Global Sports Leaders Urged To Collaborate On Post-Tokyo 2020 Momentum At Virtual IF Forum

The international sports movement can emerge from the pandemic in stronger shape if International Federations (IFs) continue to work together to build on the momentum of Tokyo 2020, delegates heard at today’s Virtual IF Forum.

More than 400 sports leaders from over 125 IFs gathered for the virtual, invitation-only event, which was organised by SportAccord under the theme of ‘Tokyo 2020 – Learnings and Take-Aways for the Future’.

With the IF Forum’s programme driven by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), the packed agenda featured key contributions from a range of expert speakers.

Delegates heard from IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell, who highlighted key learnings from Tokyo 2020, while Dr. Pau Mota, the IOC’s Senior Manager, Medical and Scientific Department, discussed a number of medical issues that emerged in relation to this year’s Olympic Games.

World Archery Secretary General Tom Dielen and International Golf Federation Executive Director Antony Scanlon also offered engaging insights into the experiences of Tokyo 2020 from the perspectives of IFs.

“I truly believe that if we build on this togetherness and sense of community, sport will accelerate its development to emerge even stronger in the years ahead,” said Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, the President of SportAccord and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), who provided the IF Forum’s welcome and closing addresses.

“Let us continue to make progress as a sports movement, focusing on every level of participation for the sake of a healthy future. Of course, there will always be changes, as this is how sport continues to innovate and improve. Our challenge is to work together to ensure that these innovations bring the best out of sport and encourage participation at all levels.”

Dr. Raffaele Chiulli also expressed his hope that the essential take-aways will help to set the broader agenda for further discussions with a wider pool of influential decision-makers at the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2022 in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

IF Forum 2021 Host City partners are: City of Lausanne and Canton de Vaud and the Official Partners are: City of London, Marsh, OnePlan, Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Deportivo and Sport Event Denmark.

SportAccord 2022, which will take place from 15-20 May 2022, will reunite the global sports movement, allowing all of the industry’s leading figures and stakeholders to gather in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Ooredoo Signs Up As Regional Supporter Of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ And FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™

Telecommunications company Ooredoo has been unveiled as the Official Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Operator of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™.

The Qatari operator’s agreement strengthens the company’s long-standing commitment to FIFA’s leading events. Ooredoo was also a National Supporter of the 2019 and 2020 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup™ in Qatar.

Nick Brown, FIFA’s Director of Commercial Revenue, said: “We are delighted that Ooredoo has returned, this time as a Regional Supporter, for these two amazing tournaments in Qatar. With Ooredoo by our side, we are looking forward to hosting memorable events that will connect followers of the beautiful game in Qatar and across the globe.”

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, the Chief Commercial Officer at Ooredoo, said: “We are beyond proud to be working with FIFA again, this time as a key supporter of the biggest sporting event in the world and of the biggest football event in the region.”

“All eyes will be on Qatar over the next couple of months and in 2022 as our country is propelled onto the global sporting stage. This is an opportunity for Ooredoo to cement our leadership in innovation and telecommunications, promote our country as a major sporting hub, and celebrate football, the most popular sport in the world,” he added.

“We are honoured to be supporting our country in providing an unrivalled fan experience for all, and we look forward with great excitement to some incredible football.”

Ooredoo delivers mobile, fixed and broadband internet services that are tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people’s lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 will feature 16 of the region’s top national teams from 30 November to 18 December 2021 and will serve as a dress rehearsal for next year’s FIFA World Cup™, which will take place from 21 November to 18 December 2022. Read more about both events on FIFA.com.

Konietzko Elected New President Of ICF

Germany’s Thomas Konietzko has been voted the new president of the International Canoe Federation, receiving more than 90 per cent of the vote on the day he also celebrated his 58th birthday.

Mr Konietzko defeated Russia’s Evgenii Arkhipov in the hybrid congress vote, attracting the support of 94 per cent of delegates. He replaces Spain’s Jose Perurena, who is standing down after 13 years as ICF president. Congress overwhelmingly supported a motion to appoint Mr Perurena an honorary ICF President.

In his acceptance speech Mr Konietzko praised the work of the outgoing president, and pledged to build on Mr Perurena’s legacy.

