These girls obviously enjoy what they do and want to improve by performing in front of a large audience. Good luck to them! What they do and when they do it, would have no negative affect on anybody's match day experience what so ever. The fact people don't want them as they fear what other fans from other clubs will think, is to me laughable. Why do we care what other fans say?! Why don't we support a local group of girls trying to improve in something they enjoy doing.
bit late to try and pull them mate
Pull them? I'm showing support for a group of young people trying to succeed at something they enjoy!!
The girls are well aware that you don't want cheerleaders and they have seen the options that have been suggested, however, some of the girls have been highly offended by the few hurtful comments and the way that people were saying no to the idea... You haven't even met these girls and already slating them! It was meant to be a bit of fun. The negativity should not have been aimed towards them, commenting negatively on a young woman's appearance is the WORST thing a group of people should have done! Especially when they weren't overly keen on the idea in the first place and were encouraged by people at the club. I think the girls had a right to be angry, and that status was a way of showing that! Things like this already make cheerleading look bad as people often don't think it's a sport in its own right due to the nature of the way it's portrayed by clubs like palace - not the way it was going to come across at Charlton.
Mikey
I appreciate that you have joined this forum to support your friends who you say have been “highly offended by the few hurtful comments and the way that people were saying no to the idea... You haven't even met these girls and already slating them!” - so it's worth mentioning before saying anything else that some of the most “hurtful comments” on this thread seem to have come from someone who, like you, says he knows the mermaids – who posted: “I know most of these girls personally and whilst they are a great bunch of girls to be around they aren't the best cheerleaders or dancers around and bless them they aren't all beauty paegent queens”.
I don't know whether you attend football matches (at Charlton or anywhere else)? But if you do you surely understand that among a football crowd of many thousands any dance or gymnastic type activity performed by a groups of young women will inevitably attract shouted comments about their appearance or performance from individuals or groups in the crowd – even if it's 'only' lascivious comments of supposed 'approval'. And even if it didn't come from Charlton supporters it would almost certainly come from some 'away' team supporters – who as a general rule will take any opportunity to disparage or ridicule something the 'home' club does.
When I first saw this proposal - as well as not wanting cheerleader type activities at Charlton or any other club – my first thought was for the young women involved and that the club and/or the university had some sort of 'duty of care' not to expose them to the probability of what I described above.
As for where we are now – as my daughter (who comes with me to every game) commented: “I hope it is scrapped and however horrible reading the comments were it's way better than if they had to deal with a stadium shouting them at them”.
I have since retracted my comments and would like to point out that they are better dancers than diversity, better at cheer than Cali Smoed and are all perfectly bright orange with fake teeth and tits like paegent queens.
Avoided this thread until now, don't want goal music or cheerleading. I am old fashioned, a purist to some and an old fart to others.
Not what I think of when I think about football. Cheerleading is designed for very stop start sports to keep the crowd engaged, basically American sports. However whilst I do not want it anywhere near The Valley I can accept a lot of hardwork and dedication goes into what they do. To those claiming it isn't a sport then gymnastics, diving, ice-skating etc aren't either
Sam doesn't know the girls, his girlfriend is an ex-mermaid and used to cheerlead with them whilst she was at Greenwich. He has no idea (as the chairlady of the squad commented on the orignial facebook post) and has never met the vast majority of the squad.
Sam doesn't know the girls, his girlfriend is an ex-mermaid and used to cheerlead with them whilst she was at Greenwich. He has no idea (as the chairlady of the squad commented on the orignial facebook post) and has never met the vast majority of the squad.
Mikey
Pretty obviously I could only go by what Sam3110 said himself - which was as I accurately reported: "I know most of these girls personally and whilst they are a great bunch of girls to be around they aren't the best cheerleaders or dancers around and bless them they aren't all beauty paegent queens" - not my "girlfriend is an ex-mermaid" but I've "never met the vast majority of the squad"?
