General Giveaways for kids yesterday?

Friend of mines daughter and her friend were taken to yesterdays game...thier 2nd oufc game.....they arrived just before 12 midday as they were in the family stand my friends daughter and her friend were both excited about the advertised free OUFC scarves being given out in the family stand -apparently to kids, which was how the offer was implied in the advertising pre match......arriving just under an hour before kick off should have been ample time to be recipients of the generous offer of a free scarf for kids....turns out it wasn't. All gone. ....those tasked with distributing free scarves to kids, it seems decided to beddeck adults accompanying kids into the family stand....and in more than a few cases adults without kids too!!!......we're those distributing scarves to kids in the family stand/area at yesterday's game informed that the Give away scarves were for kids and not accompanying / or non kid accompanying adults? ......a welcome gesture aimed at kids, oufcs support of the future, by oufc which it seems (similar to DE well intentioned free tickets a season or two ago) that was hijacked by adults who should know better? Or was it left hand and right hand not properly and clearly communicating how the free scarves were intended to be distributed? ..... I advised my friend if she wasn't happy to contact both Mick Brown and Niall Mac ........... while it may seem a minor issue in the greater scheme , however young and impressionable kids, very early on in being weaned onto supporting their local team, hearing in the media that if they go to the match in family stand , they, kids are likely to get a free scarf, then to arrive around an hour before kickoff to find all 2000 give aways have already been given out, but around 2/3rds have gone ( to greedy adults).....what kind of impression does that leave on two young ins, one on her second OUFC game, the other at their first OUFC game. Certainly not the best of impressions that's for sure
 
However, the North stand did look very good from our viewpoint. Lot of people and a lot of yellow. Shame on those adults who deprived the kids of a scarf. (everybody likes a freebie so only human nature to take if offered)

Would be good if the club can afford to do something similar again. Watching the Derby County game yesterday they had obviously distributed small flags to everyone, the teams arrival onto the pitch saw a mass off waving - very effective on the Sky cameras.
 
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In the East Stand, some people (adults who should know better) grabbed handfuls of the free flags for themselves. I saw one bloke putting at least 10 into his bag. Absolutely pathetic.
That's unbelievable. My 2 didn't get their flags either - I did say they weren't guaranteed as there were only 2,000 but that takes the mickey especially when the club said to leave some for others as well. I assume they were left in areas for people to help themselves?
 
I assume they were left in areas for people to help themselves?
I didn't see any as I came in, got to my seat and asked where the flags were (I thought they might have been tucked in/on some seats as in previous years) but was told they were downstairs where the programs are sold in boxes. So I wandered down again but there were none there, but a couple of people had a number of packets - unopened - in their hands and I saw one bloke put a *lot* into his bag. It does beggar belief really.
 
In the SSU I saw three stewards with both flags and scarves and not just the one either. Along with no programs to purchase not a good start.
 
I'd rather we as fans raised money to do these displays ourselves. The Ultras are more than happy to distribute and produce flags for the whole stadium, if fans donated more it would be easily possible. Relying on the club regularly is plastic support, displays should be funded and produced by fans. Obviously it's a nice gesture when they do it occasionally, and particularly great if they continue to offer freebies for the family stand.
 
I'd rather we as fans raised money to do these displays ourselves. The Ultras are more than happy to distribute and produce flags for the whole stadium, if fans donated more it would be easily possible. Relying on the club regularly is plastic support, displays should be funded and produced by fans. Obviously it's a nice gesture when they do it occasionally, and particularly great if they continue to offer freebies for the family stand.

A return to the displays like against Swindon would be superb.
 
That's unbelievable. My 2 didn't get their flags either - I did say they weren't guaranteed as there were only 2,000 but that takes the mickey especially when the club said to leave some for others as well. I assume they were left in areas for people to help themselves?
Outside/inside family stand I'm informed ....(being in SSL myself)...There were people in OUFC tops/tracksuit s who had been distributing them (for about 40 mins till they'd run out)....info beforehand did allude that flags were for all, scarves were apparently for kids in the family stand.....of course when something is free there is always those who take advantage (and then some- like DE free tickets for schools etc a few seasons ago, which had a large amount of adults rocking up on freebies intended for kids!.. hey ho)
 
I went to a gig years ago where the band gave away a CD for the fans. Some people got there early, took as many as they could carry and sold them on eBay. Sadly, too many dishonest people out there
 
Fair play to the club for making an effort although I thought they would actually be OUFC scarves instead of just plain yellow ones.
 
