had, which was attended by several thousand fans, and broadcast live by BBC Radio Leeds, and which we've included in the links below.

He also talks a bit about pit ponies, which is more relevant than you might think. Have a listen - and don't forget to rate us in your podcast app, so others can find us.

Key Insights

1. Good Fan Engagement is about trust: can fans trust you. If the answer is 'no', go back and earn it
2. Trust in those leading your Fan Engagement is critical: City CEO Julian Rhodes has enabled Ryan to do his job by giving him the leeway to decide what works and when
3. It's always worth looking at other sports that traditionally don't have the draw of football, for good ideas. There's plenty out there to try!

Episode Links:

• Featherstone Rovers RLFC
• Bradford City AFC Virtual Fans Forum (Pt.1)

You can join the Fan Engagement Network at faninsights.co.uk/network/join

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fan-engagement-pod.

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