Sunderland chiefs outline importance of ‘international fan growth’ amid strong Africa links & US tour
Sunderland chiefs have outlined the importance of ‘international fan growth’.
Sunderland chiefs have outlined the importance of ‘international fan growth’ to the club’s revenues moving forward with bosses also looking to capitalise on strong ‘opportunities in Africa’.
Sunderland head to the US on pre-season tour this summer ahead of a new Premier League campaign that will also include Europa League football after Regis Le Bris led the Black Cats to an impressive 7th placed finish on their return to the top flight.
The topic of the US tour and growing the club’s international fanbase came up at the latest Supporters’ Collective Meeting with a variety of fan groups. Earlier this week, we reported that the club now has a ‘£200m turnover with a global reach’. Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell was among the club bosses to meet with fans.
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Sunderland has historical links with Africa, which date back to 2012 when the club revealed not-for-profit group Invest in Africa were to become their official shirt sponsor. Invest in Africa was a partnership of companies aimed at promoting business opportunities in Africa.
In the minutes for the Supporters’ Collective Meeting they read: “The summer tour to the United States will be important, TB, but it is a difficult market to cut through and maximise revenue in. Sunderland is unique, the club has a connection to Africa.
“Sunderland AFC had more players at AFCON than any other Premier League club. A significant proportion of business discussions are with African companies and are happy to position ourselves with opportunities in Africa. International fan growth is important.”
The minutes added: “There are 19 other Premier League clubs, but what Sunderland offers inside the stadium is unique. The club must remain connected to the local community. The intention is to export what Sunderland means to the world ,TB [Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell].”
The following members of staff from Sunderland were present at the Supporters’ Collective Meeting in mid-May; Sunderland interim CEO Tom Burwell, director of football Florent Ghisolfi plus Paul Kingsmore, Georgi Rusev, Steve Wood, Emily Jewitt and Chris Waters. Several fan groups attended including the Branch Liaison Council, Red and White Army, the Senior Supporters Association and individual fans.
What are Sunderland’s plans in the US this summer?
Earlier this year, Sunderland announced a pre-season tour of the USA which will see them face Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham. The fixtures will be played across three venues in late July and early August.
The Black Cats will be based initially in Tennessee, Nashville, where they will spend a week in camp before facing Liverpool at Geodis Park on Saturday, July 25th. From there they will travel to Harrison, New Jersey, where they will then face Leeds United on Thursday, 30 July at the Sports Illustrated Stadium - home of the New York Red Bulls and Gotham FC. The tour finishes in Chester, Pennsylvania, where Sunderland will face Phil Parkinson's Wrexham at Subaru Park on Sunday August 2nd.
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