Boosting attendances

The Malta FA is rigorously working on an exercise to explore ways and means how to lure more fans to our stadia.

A survey has also been carried out to discover spectators' perceptions on local football.

The leadership of the MFA had also floated a proposal to reduce the number of teams in the top flight from ten to eight in a bid to enhance competitiveness. However, this motion failed to win over the majority of the clubs and was defeated in the last MFA council meeting.

Even if the top flight is confined to eight teams, this will not guarantee a significant increase in attendances.

Of the ten clubs playing in the Premier League this season, only Birkirkara, Valletta and Hamrun Spartans are potential crowd pullers.

Hamrun have been experiencing serious financial problems for a number of years now and their once cheerful supporters who used to pack their section of the enclosure no longer bother to venture to Ta' Qali.

Valletta have also lost their plot this season. The once-mighty club that made a clean sweep of the honours just three seasons ago, have failed to mount a serious challenge for the title. Their on-pitch struggles condemned them to the Relegation Pool even if the Citizens have secured their Premier League status with some matches to spare.

Their disappointing season inevitably diminished the enthusiasm of the Valletta fans who did not turn up to support their team in their usual large numbers.

Should Valletta make it to the final of the FA Trophy this season, then I am pretty sure that the hundreds of 'hibernating' supporters will spring to life and return to urge on their favourites as they used to in the City club's glory years.

Only Birkirkara seem to supply a steady stream of supporters when their team is in action and I fear that attendances will continue to dwindle if one day the Stripes' fortunes had to suffer a downturn.

Meanwhile, the MFA is actively trying to bolster attendances by introducing a number of schemes such a season tickets.

So what is really keeping fans away from the terraces? Is it the foul language and persistent speculation of bribery?

I guess not. Football lovers want to witness action but unfortunately this has been conspicuously missing from most of our league matches.

Just like a latent virus that has surfaced its ugly head, this phenomenon has been evident for the past few seasons and is now taking its toll.

A season ticket needs to be enhanced with a number of other incentives. The price factor will definitely go a long way to determine whether enthusiasts are enticed to purchase a season ticket in August or September when the domestic campaign is still in its early stages.

Perhaps, the MFA may consider introducing two types of season tickets: one for the initial phase of the season and the other for the Championship/Relegation Pool matches.

Aggressive marketing is also badly needed if this exercise is to pay dividends.

Holders of a season ticket should be eligible to participate in a lottery with a decent prize. An all-inclusive trip for two to the Champions League final would be tempting bait.

In addition, holders of a season ticket should also get discounts on the parking facility behind the enclosure and discounted prices at the bar.

Apart from season tickets, the MFA may devise a system whereby different block tickets target different segments. A weekend ticket may be offered at a discounted price whereas groups of five supporters or more entering the turnstile together may also be offered some sort of discount.

The financial aspect is not the only factor that needs to be tackled. Entertainment is sorely missing.

For starters, some decent music with the right tempo to reflect a stadium environment should be played on the pa system. Having adverts blaring away during half-time is not exactly the right tonic for frustrated supporters on the stands.

The MFA has done well to kickstart a process which will hopefully attract more spectators to the stadia.

Football still ranks as the island's most popular sport even though attendances have decreased.

Innovative measures should stimulate more supporters to become more interested in the local game. While the MFA is doing its part, clubs have to ensure that their players provide keen encounters on the pitch as ultimately that is what supporters want to see every week - action and pleasant football.