Club Football

CLUBFOOTBALL JUNE 2021

www.clubfootball.org.uk

Calling club footballers!

Time to enter the 2021 BT Sport Pub Cup UE FA E URO 2 0 2 0 S PE C IA L • F E S T I VA L O F C L U B S • C L U B T E CH NO L OGY

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Contents NEWS, VIEWS, CLUB LIFE AND LEGISLATION

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6 News Latest legislation, advice and updates.

8 Grass roots football So where will the next talent come from? An indepth look at grass roots football.

24 Club life Club Football takes a whirlwind tour of clubs around the country as clubs welcome members back into the club premises.

28 Welcome to the Festival of Clubs 2021 Get the diary out. From trade shows and workshops to dinners and beer festivals, join us as we celebrate getting back together again.

UEFA EURO 2020 13 Football’s coming home Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the sporting universe this summer as the 24 competing nations aim for a place in the final of UEFA EURO 2020 on July 11.

15 The ones to watch Club Football profiles six players who may well catch your eye in June and July.

HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS 18 Ready for kick off The low down on fixtures – who’s playing when and where?

20 Contenders ready Will there be a new name on the UEFA EURO 2020 trophy come July 11? We profile the 24 teams who will be competing for the title this summer.

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10 Boosting trade post reopening Addressing the concerns and challenges around reopening, with top tips for boosting business.

36 Dreams can come true Research from amongst 2000 consumers reveals just how much the great British public has missed a pint in their favourite local venue.

39 Technology’s role in magical moments 32 Sports Fixtures What’s coming up? Top picks and latest listings for some dramatic viewing.

From arrival to departure, can digital solutions provide members with an even better experience as they head back through the club doors?

44 Product showcase Club Football brings you a showcase of latest products on the market, all aimed at boosting club business.

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CLUB FOOTBALL 3

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WELCOME

Contributors

Hitting the back of the net In this issue you’ll find a special focus on the imminent UEFA EURO 2020, with many of us hoping that the ‘three lions on shirt’ England team will win it at Wembley. Enjoy the facts, figures and the ones to watch on pages 13-23. You’ll also see that BT Sport is inviting grassroots club footballers to engage with their local pub and to enter the 2021 Pub Cup. The deadline for entries is June 18. (You can find out how to enter on page 7.)

Ashley Cairns

Chris Colverd

Sean Ferris

Karen Foreman

David Foster

Larry Hardcastle

Jonathan Hardy

Toby Johansson

Hamish Maclean

Justin O’Regan

Nick Sellens

Jill Slingsby

At the other end of the scale, we’ve all witnessed the collapse of football’s socalled European Super League (ESL). This episode has highlighted the dangers of those who run sporting clubs at all levels but who do not ensure that their businesses are in tune with the needs, tastes, and attitudes of their customers.

The ESL was motivated not so much by greed but by the desperation of club owners for a way out of self-inflicted financial carnage. It was stopped by a combination of government threatening to revoke work permits for English clubs’ overseas players, by the FA threatening not to sanction any of those clubs’ fixtures outside this country, but above all by the unanimous opposition to the concept by those clubs’ fans and those across football.

Imagine for a moment a sports club somewhere in England, Scotland or Wales deciding to implement a development or go in a new direction without gauging the reaction of its members and users. It does happen from time to time, but whilst change is sometimes as good as it is hard for customers to understand, changes without meaningful engagement is never going to end well.

Guest Editor Mark Harris Design David Foster Editorial Chris Colverd, Caroline Scoular Events Karen Foreman, Jill Slingsby Display Advertising Margaret Doherty Sales & Marketing Leigh-Ann Ogilvie Circulation Jon Hardy Accounts Andrew Soles Publishing Director Sean Ferris

Club Football is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing (ACP) Ltd. Club Football is a sister title to ACP’s Club Mirror and Clubhouse Europe.

As any sporting club that relies on volunteers to undertake the 1001 tasks to enable that business to run knows, you must take your stakeholders with you.

They might not always agree, but to press ahead regardless risks extreme damage to the bottom line.

I hope you enjoy the issue.

MARK HARRIS Guest Editor Chairman, Pitching In, Northern Premier League

ACP Gainsborough House 59/60 Thames Street Windsor Berkshire SL4 1TX UK t. +44 (0)1753 272022 f. +44 (0)1753 272021 e.info@clubrugby.org.uk www.alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Club Football does not verify the claims made by advertisers regarding their products.

CLUB FOOTBALL 5

CLUB NEWS

WANT MORE INFORMATION? More details are available at www.clubfootball.org.uk or at this QR Code.

Manchester tops England squad’s call-up list Manchester produces more England players per population than anywhere else in the country, according to new research from Bookmakers.tv The study analysed the birthplace of every player selected to represent England at a World Cup or European Championships since 1966, balancing the number of squad representatives against the population of each area.

Greater Manchester was found to have the highest number of call-ups in comparison to its population, with England legends Sir Geoff Hurst, Nobby Stiles and Gary Neville amongst those to have been born in the area.

Other locations disproportionately represented include Northumberland and Merseyside, while Berkshire and Tyne and Wear are also hubs for high quality English football.

At the other end of the scale, those born in Norfolk, the West Midlands and Devon shouldn’t get their hopes up for an England call-up as they have the fewest members of World Cup and Euros squads, compared to population figures. Danny Mills and Trevor Francis are the sole representatives from the Norfolk and Devon respectively.

Greater London may have the most call-ups in total, but its significant population means it only ranks 15th on the list. Newham is the London borough that can boast the best record for producing England squad members, with 14 selections including Sol Campbell and Jimmy Greaves.

A spokesperson for Bookmakers.tv said: “Manchester has dominated club football in recent years, so our findings cement the area as the true home of English football. And, if you’re hoping your child grows up to play for their country, best move out of Norfolk or the West Midlands before it’s too late!”

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Club Business 2021 announced As the club world begins reopening its doors, now is the time to embrace opportunities. Here’s one not to miss.

Club Business 2021 sees clubs and clubsupporting suppliers, seizing the opportunity to network with their peers, club associations and industry experts, all with the aim of building club business, protecting the bottom line and ensuring that members can enjoy the best possible experience as they come back to their favourite club.

The show takes place on Day 2 of the inaugural Festival of Clubs, alongside a series of events, including the Club Awards Celebratory Dinner, the Supplier Awards and workshops with our friends at the Club Managers Association of Europe as we plan

ahead, looking towards a successful 2022.

Date: 25 November, 2021 Time: 10.30-17.00 Venue: Doncaster Racecourse, Leger Way, Doncaster DN2 6BB

Clubs, associations and broadcasters tackle abuse Clubs, associations and broadcasters including BT Sport and Sky Sports, boycotted social media between 3pm on Friday, 30 April and 11.59pm on Monday, 2 May in a unified attempt to call a halt to online abuse, calling for social media companies to protect people against online discrimination.

A joint statement from English football’s governing bodies said that the boycott was a way to ‘emphasise that social media companies must do more to eradicate online hate’, while also ‘highlighting the importance of educating people’.

Clubs playing in the Women’s Championship joined the boycott, along with the Football Supporters’ Association, Professional Footballers’ Association and League Managers’ Association.

England Rugby, the RFU and the England and Wales Cricket Board were also among the many sporting bodies to show strong solidarity.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Social media can play a very positive role in sport, widening its audience and connecting fans with their heroes in a way that was never possible before.

However, players and supporters alike must be able to use these platforms safe in the knowledge they do not risk the prospect of facing appalling abuse.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “There have been abuses both on the pitch and on social media. This is unacceptable and needs to be stopped, with the help of the public and legislative authorities and the social media giants.”

For more details on Club Business 2021 and to register your interest in attending, email info@clubmirror.com or call 01753 272022. Activities are complimentary to Club Football readers.

UK Sport launches inspiring mission UK Sport has unveiled a new strategic plan which is guided by a mission to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments, reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation. As part of the new plan, UK Sport has published the nation’s international event-hosting aspirations for the next decade, from the 2030 FIFA World Cup to over 40 World Championships from sports such as boxing and athletics to wheelchair rugby and taekwondo.

The list includes 97 events across 44 sports and spans 46 World Championships.

Collectively, said UK Sport. They represent a potential boost to the UK economy of close to £7bn (6.83bn), attracting over 13m fans with 95% of the UK population living within two hours of a hosting venue.

Results announced for Upward Club Movement The Upward Club Movement process within the Women’s Football Pyramid, which was opened via application in April, has now been determined by the Women’s Football Board following the curtailment of the 2020-21 season in Tiers 3-6.

All clubs participating in Tiers 3 to 6 (inclusive) of the Women’s Pyramid were permitted to apply for upward movement, with successful clubs moving into the

league or division immediately above the Tier in which they currently operate.

As a result, FA Women’s National League Northern Premier side Sunderland and FA

Women’s National League Southern Premier side Watford have been successful in applying for upward movement and will compete in the FA Women’s Championship next season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighouse Town will move up into Tier 3 (FA WNL Northern Premier), along with Southampton FC and Ipswich Town (FA WNL Southern Premier).

Festival of Clubs 2021 launches November 24-26, 2021 – join us for a celebration of clubland

With events now back on the hospitality agenda, we’re excited to announce the launch of the first ever Festival of Clubs, a series of events built around the prestigious annual Club Awards.

For decades the Club Awards have created a unique opportunity for clubs to come together under one roof and to celebrate the best in the business. The last event saw nearly 700 guests enjoy meeting friends and industry peers with an

unparalleled night of food, drink and entertainment.

Sadly due to the pandemic, like all events, they didn’t happen in 2020, so we’re making up for it in 2021 with the latest launch from the Club Mirror stable, the inaugural Festival of Clubs.

The festival brings together a series of events across Clubland, from awards, lunches and dinners to the all-new Club Business 2021 trade show and businessbuilding workshops.

These will take place over three days bringing together clubs, associations and suppliers, all coming together to network, celebrate and to join together to help the sector bounce back after lockdown.

Plans are being put together in conjunction with the current Government guidelines for events coming out of lockdown.

BT Sport –calling all club footballers Clubs with a football following are invited to join up with their local pub to enter players into the 2021 BT Sport Pub Cup. A total of 80 pub teams will be drawn to take part in the competition – 64 men’s and 16 women’s – with regional semi-final tournaments taking place in the North and the South.

The winners of the seven-a-side tournaments will progress to have the chance to play at Wembley in the 90,000 capacity stadium.

Shane Coates-Jarman, licensee of the 2019 men’s champions CJs of Nuneaton, said: “We have fantastic memories and the lads loved it. They can’t wait to get together again to defend the title. They are so excited because it’s a dream to get to play

• Club Act of the Year • Club Mirror Raceday (restrictions permitting) • Updates will be posted on www.clubmirror.com and sent out via twitter

Suppor ted

by

All for charity Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, was launched in October 2019, created by the merger of specialist support and information charity Breast Cancer Care and research charity Breast Cancer Now.

The team from CJ’s won the 2019 title at Newcastle in a hard-fought 4-3 battle at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

somewhere like Wembley. We can’t wait.”

Deadline: June 18, 2021 Click here for more details or use this QR code.

