TL;DR — A QR code in the concourse or programme turns matchday into a running collection point for supporter video messages, no app or sign-up required. Getting the placement and the sign wording right matters more than the technology — a code nobody scans collects nothing.
- Placement beats novelty: put the code where supporters already stand still, like queues and concourse walls.
- A one-line instruction on the sign outperforms a long explanation.
- Run the code across a single matchday or a whole season depending on what you're building towards.
On this page
Why a QR code works better than asking people to find a link later
Supporters who mean to record a message when they get home almost never do. A QR code removes the gap between intention and action: someone scans it while queueing for a pie, records a thirty-second message on the spot, and moves on. The whole interaction takes less time than the queue itself.
Where to put the code
- Concourse walls near the main queuing points, at eye height, not above head height where it's awkward to scan.
- The matchday programme, with a short instruction rather than just the code.
- Printed on a stand-alone poster near the turnstiles, so it catches people on the way in rather than only at half time.
- Social media posts in the days before and after the match, for supporters watching from home or travelling to an away game.
- A table-top stand in the club shop or supporters' bar, where people are already pausing.
Wording the sign so people actually stop
The sign has about two seconds to earn a scan before someone keeps walking. Keep it to one short instruction and one reason to care:
- "Scan to send your message to [name] — 30 seconds, no app needed."
- "Tell us your [club] story — scan the code, record on your phone."
- "Scan to help us say thank you to [name]. Takes a minute."
- Avoid explaining the project in full on the sign itself — save that for the page the QR code opens to.
Single matchday vs a season-long wall
| Approach | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single matchday | A farewell, a milestone, a specific fixture | Set a tight deadline and compile quickly while the occasion is fresh. |
| Season-long rolling wall | Building an ongoing supporter archive | Keep the same link live and refresh the prompt occasionally to keep submissions varied. |
Turning clips into a wall display or a reel
Clips collected through the code land in one place as they come in, which means you can start reviewing and selecting before the final whistle rather than waiting until everyone has gone home. For an ongoing archive rather than a single-day push, see Supporter Stories on Video for prompt ideas that keep a rolling wall interesting over a season.
Frequently asked questions
Do supporters need to download anything to use the QR code?
No. Scanning opens a page in the phone's own browser where recording happens directly — nothing to install.
What if older supporters aren't comfortable with QR codes?
Print the plain web address alongside the code for anyone who prefers to type it in, and consider a volunteer nearby who can help on the first matchday.
How long should we leave the code active?
For a single occasion, close it a day or two after the match while attention is still high. For a season-long archive, leave it running and revisit the prompt every few months.
Can we display clips on a screen at the ground the same day?
If clips are reviewed quickly enough, yes — many clubs show a short highlights selection at the next home fixture rather than same-day, which also gives time for a consent check.