And as for his 'retraction' 3 posts above yours it oozes all the insincerity of a rail company late train apology and in it's sarcasm is probably as unnecessarily hurtful to the mermaids as his original post: "I have since retracted my comments and would like to point out that they are better dancers than diversity, better at cheer than Cali Smoed and are all perfectly bright orange with fake teeth and tits like paegent queens. Hope that makes you all happy".
However, I'd be more interested in your response to my wider points about why the proposal was inadvisable for the young women in the first place?
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)! The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different. I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
It sounds like the club owe them an apology but i don't think most of us average Charlton fans have done much wrong other then saying no or giving our opinion that Cheerleading in general does not belong at football, which is nothing to do with the individuals.
Obviously a small minority of fans did make personal comments but you will get that type of person in any walk of life over just about any issue, you only have to look at the comments section on any website to see the sort of offensive rubbish people will post.
So was this matter discussed at last nights fans forum meeting?
Might be mistaken but I thought I read somewhere that Henners had sent an email to a FF representative(s). @FannyFanackapan has in the past kindly given us a précis of the discussions, probably a little bit early for that though.
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)! The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different. I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
Mikey
As you say - That's fair enough.
I hope that you (and the mermaids) accept that mine (and I suspect many other supporters) opposition to the proposal was as much about concern for the young women (for the reasons I gave) as it was that we don't want to see US style imports like cheerleaders at football matches.
I also hope that this episode will not deter the students union from involving itself in other ways in the university's partnership with the club.
So was this matter discussed at last nights fans forum meeting?
Might be mistaken but I thought I read somewhere that Henners had fired off an email to a FF representative(s). @FannyFanackapan has in the past kindly given us a précis of the discussions, probably a little bit early for that though.
I didn't "fire off an email" : - )
I asked for a couple of issues to be raised of which this was one.
It is meant to take 10 days for the minutes to appear on the OS so I guess we'll see then
So was this matter discussed at last nights fans forum meeting?
Might be mistaken but I thought I read somewhere that Henners had fired off an email to a FF representative(s). @FannyFanackapan has in the past kindly given us a précis of the discussions, probably a little bit early for that though.
I didn't "fire off an email" : - )
I asked for a couple of issues to be raised of which this was one.
It is meant to take 10 days for the minutes to appear on the OS so I guess we'll see then
I must have misinterpreted your mood then Henners, solly, I've edited to 'sent' :-)
So was this matter discussed at last nights fans forum meeting?
Might be mistaken but I thought I read somewhere that Henners had fired off an email to a FF representative(s). @FannyFanackapan has in the past kindly given us a précis of the discussions, probably a little bit early for that though.
I didn't "fire off an email" : - )
I asked for a couple of issues to be raised of which this was one.
It is meant to take 10 days for the minutes to appear on the OS so I guess we'll see then
I must have misinterpreted your mood then Henners, solly, I've edited to 'sent' :-)
I was much more pissed off about putting away fans in the North Upper so crossbars would be busy and selling off sparrows lane so we can share a training ground with Ebbsfleet. All because it's nearer the eurostar station for some players to get home.
But I bet neither will be mentioned in the minutes.
If the club did indeed make the first move, then whoever made that approach has some sorting out to do.
Whoever had the idea (not Ben Kensell) it will have been sanctioned by Katrien Meire before it got as far as it did, so I don't think there is much point in blaming any one individual (including KM).
I get a bit tired of everyone overreacting to a few dumb comments - it's hardly news that some men make sexist comments about the appearance of women without looking at themselves in the mirror. As for cheerleading it's hardly a shock that the majority of fans are against it. I find it insulting at the attempt to jazz things up which suggests that fans are all desperate for a plastic American atmosphere. What plumb thought this up? Can't wait for the goal music.....
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)! The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different. I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
Mikey
As you say - That's fair enough.
I hope that you (and the mermaids) accept that mine (and I suspect many other supporters) opposition to the proposal was as much about concern for the young women (for the reasons I gave) as it was that we don't want to see US style imports like cheerleaders at football matches.
I also hope that this episode will not deter the students union from involving itself in other ways in the university's partnership with the club.
