How to attract spectators to Pro League

Firstly, they must cease using the stadiums for matches. The simple reason is they feel like cold iron-and-steel structures and the spectators are too far from the action sitting high up in those steep stands.

We need to look at the English second-tier stadiums where the crowds are right next to the touchlines, resulting in a closer connection between players and spectators. Also, the seating capacity averages around 5,000-12,000, which I think is a reasonable target for the Pro League to achieve.

The idea of using local community grounds is an excellent one, but those grounds must be substantially improved with user- friendly stands, and not the concrete monstrosities at those stadiums.

The media must also be used to profile key players, in addition to televising ads showcasing the highlights on the field.

In essence, use the media to create star players.

By and large the players are generally unknown, for all we see is a brief mention on the sports news, with some badly positioned cameraman capturing the “highlights.” The league must get a private video production company to showcase the games and players.

Another idea is to have the teams go into schools and conduct training programmes in order for the youths to identify with the Pro League clubs. This will lead to an improvement in the communication skills of the players.

These are my humble views which I think could lead to improved spectatorship at matches.

I am fully aware that these ideas would need a substantial injection of money but there is no doubt that the money is there. But to get the relevant bodies to buy in is another challenge, daunting but achievable.

Here’s to the new Pro League.

Wayne Charles via email