Makes it sound like it's AU's fault that the council doesn't want to provide a cheap gym and swimming pool :oops:

Shane E

Good Morning,

Can I please request a sufficient reasoning behind the FFA's decision to segregate the active support areas directly behind the Northern goals at Hindmarsh Stadium?

In the early days of Adelaide United (season 1 & 2) the active support was moving forward in leaps and bounds, however the decision by the FFA over the past few seasons (to divide, rope off the area and include 'security checks' by Weslo Security) has had a large impact on people joining the active support in the North and caused further 'hostility' between supporters and Weslo Security.

Overall, it's as though the numbers that occupy the areas behind the goal have decreased noticeably.

I think it's long overdue and perhaps time both the FFA and Adelaide United management started looking to the MLS and taking note of the Portland Timbers 'model', which may help assist the club moving forward from an active support and membership perspective.

Please have a read of the following article, as many people share these sentiments;

http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/02/11/a-league-chairmen-%E2%80%93-can-you-make-the-a-league-great/

I look forward to your response.

Cheers!

Shane

We Are The Reds - AUFC Community
W: wearethereds.com.au
E: info@wearethereds.com.au


Football Operations

Dear Shane,

Please see the response from the FFA regarding your query:

FFA implemented a reserved seat policy at all Hyundai A-League matches for active supporter areas for the following reasons: Prevent overcrowding in active supporter areas, ability for venues and security to more effectively manage these areas with regard to crowd control and identifying disruptive and anti-social behaviour, provide a safe environment for fans in the active areas to continue to participate in full active supporter actions.

When this policy was initially implemented four clubs already had a reserved seat policy in their active area. One club had, at the request of their supporters, changed from a general admission area to a reserved seat policy to protect this area for their active supporters from casual match day attendees.

What we have found in instances at clubs where there has been a change, there is now a genuine cooperation between club and supporter groups to embrace the strategy and have it work for them. Clubs, supporters and venues all continually engage to raise issues and work together to enhance the active area. We point to Melbourne Victory in this area where the supporters work closely with the club, police and venue and have created a supporter charter relating to active support.

Whist we understand the response from the email, and that general admission area exists in other teams around the world, conversely the reserved seat model in active areas also works as can be seen at clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United to name a few.

FFA’s goal is not to diminish the role that active supporters play at venues through the A-League but rather assist in providing a safe environment for all fans and encourage clubs to work proactively with their fans and venues to provide the platform for this to continue and grow.

We don’t want to be following the MLS lead with regard to the below link, and over the past 12 months we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of incidents at matches occurring in the active areas.
http://www.mlssoccer.com/blog/post/2012/02/27/mls-letter-houston-supporters-groups

Thanks

Schultz

I would like to continue from Shane E's comments regarding the active supporter bays. In the early seasons active support was thriving due to the easy going nature that general admission allows.

The main issue with the solution that the FFA has put forward on recommendation from the Hatamoto security agency is that it is a one solution fixes all solution. Which is clearly not relevant throughout the league. Each home end around the country varies in these terms. I look at Melbourne for instance, their supporters trust and reserved ticket system was needed due to the excess interest in the Northern Terrace, this helped them in order to secure passage for the hardcore fans and ensure them a spot over fans whom may attend one or two matches a year.

In adelaide we have the opposite issue. We need a system that is welcoming in order to grow our active support areas, and in my opinion this is an issue that needs to be resolved and that the FFA must understand. By roping off the active areas and having specific seats at Hindmarsh, those not involved cannot join this hence stunts growth.

In the early days things worked fantastically everyone knew where the active areas were and people would simply go elsewhere if they were worried about their view or noise around them. Now thanks to hatamoto we look like away fans in our own stadium segregated, this is not attractive to people that may have otherwise have joined. I also don't think its worth forgetting that this was a recommendation set by a formerly anti-terrorist organisation with no sporting experience, a very questionable appointment by the FFA, but thats another arguement.

Overall an arrangement or supporters trust needs to be met similar to that of Melbourne's but addressing our own respective issues and these issues are something that the club needs to make the FFA understand or our active support will continue to dwindle and struggle.


Ticketing

This issue of the reserved supporter bays has already been addressed a number of times. All HAL clubs follow the same rules set out by the FFA regarding the active supporter areas. All HAL clubs implement a fully reserved area for the active supporters. As discussed directly with the supporter groups a few weeks ago, the club has been talking to Melbourne Victory to gain a better understanding on how they run their active supporter areas. We will be having a discussion with the stadium management in the coming weeks to discuss ways in which we can make the active supporter areas more accessible and enjoyable for our fans.

It is important to note that Melbourne Victory have the support and the co-operation of the supporters groups, with a number of the supporters within the active supporter area assisting the club on match days to help alleviate any minor issues that may occur (such as spectators standing on chairs, swearing, etc). There is also the understanding and the agreement amongst the supporters that they will adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the FFA and the stadium regarding banners and flags, terms of admissions, and spectator code of behaviour. It is essential for the supporters to work with the club and stadium and follow all rules and regulations in order for things to run smoothly.

Timber Tim

Further to Shane E question and rest assured this is the last time I will bring up the active support ticketing issue as the club has made it quite clear the FFA's ruling on active support bays but if the North and South end are given a limited number of seats and they happen to sell out all the seats in their active support area, would the club then consider to open up more seats for active support area should the need ever arise?

When we play our two Melbourne Victory home games here you might encounter this type of problem as more people get involved in and around active support when the Victory comes to town.


Football Operations

If the respective supporter areas are consistently full each match, this is something that we can look at. As it stands, the supporter areas currently have over 200 seats in each area (one area in the north and one area in the south). This number should be sufficient to cater for the increased demand during the blockbuster matches.

