SURVEY: POFC Supporters Share Thoughts On 2023 Club Operations

PORT ORCHARD, WA—In mid August of 2023 Port Orchard Football Club shared an online survey for Founders Circle Members, Season Ticket Holders and the general public to give their input about off the pitch club operations in POFC’s debut season.

68 surveys were completed, which adds up to just above 10% of the 2023 match day attendance average. Supporters were asked to rate the following on a scale of 1 (“very bad”) to 10 (“perfect”): Playing home matches at 3 p.m. on Sundays, South Kitsap High School Stadium, Food Trucks and Concessions, Fan Gear, and Community Outreach. There were comment spaces under each rating area.

(Top photo: Goalkeeper Isaiah Whitesell signs the jersey of superfan Audis Jones. Shot captured by Jesse MacKenzie.)

We all know that on the pitch the club did as much as you can do, going undefeated in the Cascadia Premier League 2 and earning promotion to the top flight of the CPL for 2024. How did fans rate the rest of it? In general the scores were encouraging. The survey also helps the club to focus on improvements for 2024.

Fans like Sunday afternoon home matches. The survey ratings were high and generally comments followed along similar lines. There were some who wouldn’t mind an earlier kick off time and others who suggested trying different days, but generally the feedback was that Sundays at 3 p.m. was both workable and reliably consistent for planning.

Based on this feedback POFC will try to continue with Sunday afternoon home matches as we welcome new first division opponents to Port Orchard in 2024.

Two common themes rose from survey feedback in regards to use of South Kitsap High School Stadium / Ed Fisher Field. The venue is convenient and supporters want the scoreboard and PA system to be used.

Supporters expect the club to play in Port Orchard. While there were mentions of steep stairs and lack of covered stands, most agree that SKHS is the right “home” for the club.

Port Orchard FC encountered financial and personnel challenges in regards to full use of SKHS facilities this season.

We will be networking with the school district and SKHS Athletic Department in the off season in efforts to get access to the scoreboard and public address system.

The area supporters pointed to for the most chance of improvement is in match day concessions and food trucks.

Most were happy to have options. Some did not buy food at all. Others talked about long lines and increased variety. The challenge for POFC in 2023 was finding available trucks who would give the club a try. Once trucks came, they generally did well and wanted to return.

“Mile Hill Munchies” snack boxes became a club match day tradition and some in the survey noted them.

Fan feedback is pointing the club in the direction of searching for a greater variety of trucks and trying to increase concessions once inside the stadium.

Port Orchard Football Club steered fans to online stores in 2023. Generally the rating for “Gear” suggests supporters were happy to get stuff and exhibited patience with the process.

Two themes which appeared prominently in this part of the survey were the fan desires to have hats available and hoping for match gear to be sold at the stadium.

POFC are already addressing the request for various types of hats (cap, beanie, bucket). We hope to have an announcement soon. We are also going to be working with LEVO and others in the off season to have more gear available on match days.

POFC was founded in early January and the rush was on to connect to the community after that. The survey rating and comments suggests supporters are keenly aware of efforts to get sponsors, attract media coverage and build a fan base. Further, many mentioned outreach such as food drives and player interaction after matches.

POFC is a community club which will continue to put our connection to people as our highest priority and calling.

The survey ended with this prompt: “What else would you like to share with POFC?” Here are some of the comments left by supporters.

The extra events with youth soccer and crowd involvement with bubbles and such is so fun, I’d like to see it continue. Continue the food pantry donations if it’s not too much trouble. Congratulations on the stellar season and so much fun!

Great first season! Proud of all of you!

great year thanks

What a joy it was to watch this first year team compete all season. The acknowledgment the team gave the fans was extraordinary. Your presence on Facebook was informative and entertaining. Also, big snaps to whomever taped the play off games and made them available to view. Looking forward to next years competitive season.

Looking forward to the end of the year celebration and getting to hold that trophy! Great job all around!!

thank you for the the wholesome level of excitement in our area. allowed us to relive days gone by.

I would try to get more entertainment for half times, music, comedians, cheerleaders etc. Things that keep people interested in staying. Game events, maybe wear something of your culture or where you’re from to show the vast community that lives here.

Keep doing what you are doing. You are on the right path for a successful club going forward.

It’s been fun seeing how the first season unfolded. Great job all around!

Go POFC!

So proud of you!

Congratulations on a great first season. We’re looking forward to a great 2024 season.

You all have much to be proud of. Great job!

I’ve had a great time supporting a local club, and I’m very excited for promotion to the next level! Like our own little Wrexham story. 🙂

Great first season boys!!! Glad to be able to share it. Also, since this was the inaugural season, I feel we as founders should have been recognized at some point. Especially if we donated money to the merch to help get it going. Just a thought.

We had a fantastic time and can’t wait for next season!

Fantastic first season!

Love the fan engagement POFC creates and for those who are new to soccer, it’s been great to watch this great team and get involved in the great morale!

I have ben a football supporter since childhood with the original NASL Tampa Bay Rowdies. I have been a fervent supporter of West Ham United for 15 years now and I follow the Sounders since moving to Manchester a year ago. There is nothing like having a truly local team to follow, though. We truly enjoy POFC and talking about the team with friends. Thank you for the opportunity. Up the PO!

Stellar inaugural season! Very proud of my city and team! Congrats to everyone involved!

Good job! What a great first season!

Thanks for a fun local season of soccer

Amazing first season!

Thank you for a great season! We loved the community you created with soccer and non-soccer fams!

Great first season. Don’t let up.

P O! F C! P O! F C!