Maybe time to resurrect, the 12th man fund for this very purpose.
The Ultras have a fund for it. Less than a dozen pay into it monthly in small amounts. Huge displays cost thousands but the Ultras have only ever been able to raise hundreds without giant one off donations for specific displays like the Swindon ones. Their Twitter link allows for one-off donations and monthly: https://donorbox.org/oxfordultras
 
The Ultras have a fund for it. Less than a dozen pay into it monthly in small amounts. Huge displays cost thousands but the Ultras have only ever been able to raise hundreds without giant one off donations for specific displays like the Swindon ones. Their Twitter link allows for one-off donations and monthly: https://donorbox.org/oxfordultras

Is there a rough schedule when displays are planned or is it as and when funds are available!?

Also, without wanting take it off topic, how is the relationship with the club!? If a display was planned, would the Uktras be able to execute without hindrance!?

I will happily throw £20 in to the pot!
 
Is there a rough schedule when displays are planned or is it as and when funds are available!?

Also, without wanting take it off topic, how is the relationship with the club!? If a display was planned, would the Uktras be able to execute without hindrance!?

I will happily throw £20 in to the pot!
Whenever the funds are available and whenever the right match comes along. Got to play it by ear most of the time! A balance between producing a little something for average games, and saving the money for a huge sell out display
 
Maybe time to resurrect, the 12th man fund for this very purpose.
The Ultras have a fund for it. Less than a dozen pay into it monthly in small amounts. Huge displays cost thousands but the Ultras have only ever been able to raise hundreds without giant one off donations for specific displays like the Swindon ones. Their Twitter link allows for one-off donations and monthly: https://donorbox.org/oxfordultras

That’s a pretty low return, might be worth thinking about. Some fans just see the word ultras and think the worst. If u set up a fund supported by the club “12th man” or Oufc display fund I think u might get a bigger up take. It would still ultimately be for ultras use. Bucket collections on the concourse, auction off old smaller display flags. See If companies like lion trust might sponsor a display for a particular game. Lots of people would donate, but u have to make it really easy for them or most just never get round to it
 
Fair play to the club for making an effort although I thought they would actually be OUFC scarves instead of just plain yellow ones.

There were definitely OUFC scarves in the East Stand. New logo and all.
 
However, the North stand did look very good from our viewpoint. Lot of people and a lot of yellow. Shame on those adults who deprived the kids of a scarf. (everybody likes a freebie so only human nature to take if offered)

Would be good if the club can afford to do something similar again. Watching the Derby County game yesterday they had obviously distributed small flags to everyone, the teams arrival onto the pitch saw a mass off waving - very effective on the Sky cameras.

Was at the Derby game with friends. Flags did look good shame about the weather though. Pride Park is a lovely stadium, but at least 30% of the crowd got soaked me included. Boy Derby were that bad it was like watching us during our bad times in the conference
 
Hello All, I am the mother who originally spoke to Sarge (the author of this thread) about our experience on Good Friday in the family stand (full of adults wearing the free scarves as well as their kids) I have sent a detailed email to the MD copied to a few other people concerned and have so far yet to receive any actual apology or admission but then the MD himself has not replied yet. I will keep the forum informed. Also, I am happy to be involved in any fund-raising or similar initiatives.
 
Hello All, I am the mother who originally spoke to Sarge (the author of this thread) about our experience on Good Friday in the family stand (full of adults wearing the free scarves as well as their kids) I have sent a detailed email to the MD copied to a few other people concerned and have so far yet to receive any actual apology or admission but then the MD himself has not replied yet. I will keep the forum informed. Also, I am happy to be involved in any fund-raising or similar initiatives.

Welcome aboard @happimamma ..... how are you finding the Email way of raising issues with the powers that be at OUFC?

