As we put 2022 behind us, we would like to give some attention to some of the efforts and highlights of our partnered clubs. While many have made some great efforts and have drastically improved their amount of users, revenue and sponsor opportunities, the selected four have gone above and beyond to achieve the results they have. Without further ado, here are, in no particular order, some of our favourite highlights.
FAN RATING AND INNOVATIVE SPONSORSHIP
Club: Västerås IK ("VIK")
Sport: Ice Hockey
Country: Sweden
It's been a great year for VIK, having grown its user base and embraced the functionalities in its app to maximise its potential. In particular, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight their efforts surrounding the fan rating/player of the game functionality. Introduced earlier this year, the functionality has given VIK a new way to engage its fans and a new advertising area for its sponsors. VIK in particular sold the rights to the player of the game to one of their partners, Steam Hotel, in Västerås city. As a result, all fans who vote for their player of the game are automatically included in a raffle where they can win a night's stay at the hotel. After introducing the prize, the number of people voting for their player of the game increased massively. This has resulted in increased value both for the club and Steam Hotel.
Read more about VIK's efforts with Steam Hotel (Swedish article):
https://www.vik.se/artikel/j3ugalawg-4a8i1/nyhet-i-appen-vinn-overnattningar-pa-steam-hotel
CSR AND CHARITABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Club: Frisk Asker ("Frisk")
Sport: Ice Hockey
Country: Norway
Frisk's use of auctions in the APP this year has been both impressive and inspirational. First of all, the sums of money they have been able to get via their fans and partners bidding for their items has been nothing short of amazing. But what is perhaps even greater to see, is what the income is being used for. You see, while many clubs are able to get substantial amounts of money using our auction functionality, we find it extremely inspirational to see that Frisk decides to donate all winning bids to charity. "Bamsefondet", a charity founded by Frisk in an attempt to help less fortunate children participate in sports growing up gets all donations. This is well and truly an amazing CSR initiative and helps the club actively work towards The UN's list of Sustainable Development Goals.
We are proud to be a part of Frisk's initiative by providing them with additional ways to help towards a good cause.
Read more about Bamsefondet here (Norwegian article):
https://www.friskaskerhockey.no/artikel/zrcpaksu6-254l1/om-bamsefondet
RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE
Club: Storhamar ("SIL")
Sport: Ice Hockey
Country: Norway
Storhamar was the first club ever to use the ticketing system developed by Never Offside (then The Fan Group) and has been a key part of developing it over time to ensure the quality we have today.
Covid restrictions have led to difficult periods for all sports organisations relying on fans in the arena in order to keep the club alive. Following these difficult times, it is quite remarkable to see that SIL was able to break the national record for average attendance during the playoffs. During the 2022 playoffs, SIL had an average attendance of 5728 for their home games. The previous club record of 5335 was set back in 2018, a season when SIL won their first cup in 10 years.
We take great pride in being part of SIL's journey and much-needed heights after a challenging time plagued by Covid regulations. Seeing the progress the club has made, and the attendance it has resulted in is inspirational.
Read more about the record-breaking attendance here (Norwegian article):
https://www.sil.no/publikum-satte-rekord-igjen/
PARTNER SATISFACTION AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH
Club: BK Häcken
Sport: Football
Country: Sweden
BK Häcken started its partnership with Never Offside way back before the merger with The Fan Group and it's been great to see the evolution of how the club works with its partner network.
BK Häcken had a massive 2022 season on the pitch, ultimately, being crowned champions of Sweden at the end of the season. Off the pitch, they showed great progress working with their partners - and they have the figures to back it up. In a survey performed by the club at the end of the season, the overall interest and satisfaction related to our product were, among the partners, up by 30 per cent compared to the same time last year. This shows that working in a dedicated manner yields desired results.
For us, it is amazing to see the impact our product is making for our partnered clubs and we are proud of how far we have come. Thank you all for your willingness, effort and overall dedication to working with us.
Let's aim for even more progress and new heights in 2023!
