By Pete Richardson, Azalea

GOLFERS TO ENJOY REWARDING EXPERIENCE

Avid golfers can now bag themselves free golfing rewards simply by shopping with some of the UK’s largest retailers after the launch of a pioneering golf points’ scheme.

Rewards4golf.com is a free revolutionary rewards scheme where golfers earn points for every pound they spend with some of the UK’s most popular retailers including Asda, Tesco, John Lewis, Currys, Marks & Spencer, Halfords and Amazon.

Golfers can then redeem those points to claim a host of top-of-the-range golfing rewards such as golf balls, equipment, accessories, shoes and clothing or even golfing breaks.

The scheme is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and its innovative technology means points are automatically collated whenever a registered credit or debit card is used with a participating retailer – meaning the system is both environmentally friendly and hassle-free as there is no need to carry a separate loyalty card.

It takes just one minute to register a card online and is completely free – there really are no hidden charges.

Golfers can earn points by shopping with more than 200 online retailers and around 3000 high street outlets. In addition, they can register more than one card to contribute to their points’ tally, so they can even be rewarded when their partner, friends or family shop.

To celebrate its launch, rewards4golf.com is offering a free 50 points for every card that is registered meaning there are a potential 750 points available just for registering a maximum of 15 cards on the one account.

The system has the support of the leading high-street banks and has been fully audited by independent security consultants. The points earned by customers are automatically collated in a secure banking fund and can then be redeemed against a host of rewards.

Typical examples of golfing rewards range from a Nike Dri-Fit golf glove or a dozen Titleist ProV1 golf balls to a set of TaylorMade Burner XD irons or a golfing break at Open venue Turnberry.

Colin Whitehead, commercial director at rewards4golf.com, said: “We are delighted to introduce the rewards4golf scheme to golfers and very happy at how well it has been received by golfers who have already signed up.

“The rewards on offer are fantastic and the fact that members are able to sign up more than one card and shop with such a vast array of retailers is extremely beneficial as it means they can accrue points much more quickly.

“We have some of the biggest UK retailers – both online and high street – signed up to participate in the scheme so it makes perfect sense to collect points for money that people are already spending with them.”

Golfers can sign up to the scheme at www.rewards4golf.com, where they can also browse the huge variety of rewards on offer and see the extensive list of participating retailers.

They can also use the website to manage their accounts, shop with their favourite retailers and keep up-to-date with their points’ tally.

Issued by The Azalea Group. For more information contact David Connor, Pete Richardson or Andy Barwell on 08700 330 550

By Stephen Proctor, SMS

With all the focus on the Champions League and the Barclays Premiership in the media, there may be a belief that
these are the only areas of football interest in the UK. However, the fairy-tale stories of the F.A. Cup for Barnsley
and Cardiff have shown there is magic in the world’s oldest cup competition – and it does not stop there.

There is real interest in the Coca Cola Championship – over two thirds of football fans in the UK say they are
interested and follow what happens in the Coca-Cola Championship, and almost a quarter (24%) say they are very
interested in the Championship.

There are differences dependent on age – in that UK Football fans aged over 30 have a greater level of interest in
the Coca-Cola Championship than those under 30. Football fans are also more interested in the Coca Cola
Championship than the Carling Cup – presumably unless you are a Tottenham fan!

Taken from the Sports Marketing Surveys “European Player & Fan” study covering France, Germany, Italy, Spain,
UK and Euro 2008 hosts, Austria and Switzerland – the research delves into the mind of the European football fan
to provide insight on:

• Who follows football analysed by their level of interest & lifestyle
• Image statements associated with football
• Lifestyle interests
• Impact of leisure time availability on sport following
• Opinions and attitudes towards sponsorship
• Viewing habits & interest in other sports
• Media following & media usage (including new media)
• Favourite football leagues, competitions and clubs
• Comparisons across countries, against other sports and the national population.

The above areas can be analysed by specific segments – football interest, frequency of viewing, age, gender,
household income or by particular interest in an event or club.

So, if you are thinking about getting into football, trying to sell football sponsorships or need to develop your
sponsorship and marketing strategy in a particular country or across Europe, our 2008 European Football analysis
has everything you need.

For more information please contact John Bushell on +44 (0)1932 350600

If you want insight into multi-sports across Europe or interest in sports events / series or leagues in key sports in
one country, the European Player & Fan study provides actionable information for sports brands, sports agencies &
federations on sports participation and sports following in over 60 sports. Enabling you to develop marketing
strategies from a position of fact, the European Player & Fan study is the one sports-report you do need.

