FA Cup Final blog assignment

                          FA CUP FINAL

The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as FA Cup, started in 1871. It is oldest national football competition in the world, with a rich history spanning over 150 years. The competition will consist of the 92 teams from the football league system (20 teams from the Premier League and the 72 in total from the EFL Championship, EFL League one and EFL League Two) plus the 32 surviving teams out of 640 teams from the National League System that started the competition in the qualifying rounds.

FA Cup final is traditionally held at Wembley Stadium, which is located in London, England. Wembley Stadium has been the home of the FA Cup final since its reconstruction and reopening in 2007. Wembley Stadium has a seating capacity around 90,000, This makes it is the largest football stadium in the United Kingdom in terms of seating capacity. The FA Cup competition took place during the 1871-1872 season, with 15 clubs participating. Wanderers Football Club won the first FA Cup, defeating the Royal Engineers 1-0 in the final at the Kennington Oval.

The 2023 FA Cup final was a thrilling encounter between Manchester City and Manchester United, held at Wembley Stadium in London on June 3, 2023. The final score was 2-1 in favor of Manchester City. The FA Cup Champions will receive a prize of 2 million pounds for winning final, while the runner-up will take home 1 million pounds.

The FA Cup final is broadcasted globally and attracts millions of viewers each year. The trophy awarded to the winner of the FA Cup is one of the most prestigious in English football. In addition to the prestige of winning the FA Cup, the victorious team also earns a place in the UEFA Europa League for the following season, unless they have already qualified for European competition through their league position. The trophy itself is priceless, winning clubs are typically awarded a replica of the trophy to keep permanently. Overall, the FA Cup final is a highly anticipated event that captures the attention of football fans worldwide and serves as a fitting conclusion to the English football season (FA Cup final - watch Man City v Man Utd on BBC One, n.d.).

 

Togetherness and Community Spirit: The host city may see a notable increase in economic Whether people are attending the event in person or are congregating in neighborhood pubs or community centers, the FA Cup final unites people. People gather to cheer for their hometown team or just to take in the excitement of the occasion, which serves to strengthen a sense of community and solidarity.

Local Economy Boost: The host city may see a notable increase in economic activity as a result of hosting the FA Cup final. The surge in tourists, both domestically and internationally, encourages spending on lodging, dining, travel, and retail, which helps the community's businesses and boosts its GDP.

Inspiration and Aspiration: Both young athletes and spectators find inspiration in the FA Cup final. It presents the best of English football and offers players aspirants someone to look up to. A young player's desire to play in the FA Cup final inspires them to put in a lot of effort and achieve their objectives both on and off the field.

 

The FA Cup is one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world and attracts a significant number of tourists to the UK. Here are some of the positive and negative impacts it can have across various aspects:

Positive impacts:

1.   Economic Impact:

Increased Tourism Revenue: The FA Cup significantly contributes to the country's tourism revenue by attracting a large number of visitors from both local and international destinations. This influx of tourists results in increased spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, shopping, and entertainment, thereby boosting the overall earnings from tourism (Event Impacts, 2016).

 

Boost to Local Businesses: Local establishments like hotels, rest

bars, cafes, stores, and tour companies gain from the surge of tourists during the FA Cup matches. These companies see a spike in demand for their goods and services, which boosts revenue and profitability.

 

Employment Creation: The FA Cup creates employment prospects across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, tourism, and event management. The establishment of temporary and permanent positions benefits both local businesses and individuals, leading to a reduction in unemployment rates and fostering economic growth (Zhao et al., 2023).

 

Infrastructure Development: It is often essential to invest in projects such as transportation systems, accommodation choices, sports arenas, and public facilities when hosting the FA Cup. These investments contribute to the development and improvement of the region's infrastructure in the long run, providing advantages to both residents and tourists.

2.   Social and Cultural Impact:

The FA Cup Final has a significant impact on social cohesion, cultural exchange, and community engagement:

Promotion of Social Cohesion: By uniting people from all communities, backgrounds, and cultures, the FA Cup promotes a sense of pride in and loyalty to the country. In the UK, football supporters unite to cheer on their preferred teams, fostering a sense of community and solidarity

 

Interaction & Cultural Exchange: The FA Cup offers a platform for both domestic and foreign visitors to the UK to engage in cultural exchange. While locals get to engage with individuals from different nations and learn about their cultures, tourists get to experience British culture, customs, and hospitality.

 

Community Engagement: The FA Cup fosters community involvement and active participation, as residents from the local area unite to rally behind their hometown teams and take part in associated events and activities. This cultivates a stronger sense of community pride and identity, ultimately enhancing social cohesion and integration (Plikynas et al., 2022).

 

3.   Touristic Impact:

The FA Cup serves as a major tourist attraction, promoting tourism in the UK:

 

Promotion of Tourism: The FA Cup brings in a lot of people, both local and foreign, to the UK, which helps to promote tourism and draw travelers to different parts of the nation. Travelers visit well-known landmarks, tourist destinations, and cultural places, boosting the local economy and patronizing small companies.