Personally, despite emails being invited, I've found that raising issues via email with OUFC, when eventually replied to, they do seem to be treated like they're brushed under the carpet, and barely even considered? - Which is why I find raising issues at fans forums at least brings any issues into the public domain

Hope you fare better than I've so far (over the years) experienced in communicating with those who are in a position to actually do something by email at OUFC.... new owner, who knows, emailing issues MAY results in a positive outcome.
Be interesting to see if the new regime actually do walk it like they talk it.... or if it, emailing issues to OUFC, get treated in the same old way
 
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Hi Sarge Hmmmm I am most disappointed in their response to me which i will publish here as promised -

My initial email to Niall and copied to Chris Williams and yourself -

"
Dear Mr. McWilliams,

I am writing to express my disappointment over the management and execution of the advertised free scarves with the new club crest for kids initiative.

My eleven year old has been to one previous Oxford United match (in December against Wigan) where i bought an Oxford United football shirt for her. She had been thinking of going to watch them again and upon looking on the website said to me "Mum, Oxford United want children to go and welcome the new manager and theyre giving children a free scarf to wave and I'd like to go and do that" so i had a look and explained to her that i would take her and a friend and we would go early but there would only be so many scarves and so they may or may not get one which she accepted, no problem.

However, when we arrived before 12.00 noon so over an hour before kick off, not only were there none left but more adults than kids were wearing them. I was astounded.

We were in Stand 22 and i said politely to the families who were there "Excuse me, but did you realise that the free scarves are intended for children, not adults?" When i drew a blank and a lot of shrugged shoulders i said "There are children sitting in these stands who do not have a scarf to wave to welcome the new manager for his first home game - these scarves are intended for the children so would some of you adults be prepared to relinquish your scarf to give to a child please?" By this time a number of scarf-less children were watching and not one adult responded.

I sat down in shock and a lady behind me said to me "What you fail to realise is that we adults were handed the free scarves - We did not ask for them" so i replied very politely "Oh, thank you for making me aware of that - that is good to know but now you have the information that they were intended for children and now you can see around you children who were not given one, would you like to give one of the children the scarf you have round your neck?" and she said "Of, course - your daughter can have mine - I don't need it" Unfortunatley, no other adult followed suit.

I went inside and asked to speak to the stand manager who responded positively and agreed with me that indeed the scarves (and some flags) were intended for children. He promised to investigate and come and see me. He came to see me at half-time but merely said "Sorry, all the scarves are gone - It was our youth volunteers who handed out the scarves"

I mentioned this to my friend Mark Sargeant (copied) a loyal supporter and share-holder for many years, who mentioned the matter on the unofficial yellows forum.

Interestingly, on the forum it became clear why there were hardly any of the free flags - someone was spotted filling a big bag up with them! a forum moderator Malc immediately got in touch with Chris Williams (copied) who said he would get in touch with my friend Mark about the matter but to date has not been in touch with him to my knowledge.

I find it extremely difficult to comprehend how whoever handed the scarves out to all and sundry instead of the intended recipients could have done so without someone stepping in to remind them what their role was.

I am appalled at the attitude of the adults (as i am sure you are) and I can't understand how it was allowed to happen but most of all i feel upset on behalf of the children who were there who had been promised that a few hundred of them would receive a scarf or flag to wave and for my daughter and her friend who are right at the start of what could be a life-time of being stalwart Oxford United fans. I just have the memory of my little girl reading what the website said and answering the call by saying "Yes, I'll go and welcome the new manager and wave a scarf for his first home game", excitedly arriving very early and not only there being no scarves or flags (at 11.50am!) but seeing adults with them.

I would very much like you to take on board what has happened and do everything to ensure the same doesn't occur again. I would also feel happy if either my daughter and her friend receive an apology and / or the website make an apology and assure children that they are very much appreciated as fans - because obviously that is not the message they received on Good Friday.

Further, If you have any similar initiatives, I would be more than happy to manage the giveaways for no payment whatsoever as I would guarantee that the operation would be managed efficiently, with good heart and with a strong message of gratitude to fans.

Thank you for reading,

Kendra Kirkham"

*********************

Chris Williams reply to me, Niall and Sarge copying in Kath Faulkner Supporter Liaison Officer -

!
Hi Kendra (are you the Kendra who used to work here? Hi if it's you!)

I've copied in Kath Faulkner who is our Supporter Liaison Officer and will be better able to provide a reply but just wanted to say sorry if it caused any young fans any disappointment.

