Moyes chasing teenage kicks by setting up youngsters' section to raise Old Trafford atmosphere



David Moyes has been involved in discussions over setting up a ‘teenage section’ at Old Trafford to improve the atmosphere at Manchester United’s home games and safeguard the club’s future fanbase.



United have already introduced a singing section this season, which was given a second trial in Sunday’s game against Fulham, in an attempt to generate more vocal support for Moyes’s team.



Now they are considering proposals to follow Arsenal’s example by providing an area exclusively for teenagers in an adjoining part of the ground.

Young at heart: David Moyes wants to set up a teenage section at Old Trafford

Let's be 'aving yer! Manchester United want to improve the atmosphere in the stands for home games

The Gunners launched their initiative this season, making up to a thousand seats available for a £10 teenagers-only section at the Emirates, although not for Category A games like Wednesday night’s clash with United.



United supporters’ groups hope that a similar idea at Old Trafford would not only create a more lively atmosphere within the stadium but also help harness the next generation of United fans.



According to surveys conducted by the Premier League, the average age of an adult match-goer is 41-years-old, while the rising price of tickets has also alienated younger fans from many grounds.



United’s decision to freeze season-ticket prices next season is seen as another acknowledgement that sell-out crowds are no longer guaranteed, particularly in the troubled post-Ferguson era.

Moyes was present at a Fans Forum last Friday when the teenage section was discussed and supporters handed over a petition to the club calling for a change.

Full voice! Manchester United have already experimented with a singing section at Old Trafford

Kid's play: Arsenal have set up a teenage section offering tickets for £10 amid anger surrounding rising prices

Duncan Drasdo, chief executive of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, explained: ‘The rising age profile of the Old Trafford crowd is now a common concern for fans and club alike. It undoubtedly already impacts on the atmosphere but also has serious implications for the long-term health of the club.



‘The traditional lifecycle, starting with kids coming with their parents, then teens going with their mates and then as adults eventually bringing their own kids, has been disrupted for a variety of reasons.



‘This needs a holistic approach from the club to re-instate this natural fan lifecycle for the benefit of fans and club alike.

Priorities: Improving matters on the pitch should be Moyes' first action to increase a young fanbase

‘A crucial first step is to capture the current generation of teenage fans before they defect to alternative activities. If they aren’t hooked now you may lose them for life. Therefore a crucial first step is to establish a dedicated section of the ground for teenage fans to attend with their mates.

‘It’s giving the customer what they want and that is what any ordinary business would strive to do – it is in the club’s own interest to make this happen.



‘Prior to all-seater stadia these sections were created by the young fans themselves migrating to areas where they could gather together and build their own thing. It may sacrifice some short-term income but long term it pays huge dividends.



‘Essentially what we want the club to think about is the lifetime value of a loyal fan and how it also makes business sense to invest resources into maximising junior and teen attendance for the future benefit of the club and fans. To that end the youth section is a crucial first step which could bring rapid returns for fans and club alike.’





