Why the trial of Thursday night games is a good move by the WPL
As fans alike look at the fixture list, one thing that will have stood out is the inclusion of Thursday Night games.
Three games will be played on a Thursday over the first two months of the season with the possibility of more being played.
Sgorio and the WPL have agreed to trial Thursday night matches, which will be broadcast live on Sgorio’s Facebook channel.
It is not the first time that Sgorio have aired fixtures live on their Facebook, with both the Welsh Cup and WPL Play-Off final both being aired on the social media platform.
League Secretary Gwyn Derfel spoke to the WPL Radio on the matter of Thursday night games saying that the league wanted to try something different.
“We wanted to try something different really, we haven’t tried the possibility of Thursday nights and we want to see if it will boost attendances.”
“We were really pleased with the WPL Development League final on May Day, we were pleased the fan engagement, so we are now trialling this.”
The three fixtures chosen are all relatively close which will make travelling relatively short for players, fans and managers alike.
- Llandudno v Prestatyn – 7th September
- Barry Town United v Carmarthen Town – 21st September
- Cefn Druids v Bala Town – 21st September
Two of those fixtures are based in North Wales and with games being played on the Thursday, there will be live football for those say in Manchester, Liverpool and Chester could choose to go to.
The games also don’t clash with Europa League fixtures, meaning that those who seek any kind of live football can choose to tune in to to a Welsh Premier League fixture.
The Facebook Live streams will offer a multi-camera view, as well as match graphics which will only enhance the coverage of being able to watch live football, on your laptop and other streaming devices.
It is a move that could attract significant attention to the league and both themselves and Sgorio should be applauded for adding a new dimension to Welsh Football’s top flight.
(Featured Image: Graham Haines)
