February 10, 2014
By Chris Cavanagh, Moreland Leader
NEW Coburg boss Craig Lees has urged Moreland locals to get behind the Lions, with community support vital to the stand-alone Victorian Football League club’s long-term survival.
Membership fees have been slashed to $55 for adults and $35 concession – down from $85 and $40 last year.
As the club begins a membership drive, Lees said the Lions’ year would be judged by how well they were able to engage the wider community.
“We really want to engage the community and being the first year that we stand alone and revisit the heritage of the Coburg Lions, we think it is really important ... so they know we’re a stand-alone VFL club in the northern suburbs that they can be a part of it,” he said.
“I think that it’s really important that we work closely with council and clubs and schools within this area and we service the area well.
“It’s important that we broaden our horizons and try and embrace people from within the wider area that want to show interest in us.
“If we don’t get out to Brunswick or Pascoe Vale or Oak Park and these suburbs, they won’t know that we’re here.”
Lees, who took over as general manager last month, said he had plans to grow the club among Moreland locals.
The club will host 10 home games at Coburg City Oval in 2014, giving members plenty of bang for their buck.
Membership sales will be part of the focus during the club’s annual training camp this weekend with the Lions opting to stay around in Moreland rather than travel afar.
Players will hit the streets in a bid to generate interest and membership sales.
“The Lions are back and we’ve got to sell that message,” Lees said.
“Our aim is to send 65 players out on Saturday and hit up the community.
“We’re probably going to drop off 6000 flyers and hit up businesses.
“And we’ll create a competition to see who can get the most business cards or create the most interest in Coburg.”
A stand will be set up in Coburg’s Victoria St Mall on Saturday to provide information about the club and sell memberships.
For more local news from across Moreland, visit www.heraldsun.com.au/leader
Last Modified on 12/02/2014 12:28