Revolutionizing Fan Engagement: Premier League’s Innovative Standard for Soccer Enthusiasts

April 20, 2023

The Fan Engagement Standard is the latest in a series of measures designed by the English top-flight football league to strengthen clubs’ commitment to ensuring long-term collaboration and communication with their respective fans.

Clubs initially approved the development of the Fan Engagement Standard last June, but it was only introduced after detailed planning, and will officially be in effect from the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

In England, fans are considered the lifeblood of clubs, which is why the league has dedicated a series of activities that all clubs must implement to promote fan inclusion.

Objectives of the Fan Engagement Standard

The Fan Engagement Standard has introduced a framework that clubs will follow when designing and implementing their individual approaches to fan engagement.

The Premier League aims to approach the American standards of the NBA, NHL, and NFL, where fans are at the center of the show. The American-style Fan Engagement focuses on the relationship between clubs and athletes in relation to each fan’s individual experience. If a club or league improves the way it reaches its fans and can guarantee them memorable moments, fans will want to relive the experience, resulting in a tangible increase in performance for leagues and clubs. In the aforementioned American sports, the league has centralized power; in Europe and soccer, the Fan Engagement Standard aims to create a new paradigm that includes standards for activities that go beyond the commercial-technical aspect, but that make fans an integral part of the project in a more integrated way in the growth logic. The model will clearly be observed by the rest of Europe and ready to be applied in all nations, with the necessary structural and executive differences.

Greater inclusion through the Fan Engagement Standard

Another important point introduced by the Premier League is the involvement of all clubs, not just the biggest ones. This Standard aims to level all clubs and fans, so fans of all teams, both medium-small and top clubs, can fully experience their passion and faith.

The fact that all Premier League teams are involved in activating these fan engagement initiatives is a sign of constant research and commitment not only from the league but also from the clubs themselves, which show genuine interest in their fans, leading to what can be called a democratization of fan engagement aimed at including fans at all levels.

Themes promoted by the Fan Engagement Standard

1. Club Leadership and Culture — Each club will publish communication channels for all fan-related inquiries and respond promptly to fan inquiries raised through the club’s official communication channels.
   Each club will appoint an official to lead the club’s fan engagement activities.
   Each season, the designated board-level official will prepare and present a fan engagement report to the club’s board of directors, outlining the engagement activities undertaken and the main issues/concerns raised by fans during that season.
2. Fan Listening — The club will continue to engage with fans, representative groups, and the general fan base by allocating resources to engage all official fan clubs.
3. Fan Collaboration and Participation in Club Activities (FAB), as mentioned above
4. Fan Engagement Plan (FEP): Clubs will publish a fan engagement plan at the beginning of the 2023/24 season and subsequent seasons, which will share how fans can make their voices heard**.**
5. Learning and Improvement: Club commitment to providing support and assistance to their fans

All clubs’ favor and most important responses

All 20 Premier League clubs, as early as last June, had approved the league’s Fan Engagement Standard, and starting from this March, will include a section dedicated to Fan Engagement activities for their fans on their official website.
Before the start of the 2023/24 season, all clubs will publish a fan engagement plan, outlining their approach to FES activity for the entire season. Each club’s strategy will be guided by a board-level official appointed to oversee fan engagement and the operation of the fan advisory committee.

Future Prospects

If the Fan Engagement Standard proves successful in the Premier League, it is likely that other leagues and football federations in Europe and around the world will consider adopting similar measures to improve the fan experience and promote greater engagement.

Potential evolutions of the Fan Engagement Standard could include:

1. Technology and Innovation: The use of new technologies and digital platforms to further enhance the interaction between clubs and fans. For example, using virtual and augmented reality, mobile apps, and social media to offer engaging and personalized experiences to supporters.
2. Environmental Sustainability: Clubs may seek to involve fans in their environmental sustainability initiatives, encouraging the reduction of their ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices within stadiums and local communities.
3. Education and Training: Clubs may offer learning and training opportunities for fans, such as through volunteer programs, internships, and partnerships with local educational institutions.
4. International Collaborations: The Fan Engagement Standard could become a global model, with clubs and leagues worldwide working together to share best practices and develop new strategies to engage fans at local, national, and international levels.

In conclusion, the Fan Engagement Standard represents a unique opportunity for Premier League clubs and English football as a whole to strengthen their bond with their fans and create an inclusive and engaging environment for all. The success of this initiative will depend on the clubs’ ability to effectively implement the proposed measures and adapt to the needs and expectations of fans over time. If successfully managed, the Fan Engagement Standard could become a model for fan engagement in global football, leading to a brighter future for the sport we all love.