what do we want from an international supporters club? In so many ways Charlton's communication with it's fans is excellent but it is becoming obvious that in the past couple of seasons bussing in new fans from the wilds of Kent and Sussex has been more important than building on their relationship with supporters outside of the country, many of which are lifelong fans that for a host of reasons now live their lifes abroad but cannot shake the Charlton drug.

"The Charlton Athletic International Supporters' Club currently boasts more than 500 members, drawn from over 40 different countries." (more)

What that statement actually means is that the club collects "the just £25" from 500 individuals for nothing in return. The introductory pack seems as scarce as a goal scored by someone other than Darren Bent and the whole idea, initiated by Ian Cartwright, has been derailed for the past 18-24 months.

And the club is losing out. Premiership football is the most popular non-domestic televised sport in the Americas, Scandinavia and Asia. The club bangs on about it's overseas connections, but what about the fans? The amount of blogs written by Addicks overseas and the people that regularly comment on them demonstrates the need for a more co-ordinated and committed effort.

The fans are willing to make it happen, but are the club? So what do we want from an International Addicks group?

1) Information on fellow members, mapping where they are on the globe so we can build new friendships.
2) Help and support in mobilising overseas Addicks into forming new branches.
3) Regular updates on what is actually going on within the ISC.
4) Discounts and information on merchandising.
5) Ticket information and details on how to purchase, with an improved shipping system.
6) Weekly foreign television schedules showing Addicks games.

Anyone got any other suggestions? I know between us we can make this happen, but it would be nice if Charlton cared.  ¶ 22:04