But he also warned not all expectations will be possible.

“You leave a great legacy, and for many years your name will be associated with the most successful period of the International Canoe Federation,” Mr Konietzko said of the outgoing president.

“I already know we cannot meet all our expectations, because there are so many different interests in our federation. The diversity of our disciplines is our greatest strength.

“But our diversity is also our biggest challenge, because so many different interests have to be taken into account, and that is why we all have to stand united. My vision for the future of our federation is to achieve together the best for our sport, united in our vision. For this we need all our stakeholders, we need all of you.

“We don’t need a revolution to make our federation fit for the future, but we need evolution.”

In other election results, Argentina’s Cecila Farias, China’s Aijie Liu and Spain’s Lluis Rabaneda were elected vice-presidents, while Italy’s Luciano Buonfiglio won a hotly contested vote to remain as the ICF’s treasurer.

Japan’s Toshi Furuya was elected the new chair of the canoe sprint committee, France’s Jean-Michel Prono was re-elected chair of the canoe slalom committee, while Germany’s Manuela Gawehn will be the new head of wildwater canoeing.

Dutchman Ruud Heiljselaar will be the new chair of canoe marathon, Great Britain’s Greg Smale retains his role as head of canoe polo, and fellow Brit Terry Best will take over as head of canoe freestyle.

South Africa’s Colin Simpkins will pilot canoe ocean racing, Canada’s John Edwards was successfully re-elected as chair of paracanoe, while New Zealand’s Tim Brabants is the new chair of the ICF’s medical and anti-doping committee.

Congress also recognised the work of three long-term supporters of canoeing, with special awards to Germany’s Juergen Konrad and Australia’s Helen Brownlee, and a posthumous award for Denmark’s Jorn Cronberg.

Watch: How ImagineAR’s Technology Can Help Your Fan Engagement

ImagineAR an Augmented Reality Company that enables sports teams, brands and businesses to instantly create their own mobile phone immersive AR campaigns.

Through this new video you are able to see how the integration of their technology has been benefitting one of Brazilian football’s biggest clubs in order to enhance the engagement of their fanbase.

Felipe Ribbe de Vasconcellos takes you through how they have been utilising the technology in order to get positive results in this new video cast study.

He shares the goals they were looking to achieve by using ImagineAR, how they planned and executed campaigns. Felipe also showcases the user experience for fans and the results they have been able to achieve and what their future plans are.

If you would like to find out more about ImagineAR, email David Fowler at david@isportconnect.com

ImagineAR Selected by the STA Group as one of the 2021 STA Startups Category Stage Winners for Sports Fan Engagement

ImagineAR was also this week selected by the STA Group, headquartered in London, as one of the 2021 STA Startups Category Stage Winners for Fan Engagement.

“To be selected as a 2021 STA Startup Category Stage Winner for Fan Engagement is truly an honor and further positions our company as one of the up-and-coming global sports tech leaders,” said Alen Paul Silverrstieen, CEO and President of Imagine AR, “This STA selection can open up new sales and partnership  opportunities for ImagineAR as well throughout the world”.

Mr. Silverrstieen continued, “We are excited to compete against other global winners for the overall 2021 Startup of the Year Award in the near future.”

STA Category Stage Winners compete in a two-stage process; first, the STA Group scrutinizes the international sports tech market to establish winners in individual categories. These are based on the stage of business – super-early, early, established and scale up – along with the sports sector in which they operate. Each category winner, including ImagineAR in the Fan Engagement category for early-stage startups, is invited to then pitch head-to-head in a bid to become The STA Startup of the Year.

How To Bring Your Sports Travel Programme And Sustainability Efforts Together

In the week the COP26 Summit kicks off and many of the world’s major nations look at how they can come together in order to make the world a much more sustainable place, our friends at ATPI look at how to replicate this with your sports travel.

Prior to 2020 we saw a collective conscience raised in regards to caring for the environment and limiting our impact on it – an approach that even extended to sports travel and events.

Although the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic took priority last year, we are now seeing more organisations turn their attention back to the implementation of sustainability policies and ESG initiatives.

