Julen Beer - Trust Election Thread

[JulenBeer]

Just setting up this thread for people on Exeweb to be able to ask me any questions ahead of the Trust elections.

A bit about me: I've been a City fan my entire life, having been taken to my first game at Northampton away in 1995 when I was just a 1 year-old. Despite living in Spain for most of my life, City have always been my team and I would always go with my dad to games when I was back in England.

I've been a Trust member for as long as I can remember, but the first time I got involved with the Trust was as part of my undergraduate degree final project, when I produced a marketing plan for the Supporters' Trust which I later presented to the board. A few years later I joined the Communications and Engagement working group, developing leaflets and posters at first and eventually becoming more involved with the relaunching of the newsletter and the 1,000th Goal project. My involvement in the past year has diminished a little as I moved to London to study my masters degree with a view to moving into the footballing industry but, having moved back to Devon, I now feel ready to become fully involved by standing for election to the Trust board.

My manifesto:

I am currently finishing up my Masters degree in International Sport Management at UCFB Wembley and the Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea, adding a sporting specialisation to my undergraduate degree in Business Management.

My background prior to this was in e-commerce, both at Exeter City FC and at a charity. Since 2018 I have been an ambassador for Kick It Out as part of the ‘Next 25’ scholarship and have since engaged in communication roles at events and have performed ambassadorial duties at EFL games.

I have also been involved with the Trust for a number of years in a small capacity, aiding with the relaunching of the Trust newsletter, creating marketing materials and leading the 1,000th Goal project last season.

If I am elected to the Trust board, I will be seeking to engage the 18-25 year-old age group with the Trust, whose support will be crucial to the long-term sustainability of the Trust model. In light of the recent cases of Bury and Bolton, and a number of other clubs potentially ending up in similar situations, it is vital to ensure we continue to be sensibly and strategically run; and helping engage a younger audience on the importance of this is essential.
I will also be looking to drive the Trust to generate content across a number of platforms, with the aim of opening up potential new revenue streams which can further aid the financial sustainability of the Trust. During my time on the Trust board I will also be interested in aiding the development of Exeter City Women FC, looking to capitalise on their recent successes and the growing interest in women’s football to help the club grow and progress further.

 

[Hants_red]

How do you think the Exeter Women's team should be allowed to develop? Does it need it's own Trust to help fund it? It's great that they part of the coaching set up, but it does seem that they struggle for a decent size squad. Do we need to work with other Women's clubs in the area to progress Women's football?

 

[JulenBeer]

How do you think the Exeter Women's team should be allowed to develop? Does it need it's own Trust to help fund it? It's great that they part of the coaching set up, but it does seem that they struggle for a decent size squad. Do we need to work with other Women's clubs in the area to progress Women's football?

Hi Hants,

Personally, I feel the Women's team should be its own entity that then falls under the control of either the club or the Trust. As it stands, the Women's team in under the control of CCT who have done an excellent job in recent years developing the team.

However, I feel we're now at a point where, with a good organisational structure in place, the Women's team would be capable of becoming a self-financing entity thanks to the increasing interest and commercialisation in the women's game, which I know is possible from my brief time at AFC Basildon Women. The Trust has already significantly increased its financial contribution to our Women's team in the past financial year and it is something I would continue to advocate for as the team continues to grow from strength to strength.

What I want to see with the Women's team is similar to what I see with the Men's team: a platform through which local young players can develop themselves as footballers and people.

It is true what you say about squad size and conversations I've had with players at higher levels suggests that the costs of playing is a big sticking point. Whilst I can't say for sure that this is the issue with our team, a more professionalised setup may be a step in the right direction to solving this (e.g.: paying expenses). I will look to chat with Abbie to see how the Trust can help with this.

As for working with other women's clubs in the area, I had not thought about it but I think it could be a great way of further progressing the game in our area. For me, part of developing our Women's team is about opening up the ECFC brand to as wide a demographic range as possible that can then help develop the entire football club in the future; whether that's by introducing ECFC to someone who goes to a women's game first and then decides to watch the Men at SJP or the other way around.

 

[IndoMike]

Just setting up this thread for people on Exeweb to be able to ask me any questions ahead of the Trust elections.

A bit about me: I've been a City fan my entire life, having been taken to my first game at Northampton away in 1995 when I was just a 1 year-old. Despite living in Spain for most of my life, City have always been my team and I would always go with my dad to games when I was back in England.

I've been a Trust member for as long as I can remember, but the first time I got involved with the Trust was as part of my undergraduate degree final project, when I produced a marketing plan for the Supporters' Trust which I later presented to the board. A few years later I joined the Communications and Engagement working group, developing leaflets and posters at first and eventually becoming more involved with the relaunching of the newsletter and the 1,000th Goal project. My involvement in the past year has diminished a little as I moved to London to study my masters degree with a view to moving into the footballing industry but, having moved back to Devon, I now feel ready to become fully involved by standing for election to the Trust board.

