In our world of fan engagement and the creation of fan experiences, we have two distinct choices: Watching the news checking developments as they happen, pondering when things might change and adjusting our business objectives- A pragmatic ‘cloth-cutting’ approach may ensure that your organisation will be ready when the world creakingly get back to its feet.
Already we have seen brands begin to cleverly adapt to this situation. For example, look at how social media can quickly be embraced by publishers and brands to communicate fun, engaging content with fans.
Community outreach
Everton’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, really took fan engagement to another level by personally calling a fan with Motor Neuron Disease, who is in isolation. This heart-warming call meant so much to the fan and showed that Fan Engagement is crucial to Everton Football Club.
💙 | "Just call me Carlo."
— Everton (@Everton) March 24, 2020
@MrAncelotti joins in the #BlueFamily campaign by phoning a 52-year-old fan with motor neurone disease.
Support 'Cruisey's Journey': //t.co/8QYV6Aqv3j
Blue Family: //t.co/ZIL4dOiTgw pic.twitter.com/PvEf9qOys2
Flying the Flag for Age UK and the NHS
The campaign used football’s traditional 3pm kick-off time (and beyond) on Saturday 28th March as a moment in which everyone who loves sport could reconnect with their local community and show support for key workers who are in the front line during this crisis.

#FlyTheFlag pic.twitter.com/g6O433zbsn
— Ross Coen (@Bumblebeeheat) March 28, 2020
#FlyTheFlag we are supporting NHS charities //t.co/fQwn9JTvzI pic.twitter.com/BPgbLKTH1w
— niall coen (@Topspur_Niall) March 28, 2020
We're supporting the #FlyTheFlag campaign for @age_uk and @NHSuk wear your colours to support these great causes 🙌
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) March 28, 2020
Donate using the tweet below 👇@snackmedia pic.twitter.com/aiyrnm0vjX
Social engagement

🧘♂️ | An introduction to yoga with our Director of Medical Services, Danny Donachie.
— Everton (@Everton) March 26, 2020
Give it a go and send in your clips with #BlueFamily. And remember, stay at home, but stay active. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QqWQkXUGlJ

The Show Must Go on
We expect to see more of these types of esports match ups in the coming weeks and months allowing fans to assemble into digital tribes and watch from the comfort of their own home. It’s very refreshing to see just how quickly clubs and organisations have mobilized to give their fans something to cheer about.

Manchester City and Real Madrid stars played a mini esports FIFA tournament
Aymeric linked up with defensive team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko to represent City while Brahim lined up in opposition alongside Real goalkeeping colleague Thibaut Courtois.

Sports Starts with Big Hearts

Working on a new idea or would like to use technology to engage your fans better?
We want to hear about your challenges and ideas, our creative team is hungrier than ever, help keep them sane in their pajamas, the bigger the challenge the better!