The good news for travel managers is that travel doesn’t have to be at odds with your team’s wider sustainability targets. There is a way to achieve a travel strategy that delivers what your organisation needs while also limiting its impact on the environment.

“Although offsetting your carbon footprint remains a quick fix rather than offering a long term solution, it’s still an important part of limiting our impact on the planet.”

Before doing anything, it’s important to talk to those closest to your travel programme – your travel managers, bookers and team. Gathering their opinions on what kind of changes would make the biggest impact, and importantly be the most achievable, is essential in creating a sustainability strategy that is realistic for your team – one that will produce results and fit your culture.

Carbon offsetting

Although offsetting your carbon footprint remains a quick fix rather than offering a long term solution, it’s still an important part of limiting our impact on the planet. Over 30 IATA member airlines have pledged to invest in carbon reduction projects by developing carbon offset programmes to neutralise their emissions. If it’s possible to travel for business using these airlines then teams can rest assured that they are making serious conservation efforts.

Further details of which airlines are involved in carbon offsetting can be found here. Your TMC should also be able to advise you in regards to adding C02 reporting to your current travel data, which will enable you to make more informed decisions when it comes to travel.

Questions to ask a prospective TMC about their sustainability efforts:

  • Can you negotiate with hotel suppliers and airlines, selected due to their sustainability efforts, to secure corporate rates and offers?
     
  • Do you have extensive and up-to-date knowledge of sustainability programmes implemented by travel suppliers and airlines currently?
     
  • How do you share updates on suppliers’ sustainability efforts?
     
  • Are you able to provide carbon reporting as part of travel data reports?
     
  • Are you able to provide bespoke reports? Is there a limit to how many reports can be provided per month/year?
  • Can travel data be presented in a dashboard format? Is it possible to customise this dashboard for our organisation?
     
  • Will you provide analytics showing our key travel trends? And advise on how we can use this to develop a more sustainable travel programme?
     
  • Can you provide advice regarding the sustainability efforts of our industry peers?
     
  • Are you able to offer us choice when it comes to how we offset our carbon emissions? 

What to look out for in your travel technology if achieving a more sustainable approach to travel is a priority for your organisation:

If your organisation is sending sustainability to the top of its travel agenda then it’s vital that your travel booking tool can help guide bookers into making more environmentally-friendly travel choices. Booking tools that clearly show carbon emissions, indicate which options fall within your organisation’s travel policy or offer more sustainable travel alternatives will be important as your organisation takes steps to become greener.


 

Sustainability And Sponsoring: Alibi? Fashion? Trend? Big Change?

Bernhard Spahni of MARTI-SPAHNI Management & Consulting Ltd shares his experience on how the priority of sustainability within sponsorship has been changing over recent times.

Sponsorship is changing. Characterized by changed values ​​among the target groups and, above all, among the companies. Corporate social responsibility and sustainability are no longer just an alibi or part of good manners. No, these topics are high on the priority list of stakeholders (investors, customers, suppliers, opinion leaders and employees).

“It wasn’t long ago that the partly artificial or better sought-after integration of a charity component was enough to give a project the desired touch of “social responsibility”.”

It wasn’t long ago that the partly artificial or better sought-after integration of a charity component was enough to give a project the desired touch of “social responsibility”. A generous donation to a charity was the greatest feeling. It was considered as exemplary and even received the status of a “charitable event”, which, for example, in the USA suspended certain corporate governance rulings. Thanks to generous donations, it was even possible to invite customers to golf tournaments.

Then came the phase of in-house projects in the social or funding area. As a further dimension of an event or an organization, additional projects were launched. Young talent projects, own foundations, projects with disadvantaged groups were created, actively promoted and staged in the media. Intensive and real, but still a side-project.

And today? The companies place high priority on the sustainability of sponsorship projects.

“The fact that a sports event that takes place every three years has become a 3-year project provides additional benefits and brings real added value to the sponsors and partners.”

For many companies, the first question we are asked when dealing with clients is: “How can we make our commitments more sustainable”. The sustainability message moves into focus, the sponsored athlete, artist, or influencer becomes a platform or messenger for these messages. The attractiveness and media presence of top events and projects are used to convey sustainable topics in a credible manner.

