There are a number of ideas on how to improve attendances with posters etc. but how did the 500 or so current supporters become a Dons supporter. I became a rugby league supporter when my dad dragged me along mostly kicking and screaming when I was an 8 year old and it took a couple of years before I actually became a fan and wanted to go. I did the same with my own son only started him earlier and again it was some time before he went by choice but he has been a Dons supporter now for over 30 years. Even my grandson has had the same treatment although he became interested almost immediately at the age of 5 and he is a season ticket holder now aged 9.
I wonder how others got involved and if there is a pointer on where to try and gain more support?

1993 as a 12 year old.Was taken by my dad to tatterfield after going round doncaster works open day. Played Huddersfield I believe in the Yorkshire cup!

Been a fan ever since and went regularly when I lived up north and now get as often as I can.

1986, PDC took over and things started to buzz at Tattersfield..
I went along with two of my brothers and a brother in law.
I was hooked from the off.
I can't see me stopping now.
I know quite a few people who used to go and I can't see them coming back.
They have gotten out of the habit.

That's when i first went with a mate from work.

Early 90s, my brother had tried getting me to go for a while and I'd not been interested. Said I'd go once to shut him up and loved it straight away

On and off in the late 70's / early 80's ... regularly from 1983.

Started in 1959 became a regular home & away supporter in 1962, I stopped watching the Dons about two years ago in those 50 years I only missed one home game & six away games I have stopped going to the games because of the way the modern game is played far to much pointless kicking, scrums are a joke.
I got my son Stephen to become a regular supporter I think he's been to a couple of home games this year but he has lost a lot of enthusiasm for the game.
Playing in the summer doesn't suit everybody & this could contribute to the games low attendances. It was really hard at first to stop watching the Dons after all those years but I think I have finally kicked my lifetime habit.

Started going with regularity to games in 1986 as an 11 year old, seeing players like Tony Kemp got me hooked and rarely missed a game home or away until the move to the Keepmoat.

For some reason that's killed my interest for the game, not just the Dons I rarely watch the games on telly now either.

I have been to a couple of home games this year and last year and while the squad seems decent and is getting some good results I just lack the motivation to go like I used to.

Buying a house, getting married and having a demanding job all count as reasons why I dont go more, but I agree with my Dad even in my short time watching the game its changed to more barge and kick rather than one of skill and guile..across all leagues (from what I've seen) its rare to see a well crafted try even from the top of ground sides like Saints and Cas.

I encourage you all to did out some old games (Dons or otherwise) and watch the quality of some of those tries compared to what are scored today even at the very top level. Its a worrying trend in both local teams, national teams and even at international level.

Born and brought up not far from the boulevard, hull, so rugby league was pretty much compulsory for me, though i chose to be a red and white to the dismay of my grandad. Started taking an interest in the Dons results when i moved to Donny in 1973, but never went to their games , still travelling to Hull. Started attending games a couple of years ago and will keep going now till the fat lady sings. Rugby league is in my blood, yes i agree the game has changed for the worse, but still the best game there is.

I started going to watch the Dons around 1972. I loved the atmosphere at Tattersfield and have some great memories of the place.

I enjoy watching the game just as much now as I've ever done.

I think the main reason for lower attendances these days is simply that there are many more options and choices of things for people to do than in the old days.

The shops didn't open on a Sunday and there was no Sky sports football to compete with, to name but two.

On balance, I prefer summer rugby to winter rugby. Does summer rugby help or hinder attendances?

There are probably advantages and disadvantages.

I wish there were some easy answers to get people back down to games. The club work hard and deserve success but ultimately the levels of success that we can have will be relative to the number of people who turn up to support the team.

[url=http://imgur.com/ImNl6kf[/url
[url=http://imgur.com/FxMtQ6X[/url

Last game at Tattersfield

Where are all these fans now?

exactly!

But D.M does have a few good points ie shops opening sundays and sky etc.

I wonder if the club has considered playing games at a different time to Sunday afternoons in order to minimise the number of attractions they conflict with.

I know Saturdays are out due to the Rovers use of the ground, but what about Friday nights I know we tried it a few years ago and I must say I did enjoy the games on a Friday night and it left the whole weekend free for family time. I am aware that Fridays are not for everyone its just a suggestion to throw out there.

I'd prefer Friday nights to Sundays but it probably wouldn't help in getting more away fans to the games. I think it would free people up to do other family things on a Sunday though.

I remember standing on the Tattersfield terrace when there was next to no one there as well. Fond memories!

The more I think about it, the more I reckon it is the flair players that excite spectators. I think that with Dave Scott and Lee Waterman we've got two exciting players. Now that Tom Hodson is back, he's another crowd-pleaser.

Watching the skill of Cookie and the power of the props and forwards appeals to me as much as anything but it's the players who can get people out of their seats that probably appeals to the fans we've lost.

I wouldn't mind swapping a couple of games to Friday nights to see if it makes a difference.