WOO, WOW AND WIN
It's all about wooing the fans on and off the pitch.
Heading into its 19th season - which starts on Friday - the S.League will introduce new initiatives to boost fan experience at matches.
Jackpot opportunities, finger-food nights and paid-ticket premiums - where the first 150 fans at any stadium could win a movie voucher or mini hamper - are some of the new "wow factors" to watch the S.League.
Speaking at the annual S.League Fanfare event at the Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday, S.League CEO Lim Chin also revealed that an official match programme will be given out to fans at every game this season.
The programme will include line-ups, team statistics and a match preview.
"The match programme has a three-in-one purpose - it can also be used as a clapper or a fan," Lim joked.
"The key intent is to familiarise fans with the teams and the league, and to improve the match experience.
STANDARDISE
"Match programmes have been around for a while, but some clubs do it and some don't. So, we decided to standardise things.
"But, of course, we won't stop the clubs from producing their own as well."
The league kicks off on Friday at Jalan Besar, with the Charity Shield match between defending champions Tampines Rovers and Singapore Cup holders Home United.
Fans who can't make it to the stadiums to watch the matches "live" this season can now look forward to video highlights of every match on the S.League website and various social media sites within 24 hours of the final whistle.
A new S.League app will also be launched before the end of this month, along with a fantasy football link on the league's website.
The new initiatives are a step in the right direction, said former Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president, Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee.
"The clubs are mindful that they must deliver good football to attract fans, but it's important to also have such off-the-pitch initiatives in tandem," he said.
"When fans come to matches, the players are motivated to dish out better football.
"So, it's important for the clubs to continue their outreach programmes as well.
"The S.League is the main platform in our football eco-system.
"We have the national team, the LionsXII, and next year, a team in the Asean Super League. But first and foremost for any budding footballer is the S.League.
"I must commend the FAS for coming up with all this.
"Hopefully, the league keeps the momentum going into its 20th year next season."
S.LEAGUE
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