Budweiser predicts ‘summer of sport’ for clubs Budweiser Brewing Group is predicting 618 million pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the on-trade reopens and international sport returns.

The brewer’s research shows that TV sporting occasions are a huge sales driver for venues, boosting footfall, frequency and spend. Sport fans spend 90 minutes longer in the bar than the average customer and boost rate of sales by 10%.

Events are set to include: • Club Awards Celebratory Dinner • Supplier Awards • Club Business 2021 • Club workshops • Beer Festival • Club Association Lunch • Hospitality Social Media Awards

• See pages 36-37in this issue for more details.

Put a spring in your step this month with friends and family and organise your own sponsored walk, says Breast Cancer Now. Choose your distance – before you start, have a think about how long you want the walk to be. Long walk or step counting – don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Go for something that you’ll be proud of when it’s all said and done.

Pick the place – location is important, and the best part about a walking challenge is it’s all up to you.

Go for something sentimental – maybe a stroll through where you grew up, or maybe something based on the sights you’ll see along the way. Remember, we’re always here to help you plan it out and make it happen.

Track it – finding out how far you’ve gone or how many steps you’ve done has never been easier. Strava is a great app for a walking challenge – it tracks how far you’ve walked and how many steps you’ve

taken in real time. And it’s free, too!

Look the part – don’t forget your Breast Cancer Now t-shirt! Let us know you’d like one at community@breastcancernow.org, and we’ll send it through to you to wear on the day. Good luck!

Shout about it – make sure you share your walking challenge all over social media. Tell people what you’re doing, and share your JustGiving page so they can donate. On the day, tell everyone how far you’ve gone – screenshots showing your distance walked are always great!

• https://breastcancernow.org/getinvolved CLUB FOOTBALL 7

NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM

Discover the best kept secret in UK sport You don’t have to be a football fan to have heard of Manchester United, Manchester City or Liverpool. Not so Bowers & Pitney, Hornchurch, Witton Albion and the thousand-plus others from Hadrian’s Wall to Land’s End that make up one of the best kept secrets in sport. Mark Harris Chairman, Northern Premier League, explains.

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arely written about and often unknown outside of their own villages, towns and cities, clubs in the National League System (NLS) nevertheless play an essential role in their local communities.

The NLS is the umbrella term for the six levels of the English football pyramid below the English Football League (EFL), often dubbed ‘non-league’, despite every club belonging to one of 57 leagues across the country.

The NLS pyramid The NLS pyramid is unique in the world of football.

It enables any ambitious team to progress from parks football to the Premier League if they have the drive, facilities, and finance to do so.

There is a single division at the apex of the pyramid, with the number of divisions doubling at each level downwards to Step 6. Promotion and relegation between the different steps are mandatory, with two clubs being promoted and relegated between Step 1 and League 2 every year.

Different leagues manage the levels of the NLS. Each is autonomous but sanctioned by, and under the auspices of the Football Association (FA), supervised by the FA’s Alliance Committee (for Steps 1 – 4) and Leagues Committee (for Steps 5 – 6). For example, Steps 1 and 2 are managed by the National League, whilst Steps 3 and 4 comprise regional competitions – the Northern Premier, Isthmian and Southern leagues, known collectively as the Trident Leagues.

The different levels of the English football pyramid can be confusing. The Premier League is the top tier of English football, so Step 1 of the NLS is the fifth tier; Step 2 is the sixth, and so on. We should probably standardise, but it sounds a lot better to say your club is playing at Step 3 than in the seventh tier!

Non-league myths Most clubs who fall through the EFL trap door into the NLS look at their predecessors and shudder.

After all, it took Barrow almost half a century to regain Football League status after dropping out in 1972. Southport, Workington, Bradford Park Avenue

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and, more recently, York City, are still trying.

A spell in non-league can help turn clubs’ fortunes around. Bristol Rovers, Colchester United, Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town are examples of clubs who accepted they were playing at a lower level, brushed themselves down, got on with the business of winning promotion – and succeeded.

In times past, the main difference between professional football and non-league was that professionals got paid and no-league plays did it for the love of the game. This was always a fallacy but nowadays the distinction is even more blurred.

Most National League clubs are full-time, and whilst all players at Steps 2 and below are part-time, some clubs like York City (National League North), South Shields (Northern Premier League and others have also gone full time in search of promotion to the higher levels of the pyramid.

Laying solid foundations Although, sadly, money plays a big part in foot-

balling success at all levels, there is more to professionalism than money.

The majority of NLS clubs may only get 100 fans attending games but they are often vibrant businesses. All clubs at Steps 1 – 4 are licensed to operate annually by the FA. They are required to demonstrate their viability via regular financial up-dates.

They also have to up-grade stadium facilities as they progress upwards through the leagues.

Thanks to financial support from the FA via the Football Foundation, hundreds of clubs have invested heavily in their facilities, up-grading spectator areas, installing 4G pitches and supporting infrastructure to generate additional income.

In the NLS, twice-weekly games are just the tip of the operating iceberg. The Northern Premier League’s 81 clubs have around 3,000 adult, junior, women’s and disabled teams. Soccer schools, mental health initiatives and food banks are just a few examples of community engagement taking place now. Over 90% of our clubs have attained FA

South Shields Captain Robert Briggs signs a two-year contract extension. The 29-year-old was able to commit to the club’s full-time training regime thanks to the flexibility of his other employer.

“

Soccer schools, mental health initiatives and food banks are just a few examples of community engagement. Over 90% of our clubs have attained FA Charter Standard status, which recognises the role those clubs play in their local communities.

”

Charter Standard status, which recognises the role those clubs play in their local communities.

Unique fan experience The collapse of the European Super League, thanks to a combination of government intervention, the FA taking a firm stance and, above all, football fans collectively making their opposition clear, highlights why hundreds of thousands of people watch NLS fixtures.

The owners of the ESL clubs showed how disconnected they are with their fans. In non-league football, no club owner or director can afford to ignore their fans – quite literally.

Whilst Premier League income through turnstiles and secondary spend from paying spectators makes up 20 – 25% of gross revenues, at Step 2 of the NLS downwards, fans contribute around 90% of all income.

Outside Steps 1 and 2 there is no TV money to be shared, so food and beverage sales often make the difference between losing money and breaking even.

Social clubs and bars are the focal point of every non-league club, second in importance only to the pitch!

Enjoying a sensibly priced pie and pint in safe surroundings, mingling with the players after the game and feeling part of an extended family are all part of the unique fan experience in the NLS. After all, if Liverpool’s Mo Salah misses a sitter, most fans can’t approach him afterwards to find out how. At our level of the game, you can.

It remains to be seen whether supporter disillusionment at the top level of the game translates into supporters turning instead to non-league football.

But there is no doubt that it is a safer and significantly cheaper alternative.

NLS post-pandemic Like the local communities they serve, NLS clubs have been hit hard by the pandemic. Both the 2019/20 and 2020/21easons were curtailed.

Government regulations meant no paying fans

York City Football Club announces pre-season friendlies with Whitby Town and Championship side Middlesbrough. could be admitted to matches, thereby cutting off clubs’ primary income source. Live streaming of matches only generates a fraction of income from turnstiles and can never generate the same level of F&B income.

When the new season kicks off on 14 August this year, the vaccination programme will hopefully enable us to mount a full season with limited interruption. Like the rest of the hospitality sector, we can’t wait to get fans back into our stadia – and not just for financial reasons.

Fans are an essential part of the football product, and never more so than in the NLS. Thanks to social media, there is no shortage of keyboard warriors who believe that every stage of the pandemic should have been predicted and managed differently. That was never the problem.

The real challenge lay in trying to predict the government’s response to COVID-19. So, what are we doing to make things better?

Witton Albion’s pre 2021/22 NPL Season kicks off on Saturday 24 July against Northwich Victoria.

As administrators, we can put contingency plans in place, but there are so many factors that can impact on whether our clubs can stage football matches safely. In the meantime, we will encourage our clubs to maintain Coronavirus protocols and do all we can to keep fans, players, volunteers, and everybody who loves non-league football safe.

Bristol Rovers got on with the business of winning promotion and succeeded. This month, Under-16s playmaker Kyrie Pierre join Aston Villa in a record fee for the club’s Academy.

CLUB FOOTBALL 9

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HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS

Top tips for boosting trade after club reopenings Heineken UK has commissioned research into the on-trade’s biggest concerns and challenges around the reopening of their venues across the UK. Here, the brewer shares its findings.

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ootball clubs across the UK are determined make up for lost lockdown time as they welcome back members back through the club doors.

Outdoor areas have of course proved invaluable, in the run up to lockdown lift-off, but being able to open the club doors is a landmark moment.

Recent research from Heineken UK may provide some key pointers on boosting trade in the coming months.

According to the research’s findings, there are three main challenges which will be concerning clubs and their hospitality colleagues. These are: attracting new custom (20%), retaining current customers (18%) and managing costs (17%).

To this end, Heineken UK has put together the top-line advice for ‘future proofing’ your club, whether you’ve already re-opened or are still in the planning stages of throwing open the doors again.

Attracting new people Even the most successful of clubs are keen to bring

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new members into their venues.

Heineken recommends having a digital presence as the best way of helping people discover and visit your venue – especially when research shows that 87% of people search online before they choose where to spend their money.

If your club doesn't already have a website or your current one is looking a bit tired, Heineken recommends visiting Useyourlocal, which is accessible at a discounted rate via the Heineken Buying Club – one of the tools that sit within the brewer's Benefits Bar. Useyourlocal can help create a club website in just

20 minutes and once it is set up, your members can like or follow your club to receive newsletters and updates to encourage them to visit more often.

You can also integrate your social media channels into the website in order to keep your members up to date with live entertainment dates and other upcoming events.

Heineken also offers support on what type of content to share (and when) to connect with members, as well as free social media training for bar staff.

Retaining current members After reopening, the vast majority of members are undoubtedly looking forward to a perfectly poured, quality pint from their club bar, but that is just one reason of many to visit the club.

Reminding current members of all the reasons they love their club and showcasing the ways in which they will be kept safe in the post-pandemic era will boost confidence and encourage them back into your venue.

This includes such things as displaying social distancing signage and sanitising tables regularly, to hosting fun events like quizzes, bingo sessions or meat draw nights.

Re-establishing these types of activities and getting members back into the swing of the regular club schedule will help drive trade during the traditionally quieter periods, rather than the club having to rely so heavily on the weekend trade.

Heineken has created its POS Direct service to help in this regard, so its customers can access professional point of sale and digital assets, from safety and reopening POS to personalised events and promotions.

Meanwhile, Heineken points to recent research

which found that 42% of consumers are excited to try new drinks brands and 37% plan to make their on-trade visits more special by choosing more premium drinks.

Managing costs From equipment to utilities, running a club isn’t cheap – and now more than ever you’ll want to make financial savings where you can.

Simple measures like introducing more energyefficient light bulbs and better insulation for boilers and pipes can help to chip away at running costs.

Reviewing your club's supplier base is always an opportunity to ensure you continue to get value for money, although this can take time to fully research and negotiate with suppliers.

Upgrading outdoor space Heineken’s research also revealed that venues with outside space can benefit from upgrading their outdoor facilities.

