CEO Message to Perth Glory members – April 2017

The last time I penned a message to you was in our 2016/17 Membership brochure when we officially launched our Membership campaign in June, urging you all to sign up for another season of Glory.

Since then, it’s been a busy season at headquarters and I am pleased to report that in that time we have achieved some significant milestones as a club.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

Celebrating our history

• We celebrated our 20th season of national competition combining both NSL and A-League eras. It was great to see so many old faces throughout the year, especially at our Round 1 match against Central Coast Mariners when we honoured the inaugural team, coaching staff and founding owners of the Club. During the season we have also had visits from ex coaches, Bernd Stange and Mitch d’Avray.  As part of the 20th season celebrations, we now look forward to unveiling the Perth Glory Ultimate XI (1996-2016) at the Most Glorious Player Awards ‪night on Saturday 13 May at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and hope you can join us on this magnificent occasion.‬‬

Our growing membership

• For the third consecutive season, we have broken our membership record ending the year with a high of 8,644 members (a 21% increase on the previous year), noting our target was to sign 8,500.  We have now shifted our focus to the 2017/18 campaign where we are striving to break another record by achieving 10,000 members as forecast in our four-year strategic plan released in early 2016.

• I would like to thank you for your continued and unwavering support and hope that you will be there with us again in season 2017/18 as we strive for even greater heights. As I have said before, only together can we build success and become even stronger. As a member, you are the lifeblood of our football club and we highly value your continued support.

Our growing attendances

• Our attendances have also grown this season with a crowd average of 10,533, up from 8,986 last season (a 17% increase) and an A-League record for the club. This places us well on track to achieve our strategic target of 12,500 by 2018. We encourage you to spread the word amongst your family and friends and bring them along to Perth Glory matches next season to share the match day experience.

Our A-League and W-League feats

• Our A-League team has once again qualified for finals by securing fifth spot. While we had loftier aspirations at the beginning of the season, it’s pleasing that we have been able to earn a finals spot in consecutive seasons as we face Melbourne City this Sunday at AAMI Park for a spot into the semi-finals.

• Our Women’s team made us proud by qualifying for a home W-League Grand Final against Melbourne City which was a magnificent achievement and provides us with a great platform to make an assault for our first W-League title next season.

New training and administration headquarters

• The club has moved into a new training and administration headquarters, sharing facilities with Western Force and Rugby WA and also looking to expanding our player amenities at the premises. Simultaneously, we are working closely with Football West in developing a business case and lobbying Government for a new State Football Centre for Western Australia’s largest participating team sport.

Chelsea is coming to Perth

• We announced during the year that we will be playing English Premier League giants, Chelsea Football Club at the new Perth Stadium in July / August, 2018. This is another reason to renew your Membership for 2017/18 as you will receive access to a pre-sale opportunity allowing you the first rights to the very best seats in the house on this historic and magnificent occasion.

Our membership satisfaction

• In an independent research report commissioned by FFA and conducted by The Gemba Group, Perth Glory Football Club ranked first for overall membership satisfaction in the A-League. Our members were the most satisfied with the benefits and value of their membership packages, the membership and renewal process as well as the game day experience on offer at nib Stadium. Pleasingly, we were also seen as having the most satisfied members in the A-League with our marketing and communication to members, sense of club involvement and club administration.

WHAT WE ARE STRIVING FOR FROM HERE

Easter Sunday marked the end of the regular 2016/17 Hyundai A-League home and away season and what a spectacular match it was for our last home game with nine (9) goals scored in an end to end, non-stop drama right up until the final whistle in front of 12,261 members and fans.

While we are pleased with the progress we are making as a Club, the work has only just begun and we will not rest on our laurels, already turning our sights to planning for season 2017/18. It will be a busy off-season as we prepare for season 13 of the Hyundai A-League.

As we strive to win our maiden Hyundai A-League trophy this finals campaign in addition to the two (2) National Soccer League trophies, we will continue to aim for a spot in the AFC Champions League. With your continued support, we are determined to once again break our membership record and surpass 10,000 members and head towards average crowds of 12,500.

Our NPL teams are in full swing at the moment and we encourage you to support our teams where possible.

As mentioned our Most Glorious Player (MGP) Awards will be held on Saturday 13 May, 2017 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. We look forward to seeing you on this prestigious evening.

Right here, right now

Today, our full attention turns to AAMI Park in Melbourne, where we face Melbourne City in a crucial Elimination Final. I am sure you will join me in wishing our team all the very best for this match. A win today will secure a spot into a Semi-Final match to play off for a Grand Final berth. Those who will be at AAMI Park for the match, make your presence felt and to those watching in pubs and homes throughout Perth, support with gusto.

We want you back on board in 2017/18

In closing, I would like to once again sincerely thank you for your membership of our football club. Our 2017/18 Membership campaign kicks off soon and with your continued support we are confident of an even bigger and better 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season.

THANK YOU!

There is only ONE Perth Glory. #GLORYISOURS

Warm regards

Peter Filopoulos
Chief Executive Officer
Proud and Paid Up Member No. 19239