 

Destination Marketing: The FA Cup is a vehicle used to promote travel to the UK by showcasing to a worldwide audience the nation's historic landmarks, cultural history, natural beauty, and friendliness. The occasion garners media attention and exposure, promoting travel to and increasing awareness of the UK as a tourist destination (UNWTO, 2020).

 

Revenue Generation: The influx of tourists during the FA Cup matches leads to increased spending on accommodation, food, transportation, shopping, entertainment, and sightseeing. Tourists contribute to the local economy by spending money on various goods and services, generating revenue for businesses and stimulating economic growth.

4.   Environmental Impact:

Encouragement of Sustainable Practices: The FA Cup encourages the use of public transportation, waste management, and energy efficiency. Stadiums and event locations lessen their environmental impact by implementing eco-friendly programs like composting, recycling, and water saving (FIFA Publications, n.d.)

 

Education and Awareness: The FA Cup serves to increase public knowledge of environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and conservation. The occasion offers a chance to teach attendees, supporters, and interested parties about the value of environmental stewardship and the necessity of preserving the environment for coming generations.

 

Negative Impacts:

1.   Economic Impact:

While the FA Cup generates significant economic benefits, it also has some negative economic impacts:

Uneven Distribution of Wealth: The economic benefits of the FA Cup may not be evenly distributed among all stakeholders, leading to disparities in wealth and income. Some businesses and individuals may benefit more than others, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.

 

Price Inflation: The increased demand for goods and services during the FA Cup matches may lead to price inflation, making it more expensive for local residents and tourists to access essential products and services. Higher prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment can put a strain on people's budgets and reduce their purchasing power (Campelli, 2021).

2.   Social and Cultural Impact:

Social Disruption: The flood of visitors during the FA Cup matches may cause antisocial behavior, noise pollution, crowding, and transportation congestion, among other social disruptions. Large crowds and increased activity in the areas can cause discomfort, stress, and difficulty for local inhabitants (Richards et al,.2013).

Cultural Dilution: Authenticity and cultural identity may be diluted as a result of the FA Cup matches' commercialization and commodification of local culture. The requirements of tourists are prioritized over the preservation and promotion of regional culture and heritage in increasingly commercialized tourist destinations.

3.   Environmental Impact:

Increased Carbon Footprint: Because of waste production, energy consumption, and transportation, the inflow of tourists during the FA Cup matches may result in higher carbon emissions. Road traffic, air travel, and energy consumption all have an adverse effect on biodiversity and ecosystems by accelerating climate change and environmental degradation.

Rubbish Generation: Big events like the FA Cup have the potential to produce a lot of rubbish, such as paper, plastic, food, and electronic waste. It can be difficult to manage and dispose of waste, which strains regional waste management systems and pollutes the environment (Jones, 2008).

 

Positive impacts of FA cup final in Local, Regional and National Level

Local Level:

Economic Boost: The rush of tourists results in higher revenue for nearby establishments including restaurants, stores, and motels.

 

town Spirit: As supporters gather to cheer on their team, the championship game cultivates a feeling of pride and oneness in the town.

Regional Level:

Travel: The championship draws fans from all around the nation, which increases travel within the region.

Infrastructure Development: Having the championship around helps encourage spending in the region's transportation and lodging systems.

National Level:

Economic Impact: Ticket sales, merchandise sales, and television rights bring in a substantial amount of money during the FA Cup final.

Global Visibility: The championship game draws attention from all over the world, enhancing the reputation of English football.

Social Cohesion: Football can bring people together from all walks of life and help them feel a sense of pride in their country (Haller et al., 2020).

 

Negative impacts of FA cup final in Local, Regional and National Level

Local Level:

Traffic Congestion: Local businesses and residents may experience inconveniences due to increased traffic and congestion.

Noise pollution: Local areas may experience disturbances to their quiet due to the large number of fans and festivities.

Regional Level:

Strain on Infrastructure: Heavy traffic volumes can strain local transit systems and infrastructure, resulting in crowding and possible wear and tear.

Impact on the Environment: There may be detrimental consequences on the environment from increased trash production and carbon emissions from energy use and transportation (Serok, Havlin and Blumenfeld Lieberthal, 2022).

National Level:

Ticket Prices: High ticket prices can exclude some fans from attending the final, leading to feelings of exclusion and resentment.

Social Issues: Incidents of violence, hooliganism, or other social unrest occasionally taint major sporting events (www.ft.com, n.d.).

 

To avoid negative effects and increase positive outcomes, meticulous planning and attention are necessary when organizing an FA Cup final. Organizers can use the following actions and planning strategies to accomplish this goal:

Minimizing Negative Impacts:

Traffic Management: Implement a comprehensive traffic management plan that includes pre-event communication with attendees about alternative transportation options such as public transit, shuttles, and designated drop-off points. Coordinate with local authorities to optimize traffic flow, provide ample parking, and minimize congestion around the stadium.