First impressions are everything; you can drive footfall and promote dwell time with a smart, clean environment.

Simple housekeeping like pressure washing the path up to your entrance or adding flowers and benches will make your space attractive to members and shows you care about safety and hygiene.

If you have the necessary funds, it might also be worth investing in coverings, lighting and heating to weather-proof your space and encourage people to stay longer.

• www.heineken.co.uk

CLUB FOOTBALL 11

<

Score 50% off BT Sport With Budweiser Brewing Group.

Simply add a draught Budweiser Brewing Group Brand to your bar to qualify.

12 month plan. New customers only.

Call BT Sport now on

0800 917 3196

BT Sport on 12 month contract: This offer is available, at BT’s discretion, to customers who have qualified for the BT/BBG Additional BBG Brand Offer or the BT/BBG New Customer Offer before 30th June 2021.

This will be applied following confirmation that your additional BBG brand has been installed. Customers who take this offer must sign up to BT Sport Total with a 12 month minimum contractual period. If you terminate the service during the minimum period, you may incur early termination charges. If you are a Pub, Golf Club or club affiliated to Corca your subscription charges will be based on the rateable value of your premises. Please call to confirm your rateable value and BT Sport subscription price. Not available in conjunction with any other offers other than those mentioned above. This offer is subject to BT’s Agreement for BT Sport – Commercial Premises (Single Premises) which can be found at business.bt.com/terms/#sport, BT/BBG New BT Sport Customer Offer.

(Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

UEFA EURO 2020

Football’s coming home Wembley Stadium will be at the centre of the sporting universe this summer as the 24 competing nations aim for a place in the final of UEFA EURO 2020 on July 11. Club Football looks at the three teams who will be carrying British hopes in the tournament.

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t’s a fair bet that Skinner and Baddiel’s seminal football anthem Three Lions is going to be getting some serious airplay on the nation’s radio stations this summer with football very much set to come home as the delayed 2020 European Championships kick off on June 11 and reaches its climax a month later under the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium.

Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales will be expecting a major boost to trade as their national sides take part in the 24-team tournament which will play out in venues across 11 countries.

At the time of writing, it is England who are among the bookies’ favourites to lift the trophy on July 11 and secure a major title for the first time since 1966, a scenario which seems all the more likely given that they will be playing the majority of their games at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed a near-perfect record qualifying for the tournament – their only defeat coming in October 2019 when they slumped to a 2-1 loss against Czech Republic – and they look to have a very effective blend of talent at their disposal.

Their top scorer in the qualifiers was Tottenham’s Harry Kane and England fans will be hoping that the talismanic Spurs striker and national captain will remain fit throughout the tournament and build on his inspirational showing at the 2018 World Cup. The man himself is certainly looking forward to leading the Three Lions in the Euros and believes that the team will receive a major boost from the form shown by English teams in Europe this season.

“We have a lot of English players playing at the top of their game,” said Kane. “That should only help us as a national side. You want them getting exposed

to the biggest games around the world.”

“Our group has grown stronger year by year.

We’ve got a good mix of experience and young talent and it’s important to have that, especially in a tournament environment.

“I’m sure Gareth has got a bit of a headache of who to pick but that’s what we want. We want competition for places and that’s the only way we’re going to be one of the best teams in the world.

“We had a great World Cup in 2018. We didn’t quite get over the line, so with the players we’ve got and the manager and the group of staff it’s a great opportunity for us and we’re excited for the challenge. We know it will be difficult but we’ve got enough ability to try and take it all the way.”

England – who face Croatia, Czech Republic and Scotland in Group D – will be on familiar territory for much of the tournament. The Three Lions are

CLUB FOOTBALL 13

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UEFA EURO 2020 the top seeds in the group and all three of their games take place at Wembley.

They certainly get off to an intriguing start to the tournament as they take on Croatia, who knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup in the semifinals. They will then face Scotland in a highly-anticipated meeting, before rounding off the group stage against Czech Republic.

If they top their group, they will meet the runnersup of Group F – Portugal, Germany, France or Hungary – at Wembley in the Round of 16.

If England finish second in their group, they will take on the winners of Group E, one of Spain, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia.

There is another possibility for England – they could progress from the group stages as one of the six best third-placed teams.

Whichever route they take, England are sure to have a massive groundswell of support behind them as they progress.

Scotland As for England’s Group D opponents Scotland, this will be just the third time they have reached the finals of the European Championships, following on from 1992 and 1996 when they were eliminated during the group stages – and this is the first major championship they have been involved in since the 1998 World Cup. There were many edge-of-seat moments before they could qualify – including penalty shootouts in both the play-off semi-final and final – but this gave way to mass euphoria when Steve Clarke’s men successfully booked their place at Euro 2020.

One of the key men for Scotland has been Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn who was in fine form for his country during the Euro qualifiers and has carried on in the same vein in the more recent World Cup qualifiers.

McGinn believes that taking part in Euro 2020 could be a springboard to even greater achievements.

“The excitement is a good thing but the manager stresses that we don’t want it to be a one-off,” he said.

“The manager was stressing that we don’t want to be one-tournament wonders and we all share the same belief.

“When the manager came in we just wanted to give the country a team to be proud of, we are not quite there yet but we are certainly building towards it.”

“I think there has been anticipation building, we had to be professional and focus on these three World Cup qualifiers but it has been tough, we all have our eyes on something we have dreamed about for a long time, not only for us as players but as supporters, everyone involved.

“We are just keeping everything crossed that things can develop, the vaccine can keep charging on and we can get some supporters in.

“I know a lot of Scotland fans who travel everywhere and have experienced so much disappointment and so many near misses so it is more for them and for us as well.”

Scotland’s tournament begins on June 14 at the home of Scottish football – Hampden Park – where

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Scotland host Croatia, before they make the trip to Wembley to face England on June 18 in a match which will rekindle memories of the fiery Euro ‘96 clash between the two rivals at the same venue.

The Scots then return to Hampden on June 22 to play Croatia, as they look to book a place in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Wales Wales complete the triumvirate of British nations taking their rightful place on the big stage this summer and have a lot to live up to given their heroics in Euro 2016 when they reached the semi-finals where they were beaten 2-0 by eventual champions Portugal.

It has not been the smoothest of build-ups to the

“

If England finish second in their group, they take on the winners of Group E, one of Spain, Poland, Sweden or Slovakia. Another possibility – they could progress from the group stages as one of the six best thirdplaced teams.

tournament with manager Ryan Giggs replaced due to his ongoing legal issues by Robert Page but confidence will be high given the quality of the squad available for the tournament.

Unlike England and Scotland, Wales will not enjoy any home comforts during the group stages with two of the games taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan and one in Rome in Group A. “From the staff’s point of view, we’re fully focused on what’s ahead and we’re all looking forward to it,” said Page. “It’s a great opportunity for the boys to compete against the best in Europe and show what we’re capable of doing.”

“We have set a high bar from before and of course we want to match that, so we want to just continue along this path.

“We have got a couple of tough friendlies, against France and Albania in June, and some great camps coming up to get us all together. Mentally and physically they will all be ready.”

Wales’ fortunes in the tournament will undoubtedly rely heavily on their star players performing.

Inevitably, the media spotlight will be on superstar Gareth Bale, who will be expected to put aside a fairly unsettled period at Spurs under now-sacked manager Jose Mourinho and turn on the style for his country.

Wales open their Euro 2020 account against Switzerland in Baku on June 12, then take on Turkey four days later before heading to Rome for a showdown with Italy on June 20.

Italy will undoubtedly be the favourites to top the group, especially given their home advantage in all three group games, but Wales have every chance of progressing to the knockout stages, particularly if they can recapture the indomitable spirit they showed in 2016.

Whichever teams reach the showpiece final on July 11, the delayed Euro 2020 is sure to provide plenty of entertainment and drama for club members this summer. Altogether now: “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, football’s coming home!”

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UEFA EURO 2020

Players to watch One of the pleasures of major tournaments such as the Euros is the chance to spot Premier League players performing for their national sides. Club Football profiles six players who could catch the eye in June and July.

ENGLAND Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) The England captain has become a talismanic figure for the national side and is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in club colours, despite the well-publicised problems experienced by Spurs over recent months. Winner of the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, England fans will be hoping that Kane’s rumoured wish to head to another club will not distract him from the job in hand.

The 27 year old has not only been in scintillating goal-scoring form – he is currently on course to finish the domestic season as the Premier League’s top scorer – but has also demonstrated genuine creativity, threading inch-perfect cross through to team-mates Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn.

Given his global reputation, Kane is sure to receive plenty of attention from defenders during the tournament, but the centre-forward appears to be far more robust this season than in previous years.

Kane will be desperate to get his hands on the trophy this summer after the disappointment of England’s semi-final defeat in the last World Cup and will be straining every sinew to lead his men to glory at Wembley.

SCOTLAND Andy Robertson (Liverpool) It hasn’t been a vintage season for the Reds but Robertson has never let his standards drop. No wonder then that the left-back has been an almost ever-present in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.

Admittedly, his statistics are not as stellar this time around as during the last season when Robertson’s ability to press forward and supply his strike force with perfectly placed balls was a key factor in Liverpool’s Premier League title win, contributing two goals and 12 assists during the season.

Having performed at the highest level for his club, Robertson will relish the chance to appear for his country in a major tournament and has been an inspirational figure for Scotland since making his debut back in 2014 with an eye-catching appearing off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Poland.

Robertson further cemented his place in the Scotland team by scoring his first international goal in a friendly against England at Celtic Park in November of that year scoring Scotland’s only goal as they were beaten 3–1.

Robertson was duly appointed as Scotland captain by then manager Alex McLeish in 2018 and has continued to impress with his work rate, passing skill and ability to motivate his teammates.

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UEFA EURO 2020 WALES Daniel James (Manchester United) Regarded as a star of the future, Daniel James has been enjoying life during his debut season in the Premier League having cut his professional teeth at Swansea City. The 23-year-old winger signed for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in June 2019 and has become an established squad player in a highly competitive environment.

Stats junkies will know that, in February, he scored United’s Premier League record-equalling goal in the 9–0 home win against Southampton.

James received his first senior call-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Serbia in 2017 by manager Chris Coleman and subsequently made his full Wales debut under Coleman’s successor, Ryan Giggs, in a match against Albania in November 2018, playing the first 58 minutes of the game.

James scored his first Wales goal in only his second cap, netting the only goal of the game in the opening minutes against Slovakiain in his competitive home debut.

Welsh fans will be expecting James to make a giant leap forward during the summer.

ITALY Jorginho (Chelsea) It is unfortunate that Brazilian-born Italy midfielder Jorginho was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in May when his schoolboy error in the Premier League clash against Arsenal gifted the game to the Gunners. It was a fairly uncharacteristic mistake from

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a man who has been in excellent form for the Blues this season and who was instrumental in helping his team make it to the UEFA Champions League Final.

He arrived at Stamford Bridge from Italy back in 2018 on a £50 million transfer and has settled into his versatile role in the squad. Making his international debut for Italy in 2016, Jorginho failed to make the

squad for Euro 2016 and with Italy failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, he will be aiming to make an impact in his first major tournament for his adopted country.

