Canadian musician Mario Lapointe, owner of Scottish League Two club Dumbarton, has outlined radical plans for the women's team, including revenue sharing and moving all games to the club's stadium, the Rock.
Unlikely Ownership
Lapointe, better known by his stage name Vintage, became owner of Dumbarton 12 months ago, saving the club from liquidation. He says the connection felt 'meant to be' due to lyrics he wrote about rocks and rivers, matching the stadium's name and location on the River Clyde.
Revenue Sharing Model
The women's team, currently in the third-tier Scottish Women's Football League Central-West, are unpaid. Lapointe plans to allocate 50% of gate and season ticket sales directly to the women's team. 'It's revenue sharing, attributing 50% directly from gate sales and season ticket sales to the women's team,' he said. 'All players become a megaphone for the team.'
All women's games will be played at the Rock next season for the first time, aiming to attract sponsors and boost revenue.
Friday Night Vision
Lapointe believes Sunday games are not ideal, as families spend time together. He wants more Friday night matches to increase attendance. 'It's like having a new product to push and putting it out the back of the store,' he said.
Long-Term Goals
His ultimate aim is to pay the women's players salaries. 'If I finish one day in a position where our athletes are being paid, that's a win for me,' he stated. He also wants to tap into university talent in Glasgow, drawing from the North American collegiate system.
Lapointe acknowledges challenges but remains committed to creating a professional environment, focusing on talent pool growth before targeting the top division.