A good example of this is “The Ocean Race” in sailing. Their focus is on the sustainability of the world’s oceans. The organizer is committed at all levels and creates real added value, giving the basic project “circumnavigating the world” a contemporary image and attention. The fact that a sports event that takes place every three years has become a 3-year project provides additional benefits and brings real added value to the sponsors and partners. For me it is a perfect example.

So, the answer to the question in the title is clear to me: a big change is underway. The topic of “sustainability and social commitment” is moving into the center and is becoming a differentiating factor.

About Marti-Spahni:

MARTI-SPAHNI Management & Consulting Ltd is a partner-run marketing agency based in Baar, Switzerland and specializes in sponsoring, sports and event marketing. The partners have a wide range of know-how and a impressive global network in the fields of sport and culture from their global roles. Christof Marti headed up the Global Sponsorship and Events Dept. at UBS and Bernhard Spahni disrupted the sports events landscape as Global Head of Sport Event Marketing at Red Bull. 

Marti-Spahni is characterized by individual, creative and innovative as well as classic solutions for its clients. For more information, please check our website: www.marti-spahni.ch

iSportConnect Welcome InCrowd As The Latest Member Of Our Consultancy Division

London, November 2021 – iSportConnect, the world’s largest private sport business network, are incredibly excited to be able to reveal data and sports marketing company InCrowd as the latest organisation to join our roster of consultancy clients.

At InCrowd’s core is their Customer Data and Experience Platform (CDXP) which powers a suite of digital and data tools that enable sports organisations, venues and media to capture, maintain and monetise audience attention through interactive and personalised fan experiences, growing databases and driving significant ROI for the organisation and commercial partners.  

With supporting professional content, data and strategic consultancy services, InCrowd are uniquely positioned in the industry to provide a full, yet flexible, end-to-end solution to lead digital transformations.

InCrowd works with UEFA, FIFA, EFL, Sky Sports, Premiership Rugby, URC, Rugby Football League, Formula 1, ECB, ICC, Indian Premier League and multiple clubs across the Premier League and Championship, helping them deeply connect with their fans converting fan interaction into ROI & advocacy.

“There is a significant value gap between how sport is delivering content and how fans are consuming content and also between how brands are buying campaigns and how sport is packaging its sponsorships and partnerships. This means that the most effective way to drive value for organisations is to transform how they engage and communicate with their audience, utilising fan data to create personalised content and digital experiences across high-quality fan facing platforms.” said InCrowd CEO, Aidan Cooney. “We are excited to work with iSportConnect in cultivating relationships with organisations that share our vision and that continue to be bold in their digital and data transformation journeys”.

“I’ve known many of the InCrowd team for a few years and have watched their business develop and grow as they have created their own proprietary offering. It’s a team of really smart and impressive people. As we all know, if you’re not using data to take your business forward in 2021 then you are being left behind,” said iSportConnect Chief Strategy Officer Sandy Case.

“Personalisation and understanding your fan has become incredibly vital to getting the most out of these relationships. InCrowd can provide valuable knowledge and expertise to help improve your business and we are looking forward to getting to work alongside them and helping them grow.”

iSportConnect Consultancy

iSportConnect’s consultancy division works to help our clients with commercial development, marketing and communications and global sports market entry and business strategy. Our consultancy clients include the likes of Vindicia, Tata Communications and Infront X, among others.

About iSportConnect

iSportConnect was launched in 2010 with the aim of bringing together sports business professionals around the world in a networking community enabling them to meet one another, find information and obtain access to a wide range of relevant services. The platform is now the largest global private network of sport business executives, where membership is exclusive and follows a strict door policy.

FIFA Clearing House Rollout Highlights Capability Gap At Many FIFA Member Associations

Jason Anderson and David Fowler look at how a new initiative being launched by FIFA is showing just how much work there is to be done at many member associations in order to catch up on their data processes.

In June 2018, FIFA first proposed to license and operate a new “Clearing House” to centrally manage transfer payments. Some in the football world thought it would never happen.

