We’re in this together – DAFC Board thank the fans

Now that the league season has commenced, the Board of DAFC would like to take this opportunity to update our loyal supporters, regarding the sale of 2014-15 Season Tickets which were launched in May.

Jim Jefferies commented at the time “We’re in this together – we are on the cusp of creating something really special at our club. It is crucial however that we maintain that momentum despite narrowly missing out on promotion this year. I would urge as many supporters as possible to back our club by purchasing a season ticket for next season.”

Despite the play off disappointment, We are pleased to report that the Pars Family certainly heeded Jim’s appeal! Prior to Saturday’s game against Brechin City, the number of season tickets sold passed through the 2,000 barrier. In today’s financial climate, coupled with the massive fund raising that has taken place around the club generally, in the last eighteen months, this is testimony to the loyalty of our fan base.

The Board would like to thank every single Pars supporter who has purchased a season ticket for this season, your support is greatly appreciated and valued.

This is at a time when our Centenary Club Lifeline, broke the 1,000 barrier as well. The Board are acutely aware that very many fans who are “Lifeline” members are also season ticket holders. 80% of season ticket holders also listened to the Board’s appeal to pay by cash or cheque, to avoid our club incurring penal credit charges. Once again, it emphasises that as a club “we’re in this together”.

To continue to prosper, our club needs to return to the Championship next season and we believe our young squad is well placed to do so, but off the field we all need to continue to work hard to support our club in any way that we can. The Board plan to further communicate with supporters in the next few weeks, with a further update and their strategy for the rest of this season.

In the meantime, for the interest of supporters, here is the breakdown of the data in respect of season ticket sales:

• The total number of season tickets sold currently sits at 2034.

• 318 new season tickets were purchased this year.

• 349 supporters took advantage of our Free Under 12 season ticket. 163 under 12 fans purchased a season ticket for the first time.

• The gender of season ticket holders is now: 87% Male; and 13% Female.

• The Split across the various stands is: 38% Main Stand; 50% Norrie Stand; and 12% North West Stand.

In its first year, the launch of our new Under 12 initiative has already proved successful, which bodes well for the future when coupled to our primary schools engagement programme that we hope to launch in the coming weeks.

Like all football clubs the age profile of our season ticket holders reflects an older generation, which is something we need to work harder to remedy. Hence the reason we are trying hard to encourage youngsters, under the age of 12, to make the habit of attending games at East End Park.

Interestingly, only 39% of season ticket purchases related to a full paying adult price. 61% of purchases related to concessions. As a result, the total income received from season tickets this season, will be approximately the same as last season, even though more were actually sold.

However, the Board is adopting a longer term strategy for our club and this was to be expected, and should in no way detract from the fantastic response our club has received from our loyal fans.

Thanks once again for your continued support.
Come on Ye Pars!