The 29 year old is a specialist penalty taker, a skill that will undoubtedly come into play during the upcoming tournament.

DENMARK Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City) Schmeichel has almost become part of the furniture at the King Power Stadium such is the Denmark goalkeeper’s loyalty to Leicester City where he has been for the past 10 years. Now 34, Schmeichel continues to be a steadying force for the Foxes during what has been an excellent season for the men from the East Midlands. He was also a rock for Denmark during the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, most notably in his man-of-the-match performance in the key win against Switzerland back in 2019.

Previous to that, Schmeichel was in fine form during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he started in three group stage matches. His clean sheet in the opening match contributed to a Man of the Match award and helped Schmeichel set a new record for minutes without conceding a goal for Denmark, surpassing his father Peter’s record.

During the Round of 16 match against Croatia, Schmeichel was named Man of the Match after saving a penalty kick taken by Luka Modric in extratime and two penalties during the subsequent shootout, although his opposing counterpart Danijel Subasic saved three penalties in that shootout to eliminate Denmark.

In what will be his last major tournament for his country, Schmeichel will be going all-out to help Denmark challenge for the title.

FRANCE Paul Pogba (Manchester United) World Champions France have plenty of talent at their disposal and will be among the favourites to win the title. Among their dazzling stars is Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, who while much criticised in

the UK and France, looks to be hitting peak form just in time for the Euros. Pogba is certain to feature in United’s Europa League Final plans and will then have the chance to show his creativity for his country on the European stage. An integral part of the squad which finished as runners-up in Euro 2016

and then World Cup winners in 2018, Pogba played exceptionally well throughout both previous tournaments, indeed scoring in the 4-2 World Cup Final win over Croatia. Fans of Les Bleus will be hoping that the midfielder is back to his best during the summer to spearhead another success for France.

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UEFA EURO 2020

EURO 2020 – fixture facts UEFA EURO 2020 is set to be one of the most important sporting events ever for clubs and their members, coming as it does so soon after lockdown lift-off. Is your club ready for the action?

Make sure your club is the go-to venue for all of these fixtures. Have a great tournament!

Date

Time (GMT)

Team

Team

Stage

Venue

11 June

20:00

Turkey

Italy

Group A

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

12 June

14:00

Wales

Switzerland

Group A

Olympic Stadium, Baku

12 June

17:00

Denmark

Finland

Group B

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

12 June

20:00

Belgium

Russia

Group B

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

13 June

17:00

Austria

North Macedonia

Group C

13 June

20:00

Netherlands

Ukraine

Group C

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

13 June

14:00

England

Croatia

Group D

Wembley Stadium, London

14 June

14:00

Scotland

Czech Republic

Group D

Hampden Park, Glasgow

14 June

17:00

Poland

Slovakia

Group E

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

14 June

20:00

Spain

Sweden

Group E

San Mamés, Bilbao

15 June

17:00

Hungary

Portugal

Group F

Puskás Aréna, Budapest

15 June

20:00

France

Germany

Group F

Allianz Arena, Munich

16 June

17:00

Turkey

Wales

Group A

Olympic Stadium, Baku

16 June

20:00

Italy

Switzerland

Group A

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

16 June

14:00

Finland

Russia

Group B

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

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Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă

Date

Time (GMT)

Team

Team

Stage

Venue

17 June

17:00

Denmark

Belgium

Group B

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

17 June

14:00

Ukraine

North Macedonia

Group C

17 June

20:00

Netherlands

Austria

Group C

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

18 June

17:00

Croatia

Czech Republic

Group D

Hampden Park, Glasgow

18 June

20:00

England

Scotland

Group D

Wembley Stadium, London

18 June

14:00

Sweden

Slovakia

Group E

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

19 June

20:00

Spain

Poland

Group E

San Mamés, Bilbao

19 June

14:00

Hungary

France

Group F

Allianz Arena, Munich

19 June

17:00

Portugal

Germany

Group F

Puskás Aréna, Budapest

20 June

17:00

Switzerland

Turkey

Group A

Olympic Stadium, Baku

20 June

17:00

Italy

Wales

Group A

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

21 June

17:00

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Group C

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

21 June

20:00

Russia

Denmark

Group B

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

21 June

20:00

Finland

Belgium

Group B

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

21 June

17:00

Ukraine

Austria

Group C

22 June

20:00

Croatia

Scotland

Group D

Hampden Park, Glasgow

22 June

20:00

Czech Republic

England

Group D

Wembley Stadium, London

23 June

17:00

Sweden

Poland

Group E

Aviva Stadium, Dublin

23 June

17:00

Slovakia

Spain

Group E

San Mamés, Bilbao

23 June

20:00

Portugal

France

Group F

Puskás Aréna, Budapest

23 June

20:00

Germany

Hungary

Group F

Allianz Arena, Munich

26 June

17:00

Runner-up Group A

Runner-up Group B

R16 Match 38

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

26 June

20:00

Winner Group A

Runner-up Group C

R16 Match 37

Wembley Stadium, London

27 June

17:00

Winner Group C

Third Group D/E/F

R16 Match 40

Puskás Aréna, Budapest

27 June

20:00

Winner Group B

Third Group A/D/E/F

R16 Match 39

San Mamés, Bilbao

28 June

17:00

Runner-up Group D

Runner-up Group E

R16 Match 42

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

28 June

20:00

Winner Group F

Third Group A/B/C

R16 Match 41

29 June

17:00

Winner Group D

Runner-up Group F

R16 Match 44

29 June

20:00

Winner Group E

Third Group A/B/C/D

R16 Match 43

Hampden Park, Glasgow

2 July

17:00

Winner Match 41

Winner Match 42

QF Match 45

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

2 July

20:00

Winner Match 39

Winner Match 37

QF Match 46

Allianz Arena, Munich

3 July

17:00

Winner Match 40

Winner Match 38

QF Match 47

Olympic Stadium, Baku

3 July

20:00

Winner Match 43

Winner Match 44

QF Match 48

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

6 July

20:00

Winner Match 46

Winner Match 45

SF Match 49

Wembley Stadium, London

7 July

20:00

Winner Match 48

Winner Match 47

SF Match 50

Wembley Stadium, London

11 July

20:00

Winner Match 49

Winner Match 50

Final

Wembley Stadium, London

Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă

Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă

Arena Naționala, Bucharest ă Aviva Stadium, Dublin

CLUB FOOTBALL 19

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UEFA EURO 2020

Contenders ready Will there be a new name on the Euros trophy come July 11? We profile the 24 teams who will be competing for the title this summer.

Group A Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland.

TURKEY Qualifying record: P10; W7; D2; L1; F18; A3 Qualifying top scorer: Cenk Tosun (5) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2008) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Senol Günes Fun fact: Turkey have qualified for five of the last seven EUROs, having made it to the finals for the first time in 1996.

ITALY Qualifying record: P10;W10; D0; L0; F37; A4 Qualifying top scorer: Andrea Belotti (5) UEFA EURO best: winners (1968) UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 6-5 to Germany on penalties after 1-1 draw Coach: Roberto Mancini Fun Fact: Italy’s EURO qualifying campaign ended with a 9-1 win against Armenia in Palermo.

It was their national-record 11th straight victory, and gave them ten wins in a calendar year for the first time. One more goal and it would also have matched their biggest victory ever: 9-0 against the United States in 1948.

WALES Qualifying record: P8; W4; D2; L2; F10; A6 Qualifying top scorers: Gareth Bale (2), Kieffer Moore (2), Aaron Ramsey (2) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: semi-finals, lost 2-0 to Portugal Coach: Robert Page Fun Fact: Founded in 1876, the Football Association of Wales is the third-oldest national association in world football, behind England (1863) and Scotland (1873).

SWITZERLAND Qualifying record: P8; W5; D2; L1; F19; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Cédric Itten (3) UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 5-4 on penalties to Poland after 1-1 draw Coach: Vladimir Petković Fun Fact: Switzerland have successfully

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Portugal, jubilant winners of the 2016 tournament. negotiated every group stage under Petković but are yet to win a knockout match: at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, EURO 2016 and the UEFA Nations League.

Group B Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia DENMARK Qualifying record: P8; W4; D4; L0; F23; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Christian Eriksen (5) UEFA EURO best: winners (1992) UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Kasper Hjulmand Fun Fact: Denmark failed to qualify for EURO ‘92 but were drafted in ten days before it started after Yugoslavia were excluded.

FINLAND Qualifying record: P10; W6; D0; L4; F16; A10 Qualifying top scorer: Teemu Pukki (10) UEFA EURO best: N/A UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Markku Kanerva Fun Fact: The Finland national team nickname is ‘Huuhkajat’ which translates as the Eagle-Owls.

BELGIUM Qualifying record: P10; W10; D0; L0; F40; A3 Qualifying top scorer: Romelu Lukaku (7)

UEFA EURO best: runners-up (1980) UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 3-1 to Wales Coach: Roberto Martínez Fun Fact: Belgium are currently top of the FIFA rankings and are priced at 11/2 to win the title by bookmakers William Hill and Paddy Power.

RUSSIA Qualifying record: P10; W8; D0; L2; F33; A8 Qualifying top scorer: Artem Dzyuba (9) UEFA EURO best: winner (1960, as USSR), semifinals (2008) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Stanislav Cherchesov Fun Fact: Russia have not won in five EURO finals games. Their last win was a 4-1 victory over Czech Republic in their UEFA EURO 2012 opener.

Group C Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia.

NETHERLANDS Qualifying record: P8; W6; D1; L1; F24; A7 Qualifying top scorer: Georginio Wijnaldum (8) UEFA EURO best: winners (1988) UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Frank de Boer Fun Fact: The Dutch missed out on EURO 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. It is their longest absence from major finals since the mid-1980s –

when they marked their return by winning EURO ‘88.

UKRAINE Qualifying record: P8; W6; D2; L0; F17; A4 Qualifying top scorer: Roman Yaremchuk (4) European Cup best: group stage (2012, 2016) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Andriy Shevchenko Fun Fact: This is the first time Ukraine have qualified for a EURO directly although they make it as co-hosts in 2012, and beat Slovenia in the play-offs to reach the 2016 event.

AUSTRIA Qualifying record: P10; W6; D1; L3; F19; A9 Qualifying top scorer: Marko Arnautovi? (6) UEFA EURO best: group stage (2008, 2016) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Franco Foda Fun Fact: Austria’s last victory at a major finals was when they beat the United States 2-1 at the 1990 World Cup. NORTH MACEDONIA Qualifying record: P10; W4; D2; L4; F12; A13 Play-offs: Kosovo (h) 2-1, Georgia (a) 1-0 Qualifying top scorer: Eljif Elmas (4) UEFA EURO best: N/A UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Igor Angelovski Fun Fact: North Macedonia’s third place was their highest finish in any of the 13 qualifying groups they have contested since independence (though their play-off spot came via the UEFA Nations League).

SCOTLAND Qualifying record: P10; W5; D0; L5; F16; A19 Play-offs: Israel (h) 0-0, 5-3 pens; Serbia (a) 1-1, 54 pens Qualifying top scorer: John McGinn (7) UEFA EURO best: group stage (1992, 1996) UEFA EURO 2016: did not qualify Coach: Steve Clarke Fun Fact: Scotland also faced England at Wembley at their last EURO finals in 1996.

