Beginnings

Quinssa was formed in the vacuum created by the self-destruction of the old Harlequin Supporters Club (HSC) in 2002/3 and Quinssa's objectives were initially very much coloured by this: naturally emphasising the difference to what went before. So, where the old HSC was newsletter-based, the Quinssa approach was centred around personal contact and social activities; Where  the HSC had been remote from  its members, Quinssa emphasised participation. From the start, Quinssa has been primarily concerned with community and activity - and it's true to say it has delivered exactly what it says on the tin.

Successes.

To be honest perhaps wasn't hard to improve on what went before, but Quinssa set their bar a lot higher, and they have surpassed the most optimistic of expectations in the progress they've made and the seemingly inexhaustible energy they've put in. We've had coaches, quiz nights, barbeques, evening with Spreadbury, a calendar, Quinssa awards - even a visit to the British museum!  There's a Quinssa table at every game, charity collections, travel advice, a web page, and regular - very comprehensive -  email updates. 

Quinssa have delivered on the their promises and in return, it's been pleasing to see the recognition they have gained from the Club - the inclusion of the membership form in the season ticket mail shots, and the award of a Quinssa page in the programme are more than a passing nod for what they've achieved. They've also been innovative and serious: for instance I think that Quinssa's sponsorship of an academy player is an imaginative and very constructive use of funds.

Scaling Up

One big hurdle that Quinssa faced back in April 2003 - one that is faced by any fledgling club - is the challenge of outgrowing the initial circle of people (in the main all knowing each other) who form the original founding group.  In Quinssa's case, this also meant losing  their (unfair, but inevitable) 'Geezer' tag.  .

The way any Club outgrows its roots is, of course, straightforward:  it's membership and a lot of thought went into this right from the beginning of Quinssa. From the very first, the signs were encouraging when no fewer than 60 people arrived for the first General Meeting, at which was set the ambitious target of 500 members during 2004. With this target in the bag I think it's fair to say that Quinssa has achieved the critical mass, and diverse membership that it needs to endure.

And which means, in turn,  the stage is well-set for new challenges in the development of the association.

Where Next?

There's a lot of difference between being a club of 500 members, than one of 50.  With size comes diversity and scale. Membership is testament to the achievements of any club, and in turn it enables a club to do more - in two ways

First the scale should allow even more diversity and originality of ideas. The experiment with the second coach (travelling in and out swiftly) is an example. It didn't take off last week, but I am sure that, with scale,  it's time is nearly here, and in due course - perhaps with 750 members - we'll see this option offered regularly. Similarly, as long as the Committee can continue to foster high levels of participation, the way is open to expand the range of activities and presence of the club.

But the second, and I think more important, opportunity opened up by size, is the credibility and authority that comes with it, and a chance to focus on another dimension of Quinssa's aims: to represent the fans.

Quinssa's objects are stated in the constitution, Section 2

To support the activities and enterprises of the Harlequin Football Club (hereinafter called “the Club”) both on and off the field; to promote and facilitate the interest and activities of members of the Association in their support for the Club; to represent the interests of its members to the Club.

and this bit is amplified in its aims

Quinssa will seek to ascertain the wishes of the fans, by survey and by discussion and to represent the interests of the fans to the Club, and elsewhere when necessary.  We will campaign on issues affecting fans, and which our members tell us are important to them.

Very sensibly, this side of the club has not been the priority in the last eighteen months, during which Quinssa's efforts have been well spent on establishing themselves, gaining a track record, credibility and - as a result - members.

But I think the time is nigh. 500 members is enough to start to carry some weight, and I'd love to see Quinssa work out what's important to their them, and take those issues - whatever they may be - to the Club.

Now, I do recognise this represents a change to the way that Quinssa has worked to date.  In my discussion of the role of the fan last week, I proposed  a spectrum of fandom with  the two extremes of the fan as a customer, and the fan as follower.   I think it's fair to say that Quinssa have hitherto occupied a somewhat deferential attitude that's closer to the 'follower' end of the spectrum.  And it's been a very successful, popular, pragmatic, and appropriate position for a brand new association, just starting out. But speaking for myself I'd love to see them, now, begin to move just a notch or to two in the other direction. 

In the last few years we've lived in happy times, and the interests of the fans, and decisions of the Club have been harmonious: but it won't always be thus, and when challenges come, we'll need Quinssa to be ready.

And if you want Quinssa to be effective in representing its members, the fans...then you need to join it.

Find out more about Quinssa on their website, which includes instructions on how to join