This is important for clubs to realise and they are only just starting to realise this with club memberships.
The players get to live out the dreams that many of us had as children - being able to run out onto the field in our team's jersey in front of thousands of fans. The players were different to us in that they were born with the ability or the determination or the opportunity (even the gender) to achieve their dreams. We maintain our dreams vicariously in the stands. We wear the jerseys of our beloved club, develop our favourite players, but regardless of who is playing for our team we maintain our support.
The clubs do need to have people with a business background involved for the financial aspect, But I for one am happy to have people involved who really love our club and want to acknowledge us as supporters.
As far as the players are concerned, I simply want them to have the love of the jersey that we have and to acknowledge that their opportunity to live their lives as professional rugby league players would not exist if the fans weren't as passionate as they are. As trivial as it seems, when they salute to the fans after scoring or thank the fans after a game (win, lose or draw) then I feel more valued as a fan.
In terms of the players who have always gone out of their way to acknowledge the supporters on fan days, or whenever they have been asked for a chat and a pic outside of these days, I would have to say that Hindy, Burty and even Finchy when he was there were standouts. So a big thank you to those blokes.
What are your thoughts on fan acknowledgement and who would you rate as the best players to interact with?
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