Environmental Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly practices throughout the event, such as using recyclable or biodegradable materials for signage and packaging, reducing single-use plastics, and implementing waste separation and recycling programs. Additionally, consider offsetting carbon emissions through partnerships with carbon offset programs or by promoting carpooling and ridesharing among attendees (McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance, 2022).

Safety and Security: Make attendee safety your first priority by sending out professional security guards, thoroughly inspecting bags and screening visitors at entry points, and putting emergency response plans into action in coordination with the local police, fire department, and ambulance services. Make sure that medical personnel and first aid stations are easily available, and make sure that guests are aware of the emergency protocols.

Noise Control: To reduce noise pollution in the surrounding areas, use sound management strategies like directional speakers and sound barriers. To preserve good relations with the surrounding residents, keep an eye on the noise levels during the event and swiftly handle any concerns about noise.

Crowd Control: Use crowd control techniques to keep participants safe and avoid overcrowding. The implementation of unambiguous signs, clearly marked entry and departure points, and crowd monitoring methods are necessary to detect and manage possible safety issues or areas of congestion (SpotMe, 2021).

 

Maximizing Positive Impacts:

Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with the local community by involving residents and businesses in pre-event activities such as fan zones, meet-and-greets with players, and volunteer opportunities. Collaborate with local organizations to organize charity events or fundraisers in conjunction with the FA Cup final, benefiting local causes and enhancing community spirit.

Sustainable Practices: Promote sustainability initiatives among attendees by offering incentives for using reusable items such as water bottles and promoting waste reduction and recycling efforts. Educate attendees about the environmental impact of their actions and encourage participation in eco-friendly initiatives such as tree planting or beach clean-ups.

Cultural and Social Benefits: Showcase the cultural heritage of the host city or region through entertainment, food, and cultural exhibits that celebrate local traditions and diversity. Create opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction among attendees to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Legacy Projects: Invest in legacy projects that leave a lasting positive impact on the community, such as sports facilities, youth development programs, or infrastructure improvements. Partner with local organizations and government agencies to ensure the sustainability and long-term benefit of these projects beyond the FA Cup final event.

Economic Impact: Highlight the economic benefits of hosting the FA Cup final, including increased tourism revenue, job creation, and opportunities for local businesses. Promote local tourism by offering special packages and discounts for visitors, showcasing the host city's attractions, and encouraging spending at local establishments (www.unwto.org, 2023).

 

By implementing these measures and planning techniques, organizers can minimize negative impacts and maximize positive outcomes of the FA Cup final, creating a memorable and sustainable event that benefits both attendees and the local community.

In conclusion, the FA Cup final is a big occasion that honors the rich history of the game, unites communities, and boosts the local economy in addition to being a football game. Organizers can reduce adverse effects, like traffic jams, environmental deterioration, and safety hazards, and maximize favorable effects, like community involvement, sustainability, and financial gains, by putting thorough planning strategies and procedures in place. The FA Cup final may create enduring benefits for both spectators and the host city by using strategies such as crowd control, environmental sustainability efforts, and community involvement events. Safety, environmental sustainability, and community involvement should be given top priority so that the FA Cup final may remain a world-class athletic event that inspires and unifies supporters everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Campelli, M. (2021). Quantifying the economic and social impact of football – Sustainability Report. [online] The Sustainability Report. Available at: https://sustainabilityreport.com/2021/01/28/quantifying-the-economic-and-social-impact-of-football/.

 

Event Impacts (2016). Economic | Event Impacts. [online] Eventimpacts.com. Available at: https://www.eventimpacts.com/impact-types/economic.

 

FA Cup final - watch Man City v Man Utd on BBC One. (n.d.). BBC Sport. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65612688 [Accessed 6 May 2024].

 

FIFA Publications. (n.d.). Sustainability: Public transportation. [online] Available at: https://publications.fifa.com/en/final-sustainability-report/environmental-pillar/greenhouse-gas-emissions/public-transportation/.

 

Jones, C. (2008). Assessing the Impact of a Major Sporting Event: The Role of Environmental Accounting. Tourism Economics, 14(2), 343-360. https://doi.org/10.5367/000000008784460382.

 

‌ Haller, A.-P., Butnaru, G.I., Hârșan, G.-D.T. and Ştefănică, M. (2020). The relationship between tourism and economic growth in the EU-28. Is there a tendency towards convergence? Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, pp.1–25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677x.2020.1819852.

 

McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance. (2022). Why Event Traffic Management Is Crucial to Executing a Successful Event. [online] Available at: https://mcgowanallied.com/why-event-traffic-management-is-crucial-to-executing-a-successful-event/.

 

‌ Plikynas, D., Miliauskas, A., Laužikas, R., Dulskis, V. and Sakalauskas, L. (2022). The cultural impact on social cohesion: an agent-based modeling approach. Quality & Quantity. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-021-01293-6.

 

Richards, G., de Brito, M., & Wilks, L. (Eds.). (2013). Exploring the Social Impacts of Events (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203108123.

 

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