1. FC United of Manchester Using social media to make our Big Coat Day even bigger Andy Walker, Press & Communications Officer, FC United

2. Outline About FC United, What is Big Coat Day?, Challenges, Who were we trying to reach?, Social media activity, What we did, Measurement, Some media coverage, A quote...

3. About FC United Origins Formed June 2005 - Glazer takeover; disenchanted/disenfranchised fans Formed on Core Principles: –Democratic, not for profit, one member one vote –Creating access and participation through football –Community Commitment –Youth focus –Manchester focus –Accessible and of benefit to all communities of Greater Manchester

4. What is Big Coat Day? Annual charity event by FC United of Manchester Boxing Day 2011 football match v Ashton United Call on fans to bring coats, scarves, jumpers, gloves and other warm clothing To be distributed to local homeless charities Working with Boaz Trust and Mustard Tree

5. Our challenge To raise the profile of Big Coat Day Reach new people Make an established event (2005) feel different Increase interest Beat last year’s clothing collected figure – 5 tons Make it fun and easy to take part

6. Who were we trying to reach? Existing fans and members New and potential new supporters The media Charity stakeholders and partners Local community Celebrities

7. Our social media activity You Tube videos –Johnny Vegas, John Henshaw, Clint Boon, Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper), Craig Charles, Justin Moorehouse, James Quinn, ‘Eileen Grimshaw and Fireman Paul’ and others Twitter Facebook

8. What did we do? Filmed various celebrities promoting the day Humorous video clips Staged release on You Tube Hyped up on Twitter and Facebook News stories on FC United website PR activity and direct emails

9. Measurement Views on You Tube – 6,000 Twitter and Facebook chatter – 600 extra followers Media coverage – all over Manchester and beyond Clothing collected target – 3,000 items / 6.5 tons

10. Some media coverage Bury Times, Manchester Evening News, North & East Manchester Advertiser, BBC Radio Manchester, Tameside Radio, Bury Independent, Social Enterprise Live, Supporters Direct News, Football Supporters Federation News, Bury Council website and many other online forums

12. “ Participating in Big Coat Day was a fantastic experience. It was great to see so many FC fans and players making generous donations of not only unwanted used clothing, but also lots of brand new items. There was a significant contribution from non-match going individuals who dropped gear off, but didn’t stay for the game, so the message is really getting out there and people beyond the club are clearly listening. I was proud to be a part of something that will undoubtedly make a real difference to homeless fellow Mancunians this winter. Thanks to everyone who made such a great effort. ” Sean Welsh, lecturer in mental health nursing, University of Salford A quote...

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