CZECH REPUBLIC Qualifying record: P8; W5; D0; L3; F13; A11 Qualifying top scorer: Patrik Schick (4) UEFA EURO best: winners (1976, as Czechoslovakia) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Jaroslav Šilhavý Fun Fact: Czech Republic are ever-present at the UEFA European Championship as an independent nation, reaching seven successive final tournaments.

Group E Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia SPAIN Qualifying record: P10; W8; D2; L0; F31; A5 Qualifying top scorer: Álvaro Morata, Sergio Ramos, Rodrigo (4) UEFA EURO best: winners (1964, 2008, 2012) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 2-0 to Italy Coach: Luis Enrique Fun Fact: Spain are the only team to have successfully defended the EURO title, having won tournaments in 2008 and 2012.

Group D England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic.

ENGLAND Qualifying record: P8; W7; D0; L1; F37; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Harry Kane (12) UEFA EURO best: third place (1968) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 2-1 to Iceland Coach: Gareth Southgate Fun Fact: The Three Lions went 43 successive European Championship and World Cup qualifiers without defeat until October 2019’s loss to Czech Republic.

CROATIA Qualifying record: P8; W5; D2; L1; F17; A7 Qualifying top scorer: Bruno Petkovi? (4) UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (1996, 2008) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 1-0 aet to Portugal Coach: Zlatko Dalić Fun Fact: Croatia climbed 122 places in the FIFA rankings from 125th to third between 1994 and 1999.

SWEDEN Qualifying record: P10; W6; D3; L1; F23; A9 Qualifying top scorer: Robin Quaison (5) UEFA EURO best: semi-finals (1992) UEFA EURO 2016: group stage Coach: Janne Andersson Fun Fact: In 1992, hosts Sweden won a group ahead of England, France and eventual victors Denmark before being edged out 3-2 by Germany in the semis.

POLAND Qualifying record: P10; W8; D1; L1; F18; A5 Qualifying top scorer: Robert Lewandowski (6) UEFA EURO best: quarter-finals (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: quarter-finals, lost 5-3 to Portugal on penalties after 1-1 draw Coach: Paulo Sousa Fun Fact: Jakub Błaszczykowski is Poland’s alltime EURO top scorer with three goals; Lewandowski needs one more goal to match him.

SLOVAKIA Qualifying record: P8; W4; D1; L3; F13; A11 Play-offs: Republic of Ireland (h) 0-0, 4-2 pens; Northern Ireland (a) 2-1 aet Qualifying top scorer: Róbert Boženík, Marek Hamšík, Juraj Kucka (3) UEFA EURO best: round of 16 (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 3-0 to Germany Coach: Štefan Tarkovič Fun Fact: Eight of the Czechoslovakia XI that won the 1976 final were from Slovakia.

Group F Hungary, Portugal, France, Germany HUNGARY Qualifying record: P8; W4; D0; L4; F8; A11 Play-offs: Bulgaria (a) 3-1; Iceland (h) 2-1 Qualifying top scorer: Willi Orban (3) UEFA EURO best: third place (1964) UEFA EURO 2016: round of 16, lost 4-0 to Belgium Coach: Marco Rossi Fun Fact: Hungary got to two of the first four semi-finals, in 1964 and 1972, but didn’t qualify again until 2016.

PORTUGAL Qualifying record: P8; W5; D2; L1; F22; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (11) UEFA EURO best: winners (2016) UEFA EURO 2016: winners Coach: Fernando Santos Fun Fact: October 2019’s loss to Ukraine was the first Portugal had suffered under Fernando Santos in a EURO game – qualifier or final tournament – since his appointment in September 2014. His only past defeats were in the World Cup. FRANCE Qualifying record: P10; W8; D1; L1; F25; A6 Qualifying top scorer: Olivier Giroud (6) UEFA EURO best: winners (1984, 2000) UEFA EURO 2016: finalists, lost 1-0 aet to Portugal Coach: Didier Deschamps Fun Fact: France will be appearing at their 13th straight final tournament. They haven’t missed one since the 1994 World Cup, and have reached five finals during that sequence, winning three.

GERMANY Qualifying record: P8; W7; D0; L1; F30; A7 Qualifying top scorer: Serge Gnabry (8) UEFA EURO best: winners (1972, 1980, 1996) UEFA EURO 2016: semi-finals, lost 2-0 to France Coach: Joachim Löw Fun Fact: The finals will be Germany’s 26th consecutive major tournament, namely World Cup or EURO.

CLUB FOOTBALL 21

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UEFA EURO 2020

Please note: Times shown are in Central European Time.

Deduct one hour for British Summer Time.

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CLUB FOOTBALL 23

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CLUB NEWS

Clubnews

24 CLUB FOOTBALL

Club Football takes a whirlwind tour of clubs around the country in the fastest way possible – by social media.

CLUB FOOTBALL 25

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CLUB NEWS

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CLUB FOOTBALL 27

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FESTIVAL OF CLUBS 2021

The Festival of Clubs November 24-26, 2021 With events now back on the hospitality agenda, plans for the first ever Festival of Clubs gather apace. See you there? he Festival of Clubs is a series of events, from trade shows and workshops to celebratory dinners and business-building ideas, all designed to welcome back Clubland in a safe, fun, free and invaluable three-day event, all built on the ever popular Club Awards and annual Beer Festival.

The Festival brings together clubs, associations and suppliers, all keen to network, celebrate and join together to help each other bounce back from the lates, long lockdown.

T

THE STORY SO FAR The Club Awards, owned and run by sister title Club Mirror, are the only awards serving the UK’s buoyant club sector. The eagerly awaited annual event, launched to great acclaim back in 1992, continues to represent an exclusive, rare opportunity to bring together the independent club sector and suppliers at one venue.

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AND NOW IN 2021 Due to Coronavirus, the 2020 Club Awards were unable to take place. Throughout the pandemic, clubs across the land were busy working within their communities, from setting up food banks to acting as vaccination centres. At the same time, they have been refurbishing and revamping their clubs as they prepared for the long-awaited reopening. Our annual Awards in 2021 are therefore a celebration of clubs across the land.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES INCLUDE • Club Awards Celebratory Dinner • Club Business 2021 • Supplier Awards • Club Associations Lunch • Hospitality Social Media Awards • Club Act of The Year • Workshops – planning for the future • Beer Festival (Other activities in the pipeline to be announced.)

CLUB FOOTBALL 29

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FESTIVAL OF CLUBS 2021

Club Business 2021 The inaugural Club Business Trade Show & Exhibition will see clubs and club-supporting suppliers seizing the opportunity to network with their peers, club associations and industry experts, all with the aim of building club business, protecting the bottom line and ensuring that members can enjoy the best possible experience as they come back to their favourite club.

The show takes place on Day 2 of the first-ever Festival of Clubs, where clubs and suppliers can share news, swap views and discuss latest updates on what’s on the market in an infomal setting.

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From workshops to racedays WORKSHOPS Working with the Club Managers Association of Europe and other industry experts, we’ll be presenting thought-provoking workshops and asking what’s in store for 2022, and how do we plan for it?

BEER FESTIVAL The much-loved annual Beer Festival looks forward to welcoming guests with old favourites and new brews. And there’ll be some surprises in store as well.

HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS The Hospitality Social Media Awards celebrate how social media is helping clubs and the UK hospitality sector as a whole to look after their members, customers and communities during trying times. Social Media has been a lifeline throughout 2020/2021 and now’s the time to offer the recognition that clubs, pubs, bars, hotels and restautants so richly deserve.

CLUB MIRROR RACEDAY Participating clubs, suppliers and exhibitors are invited to join us at Club Mirror’s raceday, planned for Friday, 26 November.

GOLF INVITATIONALS Linked into the Festival run up and in sunnier months, our golf societies are issuing invitationals to 2021 Festival of Clubs attendees.

CARE TO JOIN US? Whether you’d like to join in the workshops, visit Club Business 2021 or celebrate in style at the celebratory dinner, just drop the team a line and we’ll book you in. e. info@clubmirror.co.uk t.+44 (0) 1753 272022 www.clubmirror.com CLUB FOOTBALL 31

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LIVE SPORTING FIXTURES FROM

The best of Friday, June 11, 8pm – ITV

There is plenty ot top sport coming up in June, including including Wimbledon and the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament, postponed due to COVID-19.

Euro 2020: Turkey v Italy After a year-long delay due to the pandemic, the European Championship gets underway. A total of 24 teams will be playing across 51 matches in 12 cities. It all ends at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 11.

Sunday, June 6, 1pm Sky Sports F1

Sunday, June 13, 2pm BBC

F1: Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Euro 2020: England v Croatia

Held for the first time in 2017, this race is staged on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign and will be aiming for revenge having been knocked out of the 2018 World Cup by Croatia at the semi-finals stage.

Thursday, June 10, 7.45pm Sky Sports

Super League: Castleford Tigers v Hull FC

Saturday, June 26, 5pm – Sky Sports

Lions Tour: British & Irish Lions v Japan Edinburgh is the venue for this first outing of the 2020 Lions, a team composed of the best rugby union players drawn from the ranks of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The Tigers enjoyed a roaring start to their Super League campaign, winning four out of their five first matches but will face a major test against a streetwise and tough Hull side.

Friday, June 11, 7pm ITV

Euro 2020: Turkey v Italy

After a two-year hiatus, tennis returns to SW19 as the AllEngland Club hosts one of the most illustrious sporting events on the planet. British fans will be hoping that former two-time champion Andy Murray will be back to show his skills after a torrid time with injury.

Euro 2020: Scotland v Czech Republic Scotland have won their last three encounters with the Czechs, the latest victory coming in October, 2020 when they won 1-0.

Monday, June 14, 8pm BBC

Euro 2020: Spain v Sweden

The first match of the delayed Euro 2020 competition. Italy will be very wary of Turkey given their recent 4-2 victory over the Netherlands in a World Cup qualifying tie.

Spain won back-to-back Euro titles in 2008 and 2012 and will surely be a force to be reckoned with this time around, especially with veteran defender Sergio Ramos leading the team out.

Friday, June 11, 7.45pm Sky Sports

Tuesday, June 15, 1pm ITV

Super League: Leeds Rhinos v St Helens

Horse Racing: Royal Ascot – Opening Day

Another chapter in one of the most enduring rivalries in Rugby League as the Rhinos host Saints. Leeds enjoyed a perfect start to the season but Saints will be out to upset the form book.

The annual five-day sporting and social occasion gets underway in Berkshire in the presence of the Queen who arrives at the event in a procession at 2pm.

Monday, June 28, 12 noon – BBC

Tennis: Wimbledon ‘21

Monday, June 14, 2pm BBC

Saturday, June 12, 2pm ITV

Euro 2020: Wales v Switzerland Wales go into Euro 2020 with a caretaker manager in charge after incumbent Ryan Giggs was stood down in May but have a clutch of talented players at their disposal.

