Posted April 7, 2014

 

The survey seeks to bring a greater understanding of supporters’ perceptions of football’s role within Scottish society, the match day experience, governance of the game as well as grassroots and youth development, among other topics.

 

Key findings from the 2013 survey included:

 

•    The majority of supporters wish to see a larger top league, operated by a single league body, and with no more than three senior divisions

•    Supporters consider greater financial distribution and a merger of the SPL and SFL to be the most important aspects of any reconstruction

•    While the majority of fans consider the National Men’s A Squad to be seriously underachieving, the majority also consider the Women’s National Team and the National Youth Teams to be performing as expected or overachieving.

•    Better Coaching, increased grassroots participation and better facilities are the three main factors in improving standards.

•    Supporters want a pyramid system introduced to the game which is duly implemented prior to the current season’s commencement

 

Paul Goodwin, Head of Supporters Direct Scotland said “Supporters are critical to the game in Scotland and will be increasingly so in the future. It’s essential they are engaged in debates and discussions about the future of the game through surveys on key topics here. They are the lifeblood of the game and any changes to the game should have their best interests in mind”.

 

Stewart Regan, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, said: “The National Football Survey is essential in canvassing the thoughts of football fans in Scotland, regardless of the level of the game they are involved in. This survey poses a range of questions which we’re seeking feedback and their views on for the benefit of the game.

 

“Last year’s survey gave the fans’ perspective on league reconstruction and already you can see the benefits of such areas as the pyramid and play-offs, both of which received the overwhelming support of the game’s fans.”

 

The survey launches today and will close on Friday the 25th of April. You can complete it here.