I agree Mick as my earlier post stated I originally contacted the marketing department as I had met them at Sparrows lane. I in fact met the head of sports science who apparently with the head of marketing are the key people in the sponsorship deal. I thought that there were some interesting ways that the trust could work with the university, as they are based in the community and will be I am sure part of the academy new plan's ( that I had written about in the last trust news) As i say I have received no reply from the marketing department who I was referred to. In fact the brief conversation that I had with the head of marketing was very short, The lady did not really seem interested. She has not bothered to return my calls or emails to herself or her colleagues. Of course that is there prerogative, but I feel this is a missed opportunity. Her counter part at the student Union was a lot more receptive, and we discussed a couple of possible ideas relating to attending there open sports days. I should imagine that there may well be a negative opinion of supporters of this club now. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to meet the student union, and perhaps in future the Uni might like to contact the trust as one of the people who do represent the supporters, and discuss the obvious benefits to a good relationship. Perhaps if the University marketing team had contacted a recognised support group, this episode could have been managed a little better. I am more than happy to discuss with the University, or the students union. Hopefully this episode has not damaged the relationship between the University, it's students and the supporters. Perhaps the club might like to comment?
If the club did indeed make the first move, then whoever made that approach has some sorting out to do.
Whoever had the idea (not Ben Kensell) it will have been sanctioned by Katrien Meire before it got as far as it did, so I don't think there is much point in blaming any one individual (including KM).
I haven't blamed anybody as such, simply said someone needs to sort it out if the club initiated things.
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)! The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different. I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
Mikey
As you say - That's fair enough.
I hope that you (and the mermaids) accept that mine (and I suspect many other supporters) opposition to the proposal was as much about concern for the young women (for the reasons I gave) as it was that we don't want to see US style imports like cheerleaders at football matches.
I also hope that this episode will not deter the students union from involving itself in other ways in the university's partnership with the club.
I agree Mick as my earlier post stated I originally contacted the marketing department as I had met them at Sparrows lane. I in fact met the head of sports science who apparently with the head of marketing are the key people in the sponsorship deal. I thought that there were some interesting ways that the trust could work with the university, as they are based in the community and will be I am sure part of the academy new plan's ( that I had written about in the last trust news) As i say I have received no reply from the marketing department who I was referred to. In fact the brief conversation that I had with the head of marketing was very short, The lady did not really seem interested. She has not bothered to return my calls or emails to herself or her colleagues. Of course that is there prerogative, but I feel this is a missed opportunity. Her counter part at the student Union was a lot more receptive, and we discussed a couple of possible ideas relating to attending there open sports days. I should imagine that there may well be a negative opinion of supporters of this club now. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to meet the student union, and perhaps in future the Uni might like to contact the trust as one of the people who do represent the supporters, and discuss the obvious benefits to a good relationship. Perhaps if the University marketing team had contacted a recognised support group, this episode could have been managed a little better. I am more than happy to discuss with the University, or the students union. Hopefully this episode has not damaged the relationship between the University, it's students and the supporters. Perhaps the club might like to comment?
As someone who knows them well, your comments about UoG marketing department sound pretty accurate. it is a common view in the university that there is room for improvement in the way marketing work. There is a lot of activity around improving marketing and communications, so it should get better. My guess is that there was little thought about the consequences of cheerleaders at Charlton other than it sounds a fun idea and fits the sponsorship deal. Almost certainly there would be little understanding of reaction of fans.
Not sure who you talked to from sports science, but there are some good people there. There are already a number of projects within the University in various areas working with the trust and the plan is that it will grow. In fact I have a couple of possibilities that I hope to talk to the trust about in the next few months.
i doubt if there is particularly a negative view about charlton at UoG. There is quite a strong base of both staff and student supporters and the club has (rightly) a strong image community club image. There are even Millwall and Palace fans at UoG who grudgingly give charlton credit for the work they do.
overall this was a daft idea and some stupid and offensive comments here and elsewhere, but that is unlikely to have a major impact in the long run. There is definitely room for some care and supportive words to the cheerleaders who appear to have been put into a difficult position. I hope people from both the University and club provide this in an appropriate way.
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)! The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different. I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
Mikey
As you say - That's fair enough.