My manifesto:

I am currently finishing up my Masters degree in International Sport Management at UCFB Wembley and the Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea, adding a sporting specialisation to my undergraduate degree in Business Management.

My background prior to this was in e-commerce, both at Exeter City FC and at a charity. Since 2018 I have been an ambassador for Kick It Out as part of the ‘Next 25’ scholarship and have since engaged in communication roles at events and have performed ambassadorial duties at EFL games.

I have also been involved with the Trust for a number of years in a small capacity, aiding with the relaunching of the Trust newsletter, creating marketing materials and leading the 1,000th Goal project last season.

If I am elected to the Trust board, I will be seeking to engage the 18-25 year-old age group with the Trust, whose support will be crucial to the long-term sustainability of the Trust model. In light of the recent cases of Bury and Bolton, and a number of other clubs potentially ending up in similar situations, it is vital to ensure we continue to be sensibly and strategically run; and helping engage a younger audience on the importance of this is essential.
I will also be looking to drive the Trust to generate content across a number of platforms, with the aim of opening up potential new revenue streams which can further aid the financial sustainability of the Trust. During my time on the Trust board I will also be interested in aiding the development of Exeter City Women FC, looking to capitalise on their recent successes and the growing interest in women’s football to help the club grow and progress further.

You seem to have a lot of good, relevant experience and qualifications.
Many candidates are saying that they want to engage the 18-25 age group, but that's easier said than done : people of that age are busy studying , working, and/ or "having a good time".
So what specific ideas do you have to attract the attention of this age group and persuade them to become more involved? And is your sole aim to

 

[IndoMike]

Just setting up this thread for people on Exeweb to be able to ask me any questions ahead of the Trust elections.

A bit about me: I've been a City fan my entire life, having been taken to my first game at Northampton away in 1995 when I was just a 1 year-old. Despite living in Spain for most of my life, City have always been my team and I would always go with my dad to games when I was back in England.

I've been a Trust member for as long as I can remember, but the first time I got involved with the Trust was as part of my undergraduate degree final project, when I produced a marketing plan for the Supporters' Trust which I later presented to the board. A few years later I joined the Communications and Engagement working group, developing leaflets and posters at first and eventually becoming more involved with the relaunching of the newsletter and the 1,000th Goal project. My involvement in the past year has diminished a little as I moved to London to study my masters degree with a view to moving into the footballing industry but, having moved back to Devon, I now feel ready to become fully involved by standing for election to the Trust board.

My manifesto:

I am currently finishing up my Masters degree in International Sport Management at UCFB Wembley and the Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid Universidad Europea, adding a sporting specialisation to my undergraduate degree in Business Management.

My background prior to this was in e-commerce, both at Exeter City FC and at a charity. Since 2018 I have been an ambassador for Kick It Out as part of the ‘Next 25’ scholarship and have since engaged in communication roles at events and have performed ambassadorial duties at EFL games.

I have also been involved with the Trust for a number of years in a small capacity, aiding with the relaunching of the Trust newsletter, creating marketing materials and leading the 1,000th Goal project last season.

If I am elected to the Trust board, I will be seeking to engage the 18-25 year-old age group with the Trust, whose support will be crucial to the long-term sustainability of the Trust model. In light of the recent cases of Bury and Bolton, and a number of other clubs potentially ending up in similar situations, it is vital to ensure we continue to be sensibly and strategically run; and helping engage a younger audience on the importance of this is essential.
I will also be looking to drive the Trust to generate content across a number of platforms, with the aim of opening up potential new revenue streams which can further aid the financial sustainability of the Trust. During my time on the Trust board I will also be interested in aiding the development of Exeter City Women FC, looking to capitalise on their recent successes and the growing interest in women’s football to help the club grow and progress further.

You seem to have a lot of good, relevant experience and qualifications.
Many candidates are saying that they want to engage the 18-25 age group, but that's easier said than done : people of that age are busy studying , working, and/ or "having a good time".
So what new, specific ideas do you have to attract the attention of this age group and persuade them to become more involved? And is it your sole aim to sign them up for the Trust? .
Since we need to attract even younger supporters , who presumably would attend with family , have you got any new ideas about bringing in families?
Thanks

 

[Dannyred]

Hi Hants,

Personally, I feel the Women's team should be its own entity that then falls under the control of either the club or the Trust. As it stands, the Women's team in under the control of CCT who have done an excellent job in recent years developing the team.

However, I feel we're now at a point where, with a good organisational structure in place, the Women's team would be capable of becoming a self-financing entity thanks to the increasing interest and commercialisation in the women's game, which I know is possible from my brief time at AFC Basildon Women. The Trust has already significantly increased its financial contribution to our Women's team in the past financial year and it is something I would continue to advocate for as the team continues to grow from strength to strength.

What I want to see with the Women's team is similar to what I see with the Men's team: a platform through which local young players can develop themselves as footballers and people.

