How business-minded are young QPR fans? West London pupils had a chance to show the world by pitching ideas at an event at the Rs’ stadium.
It gave students an opportunity to suggest enterprising ways football clubs can engage with fans on matchdays.
Youngsters from Burlington Danes Academy, Hammersmith Academy, West London Free School and Alperton Community School recently attended the Premier League Enterprise Challenge, now in its seventh year.
Organised by QPR in the Community Trust, it saw teams of five present ideas to a panel of judges from the Lyric Theatre, Dorsett Hotel and QPR.
The winning brainwave was a matchday phone app allowing rival fans to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
The students were also given a tour of the Loftus Road stadium.
“It’s been really useful for the pupils to see another side of business and another side of football,” said Burlington Danes teacher Phil Perkins.
The Hoops’ digital marketing manager, Justin Deeny, said the winning idea ‘had the edge on the scalability and potential return on investment’.
He added: “The group presented in a clear and professional manner, outlining a matchday app that would allow fans to compete against each other on a series of challenges. This idea is innovative and achievable and offers huge potential.”
Francis Curran, a QPR fan and student at West London Free School, said: “It was a really good day; fun and interesting. I loved the tour because although I get to most QPR games, I never get to see around the stadium.”