Sports Marketing Surveys, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey UK GU23 6QL

By Stephen Proctor, SMS 

The success of clubs in the Champions League is reflected closely in domestic following of favourite clubs. Amongst avid fans in Europe, the following clubs are preferred:

The UK avid fan most closely supports Manchester United, followed by Liverpool, Celtic, Rangers, Chelsea with Arsenal 6th overall.

FC Nantes is the most favoured football club in France amongst the avid fan – followed by Olympique Marseille.

The most popular Bundesliga team in Germany amongst avid domestic fans is Bayern Munich followed by SV Werder Bremen and then Borussia Dortmund.

No surprises in Italy with Juventus the most popular club followed by Inter & AC Milan with Napoli and Roma in 4th and 5th places.

Spain has Barcelona the avid fans clear favourite ahead of Real Madrid with FC Cadiz and Sporting Gijon also well supported.

Taken from the Sports Marketing Surveys “European Player & Fan” study covering over 7,000 nationally representative interviews in France,

Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and Euro 2008 hosts, Austria and Switzerland delves into the mind of the European football fan to provide insight on:

• Who follows football analysed by their level of interest & lifestyle

• Image statements associated with football

• Lifestyle interests

• Impact of leisure time availability on sport following

• Opinions and attitudes towards sponsorship

• Viewing habits & interest in other sports

• Media following & media usage (including new media)

• Favourite football leagues, competitions and clubs

• Comparisons across countries, against other sports and the national population.

The above areas can be analysed by specific segments – football interest, frequency of viewing, age, gender, household income or by particular interest in an event or club.

So, if you are thinking about getting into football, trying to sell football sponsorships or need to develop your sponsorship and marketing strategy in a particular country or across Europe, our 2008 European Football analysis has everything you need.

If you want insight into multi-sports across Europe or interest in sports events / series or leagues in key sports in one country, the European Fan study provides actionable information for sports brands, sports agencies & federations on sports participation and sports following in over 60 sports. Enabling you to develop marketing strategies from a position of fact, the European Player & Fan study is the one sports report you do need.

Sports Marketing Surveys, The Courtyard, Wisley, Surrey UK GU23 6QL

By Stephen Proctor, SMS 

British Airways to reach 6½ million people after announcement to sponsor London 2012 

British Airways, the latest Tier One London 2012 sponsor, can expect over 6½ million people in Britain to be aware of their involvement.

Sports Marketing Surveys sponsorship brand impact tracker, Sponsatrak, has been monitoring the awareness of London 2012 sponsors since the first partner, Lloyds TSB announced their involvement in March 2007.

Figures so far suggest that when a new sponsor is announced the coverage they receive initially deflects attention from sponsors already announced, but recall and awareness is quick to return. All sponsors currently have the same level of awareness.

With British Airways announced last week, Sponsatrak will monitor the effect of clutter and brand activation on the race for association.

For more information contact:
Paul Jackson
Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd
Tel: +44 1932 350600

Editor’s Notes:
Sports Marketing Surveys Ltd – is one of the world’s leading sponsorship and sports research agency.
Established in 1984, Sports Marketing Surveys is entirely independent with over 20 years experience in the
industry.The company has its headquarters in the UK and through its network of international offices
provides multi-country research to sponsors, rights holders, federations, sports goods manufacturers and
those wanting information on the industry.
Sponsatrak – is a syndicated study undertaken amongst 12-65 year olds in the UK. 100 interviews are
undertaken per week using internet panels with data tracked using a rolling four week cycle.

By Stephen Proctor, SMS

The UK’s most comprehensive report on football fans, their behaviour and lifestyles has just been published by Sports Marketing Surveys.

Find out the seven clear football-following segments which have emerged in the UK.

The report will explain each segment in detail including where they watch football, how often and with whom. It will detail other interests and lifestyle characteristics, other sporting interests and attitudes to sports sponsorships.

There are seven segments, two example segments include;

AGEING GRACEFULLY: Football has successfully reached a significant amount of the AGEING GRACEFULLY
segment. On average t hey watch a moderate 21 times per year.

FOOTBALL DADS: younger than the “maturing men” segment, they may often have burgeoning
careers to juggle with competing family demands, but watch football on average 35 times per year.

The report also includes:

football events most interested in
favourite sports players
favourite football clubs
image of football

This report is essential reading for all involved in football including clubs, sponsors and sponsorship agencies. Keep up-to-date with the football market:

For more information please contact Paul Jackson on +44 (0)1932 350600 Sports Marketing Surveys.