I hope that you (and the mermaids) accept that mine (and I suspect many other supporters) opposition to the proposal was as much about concern for the young women (for the reasons I gave) as it was that we don't want to see US style imports like cheerleaders at football matches.
I also hope that this episode will not deter the students union from involving itself in other ways in the university's partnership with the club.
I agree Mick as my earlier post stated I originally contacted the marketing department as I had met them at Sparrows lane. I in fact met the head of sports science who apparently with the head of marketing are the key people in the sponsorship deal. I thought that there were some interesting ways that the trust could work with the university, as they are based in the community and will be I am sure part of the academy new plan's ( that I had written about in the last trust news) As i say I have received no reply from the marketing department who I was referred to. In fact the brief conversation that I had with the head of marketing was very short, The lady did not really seem interested. She has not bothered to return my calls or emails to herself or her colleagues. Of course that is there prerogative, but I feel this is a missed opportunity. Her counter part at the student Union was a lot more receptive, and we discussed a couple of possible ideas relating to attending there open sports days. I should imagine that there may well be a negative opinion of supporters of this club now. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to meet the student union, and perhaps in future the Uni might like to contact the trust as one of the people who do represent the supporters, and discuss the obvious benefits to a good relationship. Perhaps if the University marketing team had contacted a recognised support group, this episode could have been managed a little better. I am more than happy to discuss with the University, or the students union. Hopefully this episode has not damaged the relationship between the University, it's students and the supporters. Perhaps the club might like to comment?
As someone who knows them well, your comments about UoG marketing department sound pretty accurate. it is a common view in the university that there is room for improvement in the way marketing work. There is a lot of activity around improving marketing and communications, so it should get better. My guess is that there was little thought about the consequences of cheerleaders at Charlton other than it sounds a fun idea and fits the sponsorship deal. Almost certainly there would be little understanding of reaction of fans.
Not sure who you talked to from sports science, but there are some good people there. There are already a number of projects within the University in various areas working with the trust and the plan is that it will grow. In fact I have a couple of possibilities that I hope to talk to the trust about in the next few months.
i doubt if there is particularly a negative view about charlton at UoG. There is quite a strong base of both staff and student supporters and the club has (rightly) a strong image community club image. There are even Millwall and Palace fans at UoG who grudgingly give charlton credit for the work they do.
overall this was a daft idea and some stupid and offensive comments here and elsewhere, but that is unlikely to have a major impact in the long run. There is definitely room for some care and supportive words to the cheerleaders who appear to have been put into a difficult position. I hope people from both the University and club provide this in an appropriate way.
Thanks for your comments Henry. I spoke to Scarlett at the Students union who as I say was very approachable. Does that ring any bells? It was the head of Sports science, the said 'Dr'. I would prefer not to name the personnel at the UOG. As I say it is there perrogative if they wish to speak to the trust, but as the liason/comms officer of the trust I am probably the best person to contact. By the way at the time I myself was working in the marketing department of a local college, so I do have some idea how these things work, or not in this case. It is not as if they do not have people responsible for community liason as there own website states.
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)! The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different. I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
Mikey
As you say - That's fair enough.
I hope that you (and the mermaids) accept that mine (and I suspect many other supporters) opposition to the proposal was as much about concern for the young women (for the reasons I gave) as it was that we don't want to see US style imports like cheerleaders at football matches.
I also hope that this episode will not deter the students union from involving itself in other ways in the university's partnership with the club.
I agree Mick as my earlier post stated I originally contacted the marketing department as I had met them at Sparrows lane. I in fact met the head of sports science who apparently with the head of marketing are the key people in the sponsorship deal. I thought that there were some interesting ways that the trust could work with the university, as they are based in the community and will be I am sure part of the academy new plan's ( that I had written about in the last trust news) As i say I have received no reply from the marketing department who I was referred to. In fact the brief conversation that I had with the head of marketing was very short, The lady did not really seem interested. She has not bothered to return my calls or emails to herself or her colleagues. Of course that is there prerogative, but I feel this is a missed opportunity. Her counter part at the student Union was a lot more receptive, and we discussed a couple of possible ideas relating to attending there open sports days. I should imagine that there may well be a negative opinion of supporters of this club now. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to meet the student union, and perhaps in future the Uni might like to contact the trust as one of the people who do represent the supporters, and discuss the obvious benefits to a good relationship. Perhaps if the University marketing team had contacted a recognised support group, this episode could have been managed a little better. I am more than happy to discuss with the University, or the students union. Hopefully this episode has not damaged the relationship between the University, it's students and the supporters. Perhaps the club might like to comment?
