Chairman Dennis Ewing emphasizes the need for increased local support and sponsorship.
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The chairman of Junior side Hermes, Dennis Ewing, is on a mission to increase the club’s supporter base following a remarkable comeback victory against Buckie Thistle in the Aberdeenshire Shield. The match, which saw Hermes overturn a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4, has sparked hopes of attracting more fans to their games.
Building a fanbase in Bridge of Don
Despite the thrilling win, Ewing acknowledges that the club currently lacks a substantial fanbase, primarily relying on parents of players for attendance. “We haven’t really got a fanbase as such,” he stated, expressing a desire for more community involvement.
With the population of Bridge of Don exceeding 23,000 and continuing to grow, the club sees an opportunity to engage local residents and encourage them to attend matches.
Community involvement and financial challenges
Founded in 1968, Hermes has a small committee of around five members, with some having been involved since the club’s inception. Ewing emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, “We would like to get the community more involved.” However, financial constraints pose a significant challenge for the club, which is considered one of the poorer sides in the league. Players are compensated only when the team wins, highlighting the financial disparities within the league.
Competing in a challenging league environment
In the competitive landscape of the North Region Juniors, Hermes faces tough opponents like Culter, who have dominated the league in recent seasons. Ewing pointed out that clubs with greater financial resources often have an advantage, stating, “Any club that’s got money and are willing to pay players more than other teams should be winning things.” This financial disparity makes it difficult for clubs like Hermes to compete effectively.
Seeking sponsorship and local support
To address these challenges, Ewing is actively seeking sponsorship opportunities to bolster the club’s finances. “We are currently looking for anybody seeking to sponsor us in various ways,” he mentioned. Manager Steven Watson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for greater community involvement. He believes that increased local attendance would enhance the atmosphere at matches, particularly given Bridge of Don’s status as one of Europe’s largest suburbs.
Future prospects and community engagement
With new housing developments planned near Lochside Park, where Hermes plays, there is hope that more families and young fans will be drawn to the club. Watson envisions a vibrant atmosphere at matches, where enthusiastic supporters can create a lively environment. He expressed optimism that the recent victory against Buckie Thistle will generate interest and encourage more local residents to attend games.
As Hermes prepares for their upcoming match against Highland League side Formartine United in the Morrison Motors Aberdeenshire Shield, the club remains focused on building a stronger connection with the community and enhancing their supporter base.
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