The FIFA Clearing House was borne out of FIFA’s own research which showed that an increasing number of clubs were not fulfilling their payment obligations in relation to training compensation and solidarity contributions — collectively referred to as “training rewards”. First introduced in FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) in 2001, these payments are supposed to be triggered when a player signs his* first professional contract or transfers internationally. The intent is to reward the player’s training club(s) for their contribution to his development. Historically, less than 10% of these payments are paid.

“To power this new global transfer payment system, FIFA requires each of its 211 member associations to implement electronic player registration systems that provide registration information for all players.”

On 25 September 2018, FIFA’s plans to address this went public as the Football Stakeholders Committee gave their stamp of approval to the Clearing House. Centralising the payment of solidarity and training compensation, agents’ commissions and transfer fees will have a profound effect on the business of amateur football, but are FIFA’s Member Associations equipped to deliver on FIFA’s promises?

To power this new global transfer payment system, FIFA requires each of its 211 member associations to implement electronic player registration systems that provide registration information for all players — amateur and professional — from the age of 12, via the FIFA Connect Service. To remove any doubt, the latest FIFA RSTP states emphatically that, “only electronically registered players identified with a FIFA ID are eligible to participate in organised football.” 

FIFA’s Member Associations are now waking up to the realisation that FIFA is serious about enforcing compliance with their digital reforms. Despite multiple delays, the FIFA Clearing House is expected to launch in early 2022 and FIFA has been busy emailing its member associations to inform them of the penalty for non-compliance. The member association — not the signing club — will be responsible to pay training compensation claims in cases where the member association’s systems or data are found to be non-compliant. 

“What is becoming increasingly clear is that many member associations are simply not equipped to manage technology projects of such complexity.”

What is becoming increasingly clear is that many member associations are simply not equipped to manage technology projects of such complexity. Building bespoke, mission-critical solutions without an experienced technology lead and support team is a recipe for financial and compliance disaster. Off the shelf, SaaS registration and competition systems can be part of a solution but not all are created equally and a subscription does not equal compliance. 

Our advice to member associations is that boots on the ground with an understanding of your unique requirements — as well as FIFAs — are essential. In essence, FIFA have created a new industry, but with few experts and no one-size-fits-all solutions.

The good news is that FIFA’s reforms are creating commercial opportunities for member associations that can manage the inherent complexity. Done properly, electronic player registration and competition management solutions should form a foundation to engage with players, parents & fans while creating value for sponsors and generating significant ROI for the member association.

About The Authors

Jason Anderson is COO and co-founder of Inqaku FC, developers of South Africa’s only FIFA-integrated digital player registration platform, MYSAFA. With over 400K players and 8,000 clubs registered and assigned FIFA IDs to date, MYSAFA is by far the most successful sports registration and competition management system in Africa.

David Fowler is a Co-Founder of SportsTech Match (and Digital & Data Consultant at iSportConnect). SportsTech Match was founded in 2020 and aims to simplify the procurement of sports technology solutions. Sports federations, leagues and teams at all levels can submit anonymous Requests For Information via SportsTech Match and be matched with the vendors best placed to deliver on their unique requirements.

Contact Jason or David to discuss how they can help you define your requirements, connect you with the right solutions and ensure that you approach FIFA’s RSTP reforms as an opportunity for growth rather than a never ending exercise in compliance and spiraling costs.

*To date, training rewards are only applicable to men’s football.

NAGRA And International Bowling Federation Launch StrikeCloud, A Digital Transformation Initiative

The International Bowling Federation (IBF), the world’s governing body for the sport of bowling, and NAGRA, a Kudelski Group company and the world’s leading independent provider of content protection and multiscreen video solutions have announced the launch of StrikeCloud, a digital transformation initiative taking a disruptive and innovative approach to unleash the potential of one of the largest participated sports in the world.

Delivered through a gamified, content-rich loyalty app, fans and players will have one global access point to experience every aspect of the sport of bowling made possible through three fully gamified pillars – Watch, Play and Train.

StrikeCloud is the realization of a major expansion for IBF, with new leadership and significant digital transformation ambitions to change the way players, fans, proprietors, bowling infrastructure and merchandising manufacturers and sponsors engage with the sport. Its inclusive design is purpose-built to ensure foundations have been built to serve all personas involved in the game, from professional athletes to aspiring players, grassroot participants, and recreational bowlers, all have access to everything they need through a seamless and user-friendly experience.