Just to clear up one thing, Malcolm messaged my personal twitter on Saturday and I promised to pass it on, which I did when Kath and I travelled to Shrewsbury on Monday, but I did say at the time to always contact the club via official channels as I don't use my own twitter for work purposes. Apologies for any confusion/delay as a result of that but I work for a lot of clubs, not just OUFC, and try and keep my personal space well away from those clubs.

Mark phoned earlier and spoke with Kath and I think she outlined what happened and talked it through with him and I am sure she will provide a better reply on this.



Chris Williams
Communications Manager"
***********************************

My reply to Chris et al -

"Hi Chris,

Thank-you for the prompt response. I never worked for OXFC and am aghast that there is another Kendra! :))

I take on board what you say - Thank you for the explanation.

Definitely good to keep personal twitter a/c separate from work!

Regards,

Kendra"

***********************************

BRUSHING UNDER THE CARPET / FOBBING OFF BEGINS!

Kath's reply to me copied to Niall, Chris and Sarge -


"Hi Kendra,

Thank you for your email and I understand your frustrations.
As Chris says I spoke to Mark earlier and I am sorry for any disappointments caused for your daughter. Unfortunately with such a small number of giveaways and a large Good Friday crowd we were not able to guarantee one for everyone.

I've spoken to some of the community coaches who were over in that area as well as involved in giving the scarves and flags away and they have said that they were being given out specifically to children or those with children in the stand, but I can see that seeing adults wearing them in the stands would be disappointing if you'd been told there were none left for your child. We will make sure that with any giveaways we do at future games the staff responsible for them are fully briefed.

We gave away over 2000 flags and 300 scarves across all three stands on Friday and whilst we stressed in the build up to the game that fans should take one per person and that the scarves were for children we are somewhat at the mercy of those who wish to "game" the system.

Thank you again for your feedback, we will certainly be taking in on board for any future giveaways that we do.

Kind regards,
Kath


--
Kath Faulkner
Supporter Liaison Officer and Social Media
Oxford United Football Club, Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP"

*********************************************
My reply to Kath, copied to Sarge, Chris and Niall -

"
Hi Kath,

Thanks for your response.

There was not a big crowd when we arrived.

There were a good number of entire families wearing the scarves - for example immediately behind us were three adults and three children together all wearing the scarves in fact in the entire family stand when we arrived every single person was wearing a scarf - I wish i had taken a photo. There were not 300 people in the family stands at that point so we can only hope that the remainder of the scarves were given to children! Any families that came in after us had no scarves.

Several of the adults in the stand confirmed to me that they had all been handed the scarves individualyl - No-one said that anyone handing out the scarves had said they were for children only - and I suppose i believe them since they were wearing the scarves also.

It would be good to think that all OXFC volunteers had kept to the remit of scarves to children only and that a few bad eggs took advantage but it is patently obvious that they did not - at least not for stand 22

When we went in there were really not many people in the ground. There were no away fans at all and not many in the main stands. It was 11.50am

The 300 scarves and 2000 flags were really not given out as promised - I only precid what i saw - I saw more than one person (member of public) carrying whole piles of flags.

As I said, a written or stated apology (web-site) is the least that would satisfy me and some admission that OUFC did not execute the job properly and in the interest of younger fans.

Sorry to sound so blunt but that is what it amounts to - I am so bitterly disappointed

Kendra"

************************************

MISSING THE POINT

Kath's response to me copied to Sarge, Chris and Niall -

"Dear Kendra,

We are very sorry that you have gone away feeling disappointed.
Our goal was simply to give away merchandise to fans to bring some colour to the stadium for Karl’s first game in charge.

Kind regards,
Kath"


My response to Kath et al

"Dear Kath,

I will await a response from Niall to whom after all this email is addressed.

Kendra"

HERE FOLLOWS A LONG WAIT FOR RESPONSE FROM NIALL

PART TWO TO FOLLOW SHORTLY

Kendra
 
There can’t be a part two surely [emoji16]. You do say u want an apology and I may be missing it but I’ve read several times where club staff have said “we are very sorry”

As I said to sarge, the club have tried to do a nice thing, but as with the free ticket give away a couple of seasons ago, there will always be those who take advantage of a “freebie”.
 
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