Tuesday, June 15, 8pm ITV

Euro 2020: France v Germany A massive game for both sides as two of the giants of world football meet in Group F. This is the most competitive pool in the competition given that the group also contains title holders Portugal and Hungary.

For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com 32 CLUB FOOTBALL

June’s live sport The UEFA EURO 2020 kicks off on June 11.

Could football be coming home?

ALSO COMING UP...

Friday, June 18, 5pm Sky Sports

Super League: Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos Saturday, June 19, 1pm ITV

Horse Racing: Royal Ascot – Day 5 Wednesday, June 23, 5pm ITV

Euro 2020: Sweden v Poland Wednesday, June 23, 8pm BBC

Euro 2020: Germany v Hungary Wednesday, June 16, 7.45pm Sky Sports

Friday, June 18, 8pm ITV

Saturday, June 26, 5pm Sky Sports Main Event/Channel 4

Wednesday, June 23, 8pm BBC

Super League: Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers

Euro 2020: England v Scotland

Rugby Union: British & Irish Lions v Japan

Euro 2020: Portugal v France

The combined might of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales take on Japan in Edinburgh ahead of the tour of South Africa. Japan are famous for their fast style of play and will throw everything at the Lions’ defence.

Saturday, June 26, 12.30pm ITV

Trinity lost their first five games of the season and will be desperate to turn around their fortunes but may struggle against a high-flying Tigers side.

These two proud sides have contested 114 previous matches since 1872, making it the world's most played international. They also met in the group stages of the 1996 Euro Championship.

Friday, June 18, 2pm BBC

Sunday, June 20, 5pm ITV

Euro 2020: Sweden v Slovakia

Euro 2020: Italy v Wales

Group E action from St Petersburg.

This should be a close match given that the teams last met in a 1-1 draw at Solna’s Friends Arena in 2018.

Action from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Italy have won seven of their nine matches against Wales, although the Dragons can take heart from the famous win back in 2002.

Friday, June 18, 5pm BBC

Euro 2020: Croatia v Czech Republic A Group D tie. After winning the gold and bronze (twice) as Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic have also been tournament regulars since 1996, when they finished runners-up to Germany. Croatia will be favourites to win here.

Tuesday, June 22, 8pm ITV

Horse Racing: Northumberland Plate Day, Newcastle Saturday, June 26, 3pm BT Sport

Monday, June 28, 12 noon BBC

Rugby Union: Premiership Final

Tennis: Wimbledon Championship – Day 1

Saturday, June 26, 8pm BBC/ITV

Back after a two-year gap, the world's most famous tennis tournament returns. Simona Halep and Novak Djokovic are the defending singles champions.

Euro 2020: Round of 16

Euro 2020: Czech Republic v England

Tuesday, June 29. 10.30am Sky Sports Cricket

During qualification for Euro 2020, England beat the Czechs 5-0 before losing 2-1 in the away leg, both ties taking place in 2019. England will surely have too much firepower for their opponents this time around.

International Cricket: England v Sri Lanka - 1st ODI England take on Sri Lanka in a white-ball international at the Emirates Riverside, Chester-leStreet.

Sunday, June 27, 8pm BBC/ITV

Euro 2020: Round of 16

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For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com CLUB FOOTBALL 33

LIVE SPORTING FIXTURES FROM

The best of Sunday, July 11, 8pm – BBC/ITV

Euro 2020: Final The two teams left in the competition battle it out for the trophy in this showpiece event. Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales will be hoping that their teams have made it all the way to the end of the tournament.

There’s a great month of live sport coming up in July, including the Euro 2020 Final, the Lions tour of South African and the Olympics.

Tuesday, July 6, 8pm BBC/ITV

Saturday, July 10, 10.30am Sky Sports Cricket

Euro 2020: Semi-Final 1

Cricket: England v Pakistan - 2nd ODI

The European Championships reach the last-four stage. In the first semi-final in the 2016 tournament, Wales took on Portugal and put up a battling performance before losing 2-0. Can Wales go as far this time around?

Wednesday, July 7, 8pm BBC/ITV

Euro 2020: Semi-Final 2

Saturday, July 17, 3pm – BBC

Challenge Cup: Final – Castleford Tigers v St Helens This prestigious event takes place on the hallowed turf of Wembley as Castleford Tigers and St Helens run out for the Challenge Cup Final. This is certain to be one of the sporting highlights of the summer.

In Euro 2016, the second semi-final was a real battle of the footballing superpowers with France facing Germany in Marseille. The home side prevailed by 2-0 to reach the final where they lost to Portugal.

Wednesday, July 7, 7pm Sky Sports

Rugby Union: Sharks v British & Irish Lions The Lions play their first game on South African soil since 2009 as they get their summer tour underway. The Lions won 39-3 in the corresponding fixture against the Durban-based team 12 years ago.

Thursday, July 8, 1pm Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: England v Pakistan - 1st ODI

Saturday, July 24, 2.30pm – Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: The 100 – Trent Rockets v Southern Brave A new competition begins, featuring eight city-based teams, both men's and women's sides, competing over a month in July and August. As the name suggests, this is a one-hundred-ball, limited overs format, with games lasting around two and a half hours.

Pakistan travelled to England in the summer of 2020, playing Test and Twenty20 series, and return this year for three ODI game and three Twenty20 matches. This first match will be played at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. England will certainly be wary of a side featuring so many quality players across the field.

The second ODI between the sides takes place at Lord's. Haris Sohail and Imad Wasim have been recalled to the ODI and T20I squads Saturday, July 10, 2.30pm BBC

Tennis: Wimbledon 2021 – Women's Singles Final In 2019, Simona Halep defeated Serena Williams in the final, 6–2, 6–2 to win the Ladies' Singles title, wrapping the match up in a mere 56 minutes.

Saturday, July 10, 5pm Sky Sports

Rugby Union: Bulls v British & Irish Lions A second outing for the Lions as Manager Warren Gatland gets another chance to see his players in action. The Bulls missed out on the chance to play the Lions in 2009, despite being one of the strongest Super Rugby sides (then and now) and will be desperate to make history here.

Sunday, July 11, 2.30pm BBC

Tennis: Wimbledon 2021 – Men’s Singles Final Novak Djokovic successfully defended his title in 2019, defeating Roger Federer in four hours and 58 minutes, the longest singles match in the history of Wimbledon.

Federer pulled out of the French Open with a leg injury but hopefully will be back to fitness for this tournament.

For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com 34 CLUB FOOTBALL

July’s live sport ALSO COMING UP...

The Olympics, Friday, July 23, 12 noon, BBC

Tuesday, July 13, 1pm Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: England v Pakistan 3rd ODI Friday, July 16, 6.30pm Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: England v Pakistan 1st Twenty20 Wednesday, July 28, 6.30pm Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: The 100 – Manchester Originals v Northern Superchargers Thursday, July 29, 6.30pm Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: The 100 – London Spirit v Trent Rockets Sunday, July 11, 8pm BBC/ITV

Saturday, July 17, 3pm Sky Sports

Thursday, July 22, 6.30pm Sky Sports Cricket

Euro 2020: Final

Rugby League: Challenge Cup Final – Castleford Tigers v St Helens

Cricket: The 100 – Oval Invincibles v Manchester Originals

Cup Final action from Wembley Stadium. The Tigers beat Warrington Wolves 35-20 at the semi-final stage while Saints won by 33-18 against Hull FC in their semifinal clash.

This new event arrives a year later than planned but there are high hopes that the fresh approach will help to attract new fans to cricket with the 100-ball version of the game providing plenty of entertainment.

Which teams will battle it out to the final? England would dearly love to be running out on their home turf to win a major title for the first time since 1966 but there are any number of quality sides in contention in this tournament.

Wednesday, July 14, 7pm Sky Sports

Rugby Union: South Africa A v British & Irish Lions

Saturday, July 17, 5pm Sky Sports

Rugby Union: Stormers v British & Irish Lions

Friday, July 23, 12 Noon BBC

Friday, July 30, 7.45pm Sky Sports

Super League: Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors Saturday, July 31, 11am Sky Sports Cricket

Cricket: The 100 – Welsh Fire Women v Manchester Originals Women Saturday, July 31, 2.30pm Sky Sports Cricket

Olympics: Opening Ceremony

Cricket: The 100 – Welsh Fire v Manchester Originals

The Olympics get underway in Japan after a year’s delay due to the pandemic.

Saturday, July 31, 5pm Sky Sports

The Lions take on the Springboks' second string and will expect a major physical challenge in all parts of the game. In 2009, the Lions drew 13-13 with an Emerging Springboks team.

The Cape Town-based Stormers have their first crack at the Lions for 24 years, having missed being part of the schedule for the 2009 Lions tour.

Thursday, July 15, 6.30am Sky Sports Golf

Sunday, July 18, 1pm Sky Sports F1

Rugby Union: 1st Test: South Africa v British & Irish Lions

Golf: The Open – Day 1

Formula 1: British Grand Prix

Postponed from 2020, this will be the 15th Open Championship played at Royal St George's, and the first since Darren Clarke won the title in 2011.

Action from Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton will be aiming for a third consecutive Grand Prix victory on this track, having won in 2019 and 2020.

The Lions begin their three-match Test series against the Springboks and will throw absolutely everything into achieving victory against the World Champions on their home turf.

Saturday, July 24, 5pm Sky Sports

Rugby Union: 2nd Test: South Africa v British & Irish Lions

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For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com CLUB FOOTBALL 35

HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS

The Euros represent a great opportunity for clubs. During the 2018 World Cup, fans drove a 39% increase in incremental spend.

May 17 saw dreams come true for 3.3m UK adults The ongoing reopening of football clubs across the UK will be a resounding success, if research from AB InBev’s Budweiser Brewing Group is anything to go by. The brewers research amongst 2000 consumers reveals just how much the great British public missed a pint in their favourite locals during lockdown.

B

udweiser Brewing Group’s (BBG’s) recent research has revealed that as many as 3.27 million UK adults have actually dreamt about their first pint back in their local after the long lockdown.

One in five of the 2000 respondents have found themselves talking about this landmark moment with their friends, 45% surveyed ‘are simply looking forward to enjoying a drink with friends and family’ and 10% are most looking forward to catching-up with their favourite bar staff.

The research also reveals that safety comes first.

The vaccine rollout (48%) is the most cited reason for punters feeling safe to enjoy a pint out, followed by warmer weather – allowing for better ventilation and being outside – (40%), and venues enforcing strict social distancing, masks and cleaning (37%).

JD Thumelaire, On-Trade Sales Director for Budweiser Brewing Group, said: “We’re urging Brits to support their locals in a safe way over the coming

36 CLUB FOOTBALL

weeks by visiting them to enjoy a pint with friends and family. All the while we’ll continue to work around the clock to supply our customers with fresh kegs, as punters flock to enjoy their first proper indoor post-lockdown pint.”

Top tips on building business post lockdowo Meal Occasions – With 93% of consumers seeing a

meal deal as a positive influencer when choosing a venue, Stella Artois launched ‘The Life Artois’ meal occasions campaign to help venues tap into key mealtime moments. A suite of social media assets and point of sale are also on available for clubs wanting to showcase meal deals around occasions such as Bank Holidays and Father’s Day. Outdoor Space – Last year, outlets with outside space drove volume recovery +4.5% versus the average. BBG is offering customers a range of outdoor support to cater for increased consumer demand including Stella Artois outdoor packages which include a mobile bar, takeaway cups, parasols and aboards.