As someone who knows them well, your comments about UoG marketing department sound pretty accurate. it is a common view in the university that there is room for improvement in the way marketing work. There is a lot of activity around improving marketing and communications, so it should get better. My guess is that there was little thought about the consequences of cheerleaders at Charlton other than it sounds a fun idea and fits the sponsorship deal. Almost certainly there would be little understanding of reaction of fans.
Not sure who you talked to from sports science, but there are some good people there. There are already a number of projects within the University in various areas working with the trust and the plan is that it will grow. In fact I have a couple of possibilities that I hope to talk to the trust about in the next few months.
i doubt if there is particularly a negative view about charlton at UoG. There is quite a strong base of both staff and student supporters and the club has (rightly) a strong image community club image. There are even Millwall and Palace fans at UoG who grudgingly give charlton credit for the work they do.
overall this was a daft idea and some stupid and offensive comments here and elsewhere, but that is unlikely to have a major impact in the long run. There is definitely room for some care and supportive words to the cheerleaders who appear to have been put into a difficult position. I hope people from both the University and club provide this in an appropriate way.
Thanks for your comments Henry. I spoke to Scarlett at the Students union who as I say was very approachable. Does that ring any bells? It was the head of Sports science, the said 'Dr'. I would prefer not to name the personnel at the UOG. As I say it is there perrogative if they wish to speak to the trust, but as the liason/comms officer of the trust I am probably the best person to contact. By the way at the time I myself was working in the marketing department of a local college, so I do have some idea how these things work, or not in this case. It is not as if they do not have people responsible for community liason as there own website states.
I might have a chat with you if you don't mind. I am keen to exploit this relationship in any way i can for good of both University and club. I don't know people at students union, but I do have a project which would be an interesting three way partnership between uog, su, and trust. happy to discuss ways we can take this forward
I think it might be worth pointing out that 'The Trust' is the Charlton Athletic Community Trust. What Ken is referring to is the Supporters Trust, two completely separate entities.
Haven't read all of this thread but are we now knowed as the Shallow Hals :-) If the girls are reading this I would just like to point out that half the guys on here have genitals the size of acorns, feel free to post and ridicule them. :-)
Haven't read all of this thread but are we now knowed as the Shallow Hals :-) If the girls are reading this I would just like to point out that half the guys on here have genitals the size of acorns, feel free to post and ridicule them. :-)
How do you know they have genitals the size of acorns?
Comments
Hope that makes you all happy
Long way to go, folks
Not what I think of when I think about football. Cheerleading is designed for very stop start sports to keep the crowd engaged, basically American sports. However whilst I do not want it anywhere near The Valley I can accept a lot of hardwork and dedication goes into what they do. To those claiming it isn't a sport then gymnastics, diving, ice-skating etc aren't either
Sam doesn't know the girls, his girlfriend is an ex-mermaid and used to cheerlead with them whilst she was at Greenwich. He has no idea (as the chairlady of the squad commented on the orignial facebook post) and has never met the vast majority of the squad.
Pretty obviously I could only go by what Sam3110 said himself - which was as I accurately reported: "I know most of these girls personally and whilst they are a great bunch of girls to be around they aren't the best cheerleaders or dancers around and bless them they aren't all beauty paegent queens" - not my "girlfriend is an ex-mermaid" but I've "never met the vast majority of the squad"?