It is true what you say about squad size and conversations I've had with players at higher levels suggests that the costs of playing is a big sticking point. Whilst I can't say for sure that this is the issue with our team, a more professionalised setup may be a step in the right direction to solving this (e.g.: paying expenses). I will look to chat with Abbie to see how the Trust can help with this.

As for working with other women's clubs in the area, I had not thought about it but I think it could be a great way of further progressing the game in our area. For me, part of developing our Women's team is about opening up the ECFC brand to as wide a demographic range as possible that can then help develop the entire football club in the future; whether that's by introducing ECFC to someone who goes to a women's game first and then decides to watch the Men at SJP or the other way around.

What do you think about the missed opportunity of building the fan base after the women's successful World Cup.

What is your views on the women playing at SJP ?

 

[elginCity]

Hi, I'm a strong believer in increasing engagement with the youngest supporters, those in their formative years open to the 'magic' of it all, with the potential of gaining a fan for life.

The Junior Grecians is currently doing sterling work in that area, what initiative would you suggest to attract even greater interest ?

 

[JulenBeer]

You seem to have a lot of good, relevant experience and qualifications.
Many candidates are saying that they want to engage the 18-25 age group, but that's easier said than done : people of that age are busy studying , working, and/ or "having a good time".
So what new, specific ideas do you have to attract the attention of this age group and persuade them to become more involved? And is it your sole aim to sign them up for the Trust? .
Since we need to attract even younger supporters , who presumably would attend with family , have you got any new ideas about bringing in families?
Thanks

Thank you IndoMike,

The 18-25 year age group is one that the Trust has struggled to interact with in the past and I agree it's easier said than done when it comes to getting their attention. I have already been working alongside Will Barrett, who is also standing for election, and my younger brother Jon, who is currently on the Trust Board, with regards to developing a platform to create content primarily aimed at this demographic, but which can also be consumed by other age groups.

If elected, I would look to work closely with the 'Trust The Future" group to further develop this towards a platform with content created by young people, for young people. This would hopefully give them the chance to interact closely with their club and their community, as well as develop essential skills and experience for when they enter the workplace in this increasingly digital world (e.g.: image and video editing, social media and PR skills, etc.).

With regards to the aim, that is for this demographic to interact with the Trust. Whether they sign up is their prerogative and will most likely come down to finances, which I know can be tight at that age - I'm only just 26 myself! The hope would be that, in the long-term, an affinity towards the Trust and its model is created and that they would eventually join the Trust.

As for even younger supporters, this would come under the Junior Grecians. From the Communication and Engagement working group meetings, I know Clive Harrison is doing fantastic work with this and that the Junior Grecians continues to grow from strength-to-strength. If elected, I would look forward to working alongside Clive in order to properly develop the transition of the young Trust member from Junior Grecians onwards. As for attracting families to attend games, I feel this will be more down to the club's marketing and pricing strategy, rather than the Trust.

 

[IndoMike]

Thank you IndoMike,

The 18-25 year age group is one that the Trust has struggled to interact with in the past and I agree it's easier said than done when it comes to getting their attention. I have already been working alongside Will Barrett, who is also standing for election, and my younger brother Jon, who is currently on the Trust Board, with regards to developing a platform to create content primarily aimed at this demographic, but which can also be consumed by other age groups.

If elected, I would look to work closely with the 'Trust The Future" group to further develop this towards a platform with content created by young people, for young people. This would hopefully give them the chance to interact closely with their club and their community, as well as develop essential skills and experience for when they enter the workplace in this increasingly digital world (e.g.: image and video editing, social media and PR skills, etc.).

With regards to the aim, that is for this demographic to interact with the Trust. Whether they sign up is their prerogative and will most likely come down to finances, which I know can be tight at that age - I'm only just 26 myself! The hope would be that, in the long-term, an affinity towards the Trust and its model is created and that they would eventually join the Trust.

As for even younger supporters, this would come under the Junior Grecians. From the Communication and Engagement working group meetings, I know Clive Harrison is doing fantastic work with this and that the Junior Grecians continues to grow from strength-to-strength. If elected, I would look forward to working alongside Clive in order to properly develop the transition of the young Trust member from Junior Grecians onwards. As for attracting families to attend games, I feel this will be more down to the club's marketing and pricing strategy, rather than the Trust.

Ok. Thanks for the reply. I like the idea of helping preparing the 18-25 with advanced IT skills.

 

[JulenBeer]

What do you think about the missed opportunity of building the fan base after the women's successful World Cup.

What is your views on the women playing at SJP ?

Hi Dannyred,

I don't personally feel that there has been a missed opportunity for building the fanbase during the World Cup, though I do feel the current growth in women's football, which has been noticeable since the 2015 World Cup, is something we need to capitalise on sooner rather than later.

As for the women playing at SJP, whilst it would be a great platform for developing the fanbase, the financial costs and wear to the pitch will make this difficult from a logistical point of view. However, I do believe that the team would benefit from having a permanent home within Exeter in order to grow its support. I would, however, expect that the Women's team will play one or two games at SJP and would advocate for this if elected.