Food and Drink Sales

Food and drink sales are a traditional yet effective way for sports clubs to generate income and enhance the matchday experience for supporters. Whether or not a club has clubhouse facilities, creative approaches can be taken to adapt and maximise food and drink sales. Ensuring that all health and safety regulations are met is essential, so clubs should seek guidance from their local council regarding the preparation and sale of food.

Implementation Steps

Assess and Tailor Offerings: Conduct a simple survey or ask for feedback to understand the preferences of your spectators and regular visitors. This insight helps tailor the menu to popular choices, such as vegetarian options or healthier snacks, which can boost sales.

Simplify the Menu: Focus on key items that are top sellers, such as crisps, sandwiches, drinks, burgers, and fruit. A streamlined menu is easier to manage and reduces waste, ensuring the most popular products are readily available.

Advertise Clearly: Use signs, announcements, and posters to inform spectators about what food and drinks are available. Visibility encourages sales and ensures potential customers are aware of their options.

Mobile Selling: Increase sales by walking through the stands with trays of snacks and drinks during half-time or after matches. This proactive approach brings the products to the customers, increasing convenience and impulse purchases.

Leverage Club Connections: Contact club members who may have ties to the food industry to secure discounts or reliable suppliers. Coordinating bulk purchases with other local clubs can also reduce costs and improve profit margins.

Consider Sponsorships: Approach long-term suppliers for potential sponsorships that can benefit both the club and the supplier, such as discounted rates or joint promotions.

Outsource If Needed: Partner with local caterers or vendors to set up food stalls on matchdays. This arrangement can involve a set fee or a revenue-sharing agreement, allowing the club to offer food without additional volunteers.

Club Benefits

Enhanced Matchday Experience: Selling food and drinks creates a lively atmosphere, adding to the overall enjoyment of the event.

Increased Revenue: Simple, profitable items such as drinks, sandwiches, and snacks can significantly contribute to club funds.

Flexibility: Clubs can tailor food offerings based on customer feedback and adjust menus to match popular demand.

Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local suppliers or caterers fosters relationships within the community and can lead to sponsorship opportunities.

Sustainable Operations: With a simple, targeted approach, clubs can focus on their best-selling products to maintain steady sales.