Six years ago, I ‘flew the nest’ from my parents’ home in Leamington to take the next career step on the sports desk at the Swindon Advertiser as the newspaper’s chief sports writer.
Having family from my dad’s side only a hop skip and a jump across the border in Oxfordshire meant seeing them more often than before was going to be far easier.
But since moving, I can count on one hand the times we’ve all met up (through no fault of anyone!).
Everyone is busy these days – some more so than others. Pressures on the cost of living coupled with the convenience of a (free!) night in front of the TV and a massive shift in how we communicate with friends, family and colleagues mean ‘social complacency’ has never been easier.
I’d like to think my partner and I are ‘yes’ people who live in a way where every week we do something – with each other or friends – to make that week a good one.
Now how on earth does this all relate to greyhound racing?
In my view, NOT planning a night out at the dogs – or to support your local football team, or to visit a restaurant – has never been easier.
You can access every race, every kick and every meal at the touch of a button within seconds. Sure, there are benefits to these technology explosions. But ultimately, they promote ‘no’ behaviour where it’s far easier to sit in the confines of your four walls and enjoy the racing, the big match, or your meal at home.
These days, some (not all!) people need an extra incentive, or purpose, to turn that dreaded ‘no’ into a ‘yes’.
With a bit of effort, greyhound racing can provide that extra incentive – no doubt about it. Despite everything mentioned above, people still value a high quality night out which everyone can enjoy.
A week on Saturday at Oxford Stadium (February 3), we’ll host our first Oxford United Legends Race Night. A host of former players and existing club staff will be in attendance, races will be named after club legends, there’ll be Q&As, a match ball presentation and anyone who turns up wearing an Oxford United shirt will get in for free.
The stadium is also attending United’s League One fixture against Reading earlier in the day as match ball sponsors where we’ve organised for some retired greyhounds to be paraded pitch side before kick-off.
If you’re an Oxford United fan, we’ve made it as hard as possible for you to say ‘no’ to a night at the dogs.
In March, the toe-tapping jigs and reels from the Emerald Isle courtesy of The Black Velvet Band will provide the soundtrack to our St Patrick’s Day themed race night. Again, there’ll be similar promotions closer to the time to position the fixture as Oxford’s #1 Irish night out.
Going back to my family in Oxfordshire, the last time we all met up was in August at the stadium’s National Greyhound Week race day. Free admission, trainer Q&As, meet the greyhounds, Spin the Wheel – it gave us all a purpose to get out and see each other. In my view, while greyhound racing’s present-day operation might not be reliant on footfall, it’s critical we show engagement exists beyond gambling purposes.
I had hoped to touch on social media and its role in the sport this month, but we’ll save that for another time. Take it easy!
Shaun.
