ClaretandHugh Facebook group admin CAROL COMBES has a big idea to cut the huge costs of becoming a club mascot at the London Stadium and only the players can make it work!
With all the regular moans about the cost of season tickets (at a lot of clubs, not just ours), I want to ask if anyone can explain the cost of being a mascot?
West Ham charge £700 for the privilege! Yes, I did say SEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS!
Before certain people’s fingers start ‘auto-typing’ the words, ‘sell-out’, ‘greedy owners’, ‘money-grabbing whatever’s’ let me clarify this.
Everton charge £720, (£599+VAT), Cardiff and Spurs £405, Man U £150 ( but you have to supply your own full kit!).
The packages do not vary that much in content- usually including a private tour, photo and programme, a
chance to meet players, get autographs and the child’s ticket (+an adult).
I cannot see how these costs can be justified-how much does a ‘meet & greet’/photo cost the club? Nothing!
How much is the cost price of a child’s kit? A couple of bob – and certainly nothing like the price to the parents-which people need to realise is a LOT to many.
Why are they so expensive? Because there are people who can pay, (we have a two season waiting list), or because it’s looked at as just another business opportunity?
Well, I would like our club to reconsider this.
When you want to promote the sport, West Ham, family-friendly club etc, then how much money you can make should not be the main thought!
Many clubs operate a lottery-type draw for some children who are junior members.
Why not encourage ALL the places to be on that principle and NOT charge?
I know-a horrifying idea to any business person!
All junior members should be included and you could include local schools if you want to promote the community side of the club.
Before anyone mentions that clubs can’t afford such losses, let me make a shocking, and innovative, solution.
The one group at a club that does have the money are the players.
Since the players and club are always keen on being seen to be generous, why not let each player ‘sponsor’ a child mascot?
The draw would allow even less well-off children the experience of a life-time, ( let’s be honest, many of us adults would still love to be one!), not cost the club any more money, but enable that fee to go to ‘good causes’ or wherever they go now!
Let one player tell me that they could not afford it-I’m ready for them!
Come on, West Ham, be different and attract some decent PR for a change!
I’m waiting to hear from anyone at West Ham, management or players!
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