“With StrikeCloud we have started an ambitious program that will enhance what is truly a dynamic sport for the 20-million fans of elite bowling and 225-million bowlers who regularly enjoy the sport at the 12,800 bowling centers across the globe,” said Andrew Oram, IBF CEO. “By working with NAGRA, we’re merging a broad spectrum of technologies and services with our wider global business vision to change the nature of the sport for all participants. This is the start of a major business transformation that will energize everyone involved in the sport of bowling and expand the sport to new levels.”

StrikeCloud’s comprehensive approach includes a host of smart technologies to deliver the ultimate bowling experience built around content. The video capture is powered by SPORFIE – a venture of NAGRA – which provides a fully automated and cost-effective video production platform including multi angle live streaming, using mounted or mobile cameras and, for the first time in the world of bowling, real-time automated highlight clips that can be triggered per Player, per Strike/Score or for every throw. While leveraging the power of content, StrikeCloud introduces a set of technologies creating an enriched experience under the Watch, Play and Train pillars.

Every match at fingertips: With access to thousands of competitions, users can watch, follow and interact with their favorite tournament, leagues, clubs and players.

World’s first immersive coaching program: StrikeCloud will deliver a fully automated, personalized video and data capture that allows bowlers at any level to instantly watch replays of throws, clip segments, analyze techniques and share with coaches, family, friends and all social media channels.

Interactive player immersion: Game, score and pin prediction enable users to play along virtually, while watching and assessing players and techniques.

Gamification for fan engagement: Quizzes, polls and arcade games can be accessed to provoke friendly competition.

Live and virtual training: StrikeCloud players and aspiring athletes can train live or virtually either independently or with coaches and other professional players who are connected via StrikeCloud.

Integrated rewards program: The Watch, Train and Play pillars are linked to a full package of achievement rewards linked to a user’s profile that will be available for redemption via a multitude of partnerships and further encourage motivation between users.

“With IBF we are delivering an amazing digital and business transformation journey that exceeds industry expectations,” said Nancy Goldberg, CMO & EVP Kudelski Group. “Together, we are building a new level of loyalty, engagement and sport gamification for bowling with a bright business future for all stakeholders, that transcends the technology.”

Chelsea And DreamSetGo Unveil New Partnership For Indian Fans

Chelsea Football Club have joined forces with DreamSetGo who become our first-ever Official Indian Fan Experience Partner, helping to bring Blues supporters in India closer to the club than ever before.

DreamSetGo are India’s first premium bespoke sports travel and experiences platform and will now use our partnership to offer a range of unique experiences for Chelsea’s fans in the country.

The partnership will provide Indian Blues supporters with increased access to VIP matchday hospitality at Stamford Bridge, private meet-and-greet sessions with club legends, VIP stadium tours, signed merchandise and exclusive chances to attend first-team training.

DreamSetGo will also be offering an amazing experience specifically for younger Chelsea fans in India, with the chance to travel to our training ground in Cobham and take part in their own training sessions, led by experienced Chelsea Foundation coaches.

Meanwhile, companies in India will be able to make use of unique incentive trips and bespoke board meeting experiences at the home of the Blues, Stamford Bridge.

‘We are proud to partner with DreamSetGo and bring Indian fans closer to the club through truly unique experiences,’ said Chelsea chief executive Guy Laurence.

‘India is home to millions of Chelsea fans and we aim to leverage DreamSetGo’s expertise to devise bespoke tours for the ever-growing fanbase in the region.’

Founded in 2019, DreamSetGo curates premium, end-to-end, authentic sports travel packages across football, cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf, among other sports, and is part of India’s leading sports technology company Dream Sports.

Monish Shah, co-founder and chief business officer at DreamSetGo, added: ‘We are thrilled to be the Official Indian Fan Experience Partner of Chelsea FC, one of the world’s most famous football clubs.

‘This partnership marks our first with an English football club and we look forward to curating unforgettable experiences taking fans and travellers through the fascinating stories of the club.’