Hello and welcome to Issue One of first e11even, the independent regional football fan magazine.
It’s been a long, hard slog that started as an idea back at Sheffield Football Club in May 2009 but did not begin to feel real until December 16th when Sheffield was confirmed as a Host City if the World Cup comes home in 2018.
Since then, the level of support, advice and trust that each of the eleven clubs and organisations have shown towards first e11even has been overwhelming with none of those involved trying to impose their views during the production phase.
This region is special, not only in terms of its football heritage but also the people, fans and clubs that make it what it is. The ability to be able to create a unique, multi-club fan magazine is testament to this.
The ethos of first e11even is to promote the diverse nature of the region’s football. I firmly believe that our clubs and league set-up are the best in the world and that this region, as the birth place of football, is at the centre of this. It is about time we stop hiding our achievements and proclaim them from the terraces.
Furthermore, in a society currently experiencing high levels of unemployment in stark contrast with often obscene over-inflation in football revenues and earnings, many ordinary fans are right to feel disillusioned with the sport and clubs they love.
However, compared to many other clubs who have a ‘boom or bust’ policy, I believe local clubs have a responsible attitude, placing community, not cash, at the forefront of growth, seeing the potential and value of supporters rather than just as weekly customers.
A sense of community is integral to the ethos of first e11even as it aims to be a platform for all fans to express their beliefs and opinions in an engaging, entertaining, humorous manner, independent from any club or organisation.
Coupled with the previously mentioned dialogue between each of the eleven clubs and organisations, this can be transferred to positive changes within the region’s game due to first e11even’s intended position as a reliable outlet and bridge between club and fan.
As an aside, any profits that may be made from First E11even will be put toward a long term goal to get involved with events and community initiatives.
The contents page shows the wide range of writers on board and the number of different subjects covered. We have views on Sheffield Wednesday’s recent managerial change-over (including one from a Blades fan), the positives and negatives of being in a football club’s youth set-up, a focus on Doncaster Rovers Belles and England articles.
I would like to think that by this time ‘first e11even’ will have established itself as a credible regional fan publication that acts as a calling card for everyone involved on a regional, national and perhaps even international level.
To read more please don’t hesitate to grab a copy of the Magazine from your Local GT or subscribe to our Newsletter so you know when it’s available online! 