New & improved way to join the Reds in 2012/13

Thursday, 26 July 2012 4:38 PM

Some of you will notice a small change to the way Adelaide United’s Season Tickets and Memberships are now purchased. Adelaide United will be utilising the services of South Australian based company Expeed to manage the sale and distribution of the Season Tickets and Memberships.

The team at Expeed have always been passionate about sport and their direct involvement in sporting organisations has assisted in developing a wide range of products across the sporting industry.

With other high profile clients in the Hyundai A-League, AFL and the SANFL, Expeed looks forward to continuing to build great products that will assist Adelaide United to achieve its goals by providing an easy and helpful service to members.

For any enquiries about Adelaide United Season Tickets and Memberships, please call the new Reds hotline 1300 GO REDS (1300 467 337) or click here to renew your package online!

To learn more about Expeed click here. Alternatively, for enquiries regarding how Expeed can assist your organisation, please contact Expeed via their contact page.
Ticketek will still be selling Adelaide United FC match day tickets, but will no longer be managing our Season Tickets and Memberships.

Please use Ticketek for the following ONLY:
Visit a Ticketek outlet, go online www.ticketek.com.au or call 132 849 to purchase the following:

•HAL Single Match Day Tickets
•AFC Champions League matches
•Pre-Season Matches

(Please note that match day tickets will no longer be available to purchase from the AUFC Club Store. The closest Ticketek outlet to Hindmarsh Stadium is at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Port Road)

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/adelaideunited/news-display/New--improved-way-to-join-the-Reds-in-201213/48228

Big month ahead of ACL Quarter Final
Friday, 27 July 2012 11:07 AM

Adelaide United FC is ensuring it has every chance of success in the AFC Champions League Quarter Final against Uzbek giants Bunyodkor and the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 Season by finalising a solid schedule of pre season matches against quality opposition.

The Reds will take on reigning Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar, Premiers Plate winners the Central Coast Mariners as well as fellow Hyundai A-League clubs Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC in the lead up to the ACL Quarter Final 1st leg on September 19 at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The Reds will use a match against local club Adelaide Comets on August 1 as a springboard for the ensuing hit outs, which will also include a friendly against a South Australian State Team on Wednesday 15 August.

United’s first match against Hyundai A-League opposition will be on August 21 away against the John Aloisi coached Melbourne Heart.

This clash will be followed by a trip to Aurora Stadium in Launceston for a match with Melbourne Victory on August 24 before taking on Sydney FC at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium on Saturday, September 1.

Games at home against Australia’s other two entrants in the 2012 AFC Champions League, Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners, will then finalise the Reds’ preparations and complete a month of highly competitive match practise before fronting up against Bunyodkor in the last eight of Asia’s prestigious club competition.

“It’s vital that the team is able to get not only enough game time leading up to the first leg at Hindmarsh but also that the level of competition is intense,” Adelaide United Football Director Michael Petrillo said.

“There is a good balance between the two in our lead up games. Kossie (John Kosmina) has put a very thorough pre season program in place and with two of the best teams in the A-League in Brisbane and the Mariners rounding off our preparations, we should be in great shape come September 19.”

Ticketing details for the Reds’ home pre season matches will be released soon. Click here for ticketing details of Adelaide United’s home leg of the AFC Champions League quarter final against Bunyodkor.

Adelaide United FC – Pre Season Matches
Wed 1 Aug 2012 v Adelaide Comets
Santos Stadium (Kick-Off 7:30pm ACST)

Wed 15 Aug 2012 v South Australian State Team
Hindmarsh Stadium (Kick-Off 7:30pm ACST)

Tues 21 Aug 2012 v Melbourne Heart
Epping Stadium, Victoria (Kick-Off 7:30pm AEST)

Fri 24 Aug 2012 v Melbourne Victory
Aurora Stadium, Launceston (Kick-Off 6:30pm AEST)

Sat 1 Sept 2012 v Sydney FC
WIN Stadium, Wollongong (Kick-Off TBC)

Fri 7 Sept 2012 v Brisbane Roar
Hindmarsh Stadium (Kick-Off 7:30pm ACST)

Wed 12 Sept 2012 v Central Coast Mariners
Hindmarsh Stadium (Kick-Off 7:30pm ACST)

Okay... getting more frustrated about the lack of signings.

Okay... getting more frustrated about the lack of signings.

How many roster spots do the Reds have open? I know that there is still a visa position with Usucar leaving...would that be the spot Fabio would take if he were to be offered a deal?

How many roster spots do the Reds have open? I know that there is still a visa position with Usucar leaving...would that be the spot Fabio would take if he were to be offered a deal?

Yes with Usucar gone that gives United a free visa spot, but didn't Fabio sign with Sydney FC? United have the mighty Cassio as LB and even though he's getting slower with age there is Golec to fill his spot. Golec has brain explosions now and again, gifting attackers the ball, but he & Ramsey work well together.

Okay... getting more frustrated about the lack of signings.

3 spots left, all allowed to be visas. Also, Cassio should be tying up his Australian citizenship in the not too distant future [spoiler]heard that before, but anyway[/spoiler].

Huh, hadn't realised that you have 3 visa openings. So, I assume the 2 visa players are SvD and Cassio (pending citizenship)? Or is there another guy that I'm forgetting?

Will be interesting to see how many visa spots the Reds decide to use...might depends on how much of the cap is left?

Should just be SVD by season of the players we have now, cassio should have citizenship, and Levchenko and Usucar moved on.

The Club spent and is committed to 100% of the Salary Cap this year. We have 21 players already contracted for the current year and are close to the cap.