And as for his 'retraction' 3 posts above yours it oozes all the insincerity of a rail company late train apology and in it's sarcasm is probably as unnecessarily hurtful to the mermaids as his original post: "I have since retracted my comments and would like to point out that they are better dancers than diversity, better at cheer than Cali Smoed and are all perfectly bright orange with fake teeth and tits like paegent queens. Hope that makes you all happy".
However, I'd be more interested in your response to my wider points about why the proposal was inadvisable for the young women in the first place?
That's fair enough.
As for your point about the proposal - Charlton contacted the girls with the idea (including the name which has been slated). The cheerleaders were sceptical at first for many reasons including the fact that a few of their ex-girls are cheerleaders at palace and they didn't want their image to be perceived like that (something they actually have in common with the Charlton supporters)!
The girls didn't realise the club hadn't spoken to the fans about it beforehand, hence their surprise at the reaction on twitter and this forum.
The students union at Greenwich supported the girls with the idea as it seemed like a great way to promote themselves, volunteering in the community, the partnership with the club and a chance to do something a bit different.
I obviously wouldn't be able to comment on why the club thought it was a good idea to contact the girls before consulting with their fanbase but the whole point of their outrage has been missed - they understand that it's a minority of people making negative comments but it doesn't make it acceptable or any easier to read. A personal comment or 100, it still upset not just the girls in the photograph but their entire squad.
Obviously a small minority of fans did make personal comments but you will get that type of person in any walk of life over just about any issue, you only have to look at the comments section on any website to see the sort of offensive rubbish people will post.
As you say - That's fair enough.
I hope that you (and the mermaids) accept that mine (and I suspect many other supporters) opposition to the proposal was as much about concern for the young women (for the reasons I gave) as it was that we don't want to see US style imports like cheerleaders at football matches.
I also hope that this episode will not deter the students union from involving itself in other ways in the university's partnership with the club.
I asked for a couple of issues to be raised of which this was one.
It is meant to take 10 days for the minutes to appear on the OS so I guess we'll see then
I was much more pissed off about putting away fans in the North Upper so crossbars would be busy and selling off sparrows lane so we can share a training ground with Ebbsfleet. All because it's nearer the eurostar station for some players to get home.
But I bet neither will be mentioned in the minutes.
As for cheerleading it's hardly a shock that the majority of fans are against it. I find it insulting at the attempt to jazz things up which suggests that fans are all desperate for a plastic American atmosphere.
What plumb thought this up?
Can't wait for the goal music.....
Her counter part at the student Union was a lot more receptive, and we discussed a couple of possible ideas relating to attending there open sports days. I should imagine that there may well be a negative opinion of supporters of this club now. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to
meet the student union, and perhaps in future the Uni might like to contact the trust as one of the people who do represent the supporters, and discuss the obvious benefits to a good relationship. Perhaps if the University marketing team had contacted a recognised support group, this episode could have been managed a little better. I am more than happy to discuss with the University, or the students union.
Hopefully this episode has not damaged the relationship between the University, it's students and the supporters. Perhaps the club might like to comment?
Not sure who you talked to from sports science, but there are some good people there. There are already a number of projects within the University in various areas working with the trust and the plan is that it will grow. In fact I have a couple of possibilities that I hope to talk to the trust about in the next few months.
i doubt if there is particularly a negative view about charlton at UoG. There is quite a strong base of both staff and student supporters and the club has (rightly) a strong image community club image. There are even Millwall and Palace fans at UoG who grudgingly give charlton credit for the work they do.
overall this was a daft idea and some stupid and offensive comments here and elsewhere, but that is unlikely to have a major impact in the long run. There is definitely room for some care and supportive words to the cheerleaders who appear to have been put into a difficult position. I hope people from both the University and club provide this in an appropriate way.
I spoke to Scarlett at the Students union who as I say was very approachable. Does that ring any bells?
It was the head of Sports science, the said 'Dr'. I would prefer not to name the personnel at the UOG. As I say it is there perrogative if they wish to speak to the trust, but as the liason/comms officer of the trust I am probably the best person to contact. By the way at the time I myself was working in the marketing department of a local college, so I do have some idea how these things work, or not in this case. It is not as if they do not have people responsible for community liason as there own website states.