Over 90% of consumers see a meal deal as a positive influencer when choosing a venue.

Summer of Sport – BBG predicts that 618m pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the ontrade reopens and international sport returns. And according to research, sports fans spend 90 minutes

“

BBG predicts that 618m pints of beer will be sold between May and July as the on-trade reopens and international sport returns. And according to research, sports fans spend 90 minutes longer in the bar than the average customer, boosting rate of sales by 10%.

”

longer in the bar than the average customer, boosting rates of sales by 10%[1]. During the 2018 World Cup, over one in every three drinks sold in the ontrade was a beer[2] and on average, fans drove a 39% increase in incremental spend.[3] The Budweiser family of Official Beers of the England Men’s Football Team, is launching a scan to win mechanic where consumers can win a range of prizes including merchandise, beer and LG TVs as well as point of sale including pint carriers, cups, coasters etc, and limited-edition glassware and tap badges for Bud Light and Budweiser which include the England crest.

“Beer and sport go hand in hand for many consumers, and for the on-trade, sporting occasions drive mammoth sales within the beer category,” said Neil Baker, Head of BBG Category Management.

“This year, as consumers celebrate the long-awaited return of sporting events, as well being able to return to the bar, the Summer of Sport will be bigger than ever for the on-trade.”

BBG and BT Sport team up for 50% discounts Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) has tied up with BT Sport to offer new BT Sport customers a saving of 50% on annual subscription when they add a BBG draught brand to the club bar, including hero brands Budweiser, Stella Artois and Beck’s. The partnership, formed in August 2020, also offers existing BT Sport customers money off their subscription by taking incremental BBG brands.

BT Sport is the home to Premier League Football, UEFA Champions League, Rugby Union, Boxing and UFC amongst others, and the discounted offer comes with a range of both physical and digital support tools so clubs can get the most out of their subscriptions, says the company.

How to register If you’d like to learn more about the offer and sign up, please give us a call at 0800 917 3196 and one of our BBG Rep contacts will help run through the offer and get you registered.

BT Sport’s Bruce Cuthbert, said: “This partnership between BT Sport and Budweiser Brewing Group will provide welcome discounts for both new and existing customers, at a time when businesses need to carefully balance cost control with sound investments to encourage customers back into their venue.”

• For more details visit www.savepublife.com (applicable to club customers) Sources: [1]CGA and MatchPint – 2020; [2] CGA OPM 7 WE 14 July 2018; [3] CGA Brand Index 29 December 2020.

CLUB FOOTBALL 37

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2021 HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS

OPEN FOR ENTRIES

Enter the 2021 Awards

email info@hsma.biz

REGISTRATION HOTLINE 01753 272022

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – TECHNOLOGY

Technology’s role in the customer journey A new report from GO Technology, in association with CGA and Zonal, examines how digital solutions can provide members and guests with even better experiences from arrival to departure as they return to clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants post lockdown. And just in time for the Euros aswell.

T

he pandemic has intensified consumers’ use of technology at every stage of their interaction with the hospitality sector since early 2020, and greater availability and adoption is leading to greater satisfaction it seems. With Insights from Zonal and powered by CGA, the research found that two in five (40%) of people agree that tech has improved their experiences, compared to just 11% who disagree. But what will your members like most about it?

Technology’s top five consumer benefits Speed and convenience Nearly a third (31%) of consumers think the quick and convenient nature of technology is its top benefit. From researching a venue to settling the bill,

technology makes it quicker for guests to move through a venue. Convenience is king in so many parts of consumers’ lives now, and they see tech as a gateway to that.

Ease of ordering Close behind speed and convenience is the fact that technology makes ordering easy (29%). While many guests still prefer to order face to face, digital menus have given them an appealing new option for ordering food and drinks, both at the table and in advance of a visit.

Tracking Apps and other digital ordering and payment methods make it easier for consumers to stay in

control of their finances, and one in six (17%) cites the ability to track their orders as the top benefit of technology. As well as improving their management of club restaurant, pub and bar spending, they make delivery and takeaway ordering more convenient (see box overleaf).

Safety Technology has given consumers a new layer of protection during the pandemic, and advance bookings, app-based ordering and contactless payment have all helped them feel more confident about going out, and one in seven (14%) consumers cites safety as a top technology benefit.

However, as confidence about safety increases in the wake of the vaccine programme, we can expect

CLUB FOOTBALL 39

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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – TECHNOLOGY to see the convenience-related benefits of technology increase even further.

Ordering in: how tech has supported consumers in the delivery revolution

Seamless service Around one in eight (13%) consumers cite seamless service as the top benefit of technology. This proves that technology doesn’t have to be visible to consumers to improve their experiences: integrating consumer-friendly solutions with kitchens, stock control, payment technology and many more aspects of operations means service stages can be invisibly joined for seamless service.

CGA’s data has shown how delivery and takeaway sales have soared in the last year, helping consumers to recreate the out-of-home experiences they have missed during long periods of lockdown.

As this list of priorities shows, the quality and range of food and drink are just as crucial to delivery as they are in eating-out. But time-related issues like short waiting periods and quick ordering and payment are important too — as are ‘extras’ like tracking orders and personalising experiences.

Technology has a major part to play in meeting these and many more needs, and has made it easier than ever for consumers to order in. As lockdown eases, the big question is to what extent people start to cut their delivery spending in favour of out-of-home visits?

Four steps to better service GO Technology’s survey reveals consumers’ priorities and pain points at four key stages of their visits— arrival, placing orders, receiving orders and settling bills—and highlights how technology can drive improvements at each step.

Top priorities for an enjoyable ‘at-home’ experience via click and collect/delivery 41% The quality of food and drink 30% Short wait times for delivery 23% Good food and drinks range 20% Being able to order and pay quickly and easily 16% The ‘options I want’ available on the menu

Arrival First impressions count in hospitality, and greeting guests warmly can get their experiences off to a great start. More than a third (37%) of consumers like to be recognised as regulars when they step into a venue, and that number rises to nearly half (46%) among visitors to late-night bars, where familiarity and VIP treatment can be particularly powerful. This kind of hosting is less important in food-led and quick service venues though, where a more general friendly greeting is preferred.

Where technology comes in – By integrating booking systems with guests’ previous visits, venues can get a holistic view of their preferences. That can help staff to prepare personalised arrivals—by showing guests to a preferred table, for example, or suggesting menu items based on past orders. A tailored approach is crucial though, as not everyone will appreciate venues researching their habits.

Placing orders The research reveals the three clear priorities for consumers when they order their food and drinks: friendly, efficient and knowledgeable service. Similar concerns emerge when guests are asked about their biggest frustrations in the ordering process (see box, right). Identifying the appropriate speed of service is paramount: not so fast that guests feel rushed, but not so slow that they feel neglected.

Where technology comes in – Technology can’t make servers more friendly, but it can give them thetools they need to do their job well. Digital ordering and payment processes ease the pressure on teams on the floor and help them avoid duplication of tasks—like taking orders by hand then entering them into a till.

That frees up servers to spend more time at tables or respond promptly to guests’ needs. Technology can also give staff easier access to availability information and answers to common queries about dishes, equipping them with better knowledge for better service.

Receiving orders Well over a quarter (29%) of consumers prioritise the

40 CLUB FOOTBALL

“

IAlthough many aspects of hospitality were gradually becoming more digitised even before the pandemic, the last 12 months have certainly accelerated this adoption. What this new research shows is that having accepted the technology, consumers now see how it improves their hospitality experiences.

This is because technology not only removes pain points that have always existed, such as not being able to get the attention of a server or having to wait too long to settle the bill, but it also helps operators deliver more tailored and personalised experiences to their guests. Letting technology take some of the strain of service also frees up staff to concentrate on those elements that consumers rate so highly like greeting guests and swiftly answering queries.

Businesses that can offer customers such a journey will reap the rewards this year and beyond.

Alison Vasey, Group Product Director, Zonal

”

cooking and temperature aspects of food when they receive their orders.

Those factors rank well ahead of other aspects, like delivery of food and drinks within a reasonable time (19%), receiving everything that has been ordered (13%) and the attentiveness of staff in delivery (12%). In the same vein, speed, temperature and accuracy emerge as the three biggest bugbears of receiving orders (see box, left). But it’s important to remember that delivery is more about timing than speed, because serving food too quickly can damage perceptions of quality.

Where technology comes in – Digital solutions that improve communication between front of house teams and kitchens can solve all three of guests’ top frustrations when receiving orders—by speeding up service, facilitating swift delivery of food when it’s cooked, and ensuring everything that is ordered is delivered.

Settling bills The last impressions of a visit are as important as the first, and making it quick and easy to settle bills leaves guests with positive impressions. Being able to pay immediately and by the method they prefer emerge

“

as the two top priorities in the GO Technology research, while a long list of frustrations is led by the automatic addition of a service charge (18%), an incorrect bill (14%), struggling to get a server’s atten-

Digital solutions are making consumers’ journeys through venues easier, faster and safer, and an industry that once lagged behind others in its adoption of technology is taking great strides forward.

As they get back to eating and drinking out, consumers will be engaging with technology more deeply than ever before, and it is going to be a key battleground for market share in 2021 and beyond. Ensuring that all digital solutions provide a genuine benefit, and balancing them with the face-to-face elements of hospitality that people have missed so much, will be crucial. The businesses that can make best use of tech at both front and back of house could well be the quickest to recover in the months ahead.

Karl Chessell, Business Unit Director – Hospitality Operators and Food, EMEA

tion (14%) and having to wait to get their bill (11%).

Where technology comes in – The growing popularity of app-based payment is speeding up the bill stage of customers’ journeys, while handheld readers have made things quicker for card users. Digital ordering solutions meanwhile improve accuracy, and can help to facilitate requests to split bills.

ABOUT THE DATA

This report is based on figures from Zonal and CGA’s GO Technology survey, a sample of 5,000 nationally representative British consumers. All figures are taken from the February 2021 edition of the survey.

For further information on GO Technology, please contact info@zonal.co.uk

CLUB FOOTBALL 41

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CLUB FOOTBALL – OUR PORTFOLIO IN ACTION

CLUBFOOTBALL www.clubfootball.org.uk

ISSUE 1

Premier League Fixtures Preview of all the action

CLUBHOUSE SPORTSCLUB ISSUE 23

EUROPE

Reaching out via Social Media? Time to shine – page 20

CMAE news – CMAE partners with Golf Saudi European Conference – hailed a virtual success HQ Building the Business – protecting the bottom line CCM Success – testimonials from across the globe

SPORTS SPECIAL WITH SPORTS4BARS

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MANAGEMENT

Join us at the inaugural Festival of Clubs and the first ever Club Business trade event

SUMMER SPECIAL 2021

From the sidelines – the players to watch

Could you be our Football Club of the Year 2017?

Hey big spenders – which clubs are paying top dollar?

Use this QR code to enter or turn to page 34.

