Collingwood has confirmed its reputation as the most popular football club in the land, across any code, by signing its 80,000th member.

The achievement creates Australian sporting history, puts the club in the company of some of the biggest football clubs in the world and within sight of the likes of Real Madrid and German giants Borussia Dortmund who boast of membership bases in the vicinity of 100,000.

There is now statistical evidence to support the long held belief that, in Australia, Collingwood fans support their football club like no other.

Collingwood chief executive, Gary Pert, said: ” This is like an off-field premiership for the club, as it means that 80,000 of our supporters have said ‘I want to be connected to the club at a level greater than just barracking for the team.’

“Membership growth is the culmination of the success we deliver on-field and the service and communication we deliver off-field. In effect every player, coach, director and member of staff works in our membership department.

“Our members should feel really proud, as they have created something monumental in Australian sport. A huge thank you goes out to them all.”

Pert said Collingwood’s breakthrough indicates that there is no membership ceiling for the club, and is a vindication of the belief that Collingwood fans hold a deep and unique passion for their football club.

In 2013, Collingwood’s support continued to build nationally and internationally. Fans from 88 countries signed on and the number of non-Victorian members approached 20,000.

“We have more than doubled our membership over the last seven years which speaks volumes for the relationship the supporters have with their club,” Pert said.

“We’ve had a single, clear strategy for the last six years to simply ask supporters what experience they want as a member and then, as a club, do everything in our power to deliver it. There is no doubt the 80,000 mark is a great stepping stone but the club does not shy away from our goal of the next two years, which is to break the 100,000 mark.

“With three games to come, plus finals, we’re not finished this year let alone in years to come. Over 1 million Australians support Collingwood. If we keep listening and providing value for them, on and off the field, the evidence is there to say they will join and stay with the Magpie Army. ”

With the 80,000th member signing on Thursday, the prize of a $50,000 Holden VF Commodore will be drawn on September 9. Every fan signed before the end of the home and away season is eligible to win. (Vic permit 13-896)

Collingwood membership growth: 2007-2013
2007: 38,587
2008: 42,498
2009: 45,972
2010: 57,408
2011: 72,728
2012: 73,605
2013: 80,000

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