Behind the Bar – quirky quizzes and footie facts

Brands Report – top performing club brands revealed

CLUB REPORT 2021

Sound business advice for club professionals

Olympics 2021 – on the road to Tokyo Summer of Sport – what’s on, when UEFA EURO 2020 – is football coming home?

Positive perspectives for 2021 Club Mirror’s annual guide with expert advice for the year ahead

clubmirror

clubmirror

S BUSINES SPECIAL

Cheers!

AT THE HEA R T OF THE C OMMU NITY

May 2021

AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Open for business!

Clubs welcome back members post lockdown SPORTS LISTINGS

LEGAL EAGLE

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HQ

SPOTLIGHT ON ATHENS

C L U B N E W S • HQ • FIND ING FUND ING • C O V ID - 19 R E PO R T

What’s new as clubs throw open their doors Plus: Football Special HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS NEW S SPECIAL THE ROLE OF TECHNOL OGY

CLUB FOOTBALL – OUR PORTFOLIO IN ACTION

2021 HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS

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PRODUCTS SHOWCASE

What’s new?

Productupdates Along with our weekly Bulletins, Club Football showcases brand news and latest products to hit the club market, all aimed at boosting club business.

Together again with Aperol – celebrating reopenings Aperol is celebrating reopenings by picking up the tab for up to 100,000 servings of Aperol Spritz.

With the tag line, Aperol Spritz, Together Again, Aperol will be sharing social media assets with clubs and customers to enable venues to support the campaign on their own channels.

Outlets who sign up can also appear on the Aperol UK website as part of an ‘official bar finder’, as well as geo-targeted paid ads.

Drinkers share a pair of Aperol Spritz with someone who matters, and Aperol will pick up the tab for one of them using an online redemption mechanic. Members/guests can take up the drink any time before 31 August (one registration and redemption permitted per person).

Brad Madigan, Managing Director at Campari Group UK, said: “The industry so urgently needs customers back at tables and filling outdoors areas, and this is our way of helping to reconnect customers with their favourite venues. Customers can redeem their drink whenever they feel ready over the summer.”

Members can register at this link.

• www.aperolspritzsocials.com New 200ml mixer range from Fentimans Fentimans, the independently owned premium drinks brand, is launching a new range of 200ml mixers and tonics.

The move is part of a renewed focus to tap into the growing popularity of long mixed drinks and better meet the needs of its

44 CLUB FOOTBALL

customers, who are increasingly seeking bigger serves and greater versatility of range, says the company.

With a growing number of people seeking to enjoy longer mixed drinks, served in the ubiquitous goblet glass, this innovation marks a move away from the Fentimans 125ml classic serve, which has been the anchor of its mixer range over the last decade.

Fentimans Marketing Director, Andrew Jackson, said: “as more and more consumers continue to enjoy longer serves, and experiment with a range of mixers to pair with their personal spirit repertoires, it’s important that Fentimans creates a serve size that meets the needs of our consumers, whilst providing the best drinking experience. With the launch of our new 200ml pack format, we have responded to the ever-evolving needs of our customers and the growing number of people who enjoy Fentimans drinks.”

Flavours available in the new 200ml format: • Premium Indian Tonic Water Connoisseurs Tonic Water Light Tonic Water • Ginger Beer • Ginger Ale • Soda Water • Rose Lemonade • Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water • Valencian Orange Tonic Water (Bartenders Brand Awards ‘Category Champion’) • Oriental Yuzu Tonic Water • Pink Rhubarb Tonic Water • Tropical Soda (designed for pairing with spiced rum) • www.fentimans.com Campari launches non-alcoholic aperitivo Campari Group UK’s non-alcoholic Italian aperitivo, Crodino, has been launched in answer to growing consumer demand for no-and-low alcohol drinks.

Described as having a deep Italian heritage with a flavour profile of 15 high-quality spices, herbs and roots, Crodino has a complex bittersweet taste.

The launch is supported by a multi-channel marketing campaign called ‘Surprisingly Crodino’.

Brad Madigan, Managing Director of Campari Group UK said: “We recognise the evolving needs of our consumers and the demand for non-alcoholic options, and are proud to continue inviting them into the sociable nature of Italian culture with an authentic Italian, non-alcoholic Aperitivo that can be enjoyed without compromising on taste or experience.”

• www.crodino.com

CLUB FOOTBALL 45

>

PRODUCTS SHOWCASE

Brixton Brewery launches Generation Pale Ale Brixton Brewery has launched Generation Pale Ale, the first beer purpose-brewed to raise money for Age UK Lambeth.

After hearing that Age UK Lambeth had experienced a huge surge in demand for services over the past year – from 21,000 people to 70,000 – the brewery teamed up with the local charity to create the brew as a celebration of older people who are ‘as likely to enjoy a great night out with a pint as any young whippersnapper’.

With all proceeds going to Age UK’s vital services, Generation Pale Ale (3.8%) is described as a ‘sprightly pale ale’, crafted with modern British hops, Olicana® and Harlequin™.

• www.brixtonbrewery.com/trade New campaign for Thatchers Gold Over 20 million people are expected to see the new Thatchers Gold advertising campaign this summer via TV, video on demand and digital media.

Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker said: “This new campaign focuses on the perfection in every glass of Thatchers Gold from the energising bubbles through to the smoothness settling in the glass, and of course, its deliciously rich golden colour. We’ve been able to get close up and personal right down to the very last drop in this campaign bringing it into the homes of over 20 million people this summer.

“Once that last drop lands in the glass, we’re left in no doubt where the origin of this perfection lies – the apple!”

Thatchers Cider is the family-owned cider maker based in Sandford, Somerset. Its brands include Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze and Thatchers Cloudy Lemon, launched in Spring 2020.

Thatchers Gold is crafted from a blend of West Country apple varieties, including bittersweet Dabinett and Harry Masters Jersey, and the sharp, deep-red Porter’s Perfection. The brand has shown value growth of +60% in the off-trade in the last 12 months (IRI value sales 52 w/e 27 Mar 21).

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8z6LcPaI5Q Watermelon & Lime cider from Old Mout Old Mout has introduced a new Watermelon & Lime variant (4.0% ABV). Made from natural flavours, the cider is gluten free, vegan friendly and is the brand’s lowest sugar recipe to date.

An extensive digital media plan supports the

46 CLUB FOOTBALL

launch throughout the summer, and support includes bespoke point-of-sale launch kits.

“In 2019, our Old Mout Pineapple & Raspberry launch was an outstanding success and we’re ready to do it all over again with the arrival of our new Watermelon & lime flavour,” says HEINEKEN UK Cider Marketing Director, Rachel Holms. “Enjoying a flavoured cider over ice in a club garden will be a huge pull for customers returning to the on-trade, so our latest innovation – with its dynamic flavour combination and exceptional consumer taste test results – is the perfect option this summer.”

Old Mout over indexes with 18-34-year-olds who prefer to buy brands that have a social and environmental commitment[2].

The premium flavoured cider category is now worth over £400m in the on-trade.

made through an inbuilt system.

The unit also includes storage space for a beer keg, CO2 cylinder and glasses, all in one secure, selfcontained mobile unit.

Constructed from durable 430 grade stainless steel, the powder coated Beer Station is clad with inset stainless steel panels which can have either a vinyl wrap on the outer face or a magnetic wrap which will allow for the branding or theme to be changed periodically. Lockable hinged doors allow access for servicing of the BeerMatic Dual Tap at the rear of the unit, and for changing empty beer kegs at the lower front of the ‘Beer Station’.

As the BeerMatic Dual Tap beer dispenser has an internal chilling system, clubs can connect directly to a standard keg kept at room temperature, meaning that even venues with limited facilities are able to add freshly poured, chilled pints to their menus.

Lockable casters make the Beer Station easy to move and secure once it is in position.

• www.hoshizaki-europe.com

Sources: [1] CGA Data to 26th Dec 2020; [2] YouGov 2021, CCS 2020.

• www.heinken.co.uk Sustainable apple cider launches HEINEKEN has launched Inch’s apple cider on draught, made from 100% British apples. All apple waste at the factory is repurposed as green energy, The medium cider has a taste that consumers already love, according to the brewer[1], with four out of five 18–34-year-olds saying they prefer the taste to that of the nearest competitor [2].

Around 5m pints of apple cider are poured in the on-trade every week[3] and mainstream brands account for every two in three pints of apple cider[4].

Premium glassware, founts and coasters are available for on-trade as well as garden items including umbrellas and windbreakers to boost visibility.

Sources: [1] Versus a leading competitor, Cardinal Monadic liquid test (120 18–34-year-old L4W LADs drinkers) – September 2020; [2] Versus a leading competitor, Cardinal Monadic liquid test (120 18– 34-year-old L4W LADs drinkers) – September 2020; [3] CGA Strategy, 28th December 2019;[4] CGA Strategy, 26 Dec 2020.

• www.inchscider.co.uk Hoshizaki mobile self-serve ‘beer station’ Hoshizaki’s ‘Beer Station’, developed in conjunction with Victor Manufacturing, automatically pours a pint at the push of a button after payment has been

New ‘Diligence’ pot & utensil washer Nelson has launched a new, undercounter utensil and pot washer aimed at busy operators needing a dependable machine to clean and sanitise all types of pots, pans, trays and utensils.

With the capacity to process up to 60 baskets per hour, its seven available programmes can address anything from light soiling to resistant residues.

The durable double skinned, AISI 304 stainless steel construction has thermo-acoustic insulatiofor quiet in operation, and rinse water can be heated up to a maximum of 85°C for thorough disinfection.

Accessories include 500 x 500mm baskets and 600 x 400mm trays as well as multiple baskets and trays for holding gastronorm pans, mixer bowls, trays, dishes, utensils and cutlery.

• www.nelsonwashonline.co.uk Rosinox – Rosichef Signature range Rosinox’s modular cooking range, Rosichef Signature 900, offers flexibility, efficiency and performance, says the company, designed to help chefs to create their ideal suite by using interchangeable appliances, including fryers, bains-maries, hobs, induction units and planchas.

The new Optima plancha heats 100% of the surface and can achieve 320°C in less than four minutes.

The new pasta cooker offers a 53% energy saving and a steam mode to reinforce the versatility of the unit.

The adaptability and modularity of the Rosichef Signature 900 also extends to different types of mounting – whether on feet, on a base, on a bridge or installed on refrigerated undercounters.

• www.jestic.co.uk/brand/rosinox

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W NE

WHAT The new Greensmaster® eTriFlex Series flagship electric riding greensmowers.

MATTERS Unparalleled, outstanding cut quality, quiet operation, and no onboard hydraulic fluids.

Greensmaster eTriFlex Engine/Generator

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MOST Routine compliments from members and improvements to your bottom line!

What Matters Most to You Matters Most to Us. The all-new Greensmaster eTriFlex Series riding greensmowers provide all the innovative features of the original TriFlex and more. The eTriFlex lineup includes a Lithium-Ion powered and an Engine Generator model, with no onboard hydraulic fluid. The new Radius Dependent Speed (RDS™) System, in combination with the Lift-In-Turn cutting unit leveling feature virtually eliminates the effect known as “Triplex-Ring”. This along with many new features provide added versatility, simplified service, and ultimately, more productivity.

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