https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/call-to-arms-for-townsville-and-regional-sport-sponsors-to-stay-on-board/news-story/5654469085580310aeda963f6abc47ea WITHOUT sponsors and a dedicated volunteer base, regional sport could cease to exist. Sponsorships play a crucial role in clubs and organisations remaining sustainable, however the coronavirus pandemic has created a harsh economic climate for businesses to navigate. Because of this impact — culminating in Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg declaring the country in a recession — the way in which local ventures have been hit by COVID-19 will limit the capacity in which they can offer their support. Mendi Group managing director Jeff Doyle and his team have been fortunate enough to get through the health crisis in a position to continue their ongoing support for Townsville sport — including Brothers junior and senior rugby league. But not all businesses will be able to do the same. Herbert River rugby league president Joe Pennisi told The Townsville Bulletin last month that no crowds or sponsorships this season could create “a bit of a financial disaster” for them as the costs of putting on a game day supersede money coming to them.
He also said they would not be seeking sponsorships should the season go ahead given the strain businesses have been under throughout the pandemic. It shows that getting community sport back on the park is not just a matter of setting guidelines for a safe comeback, but also about ensuring they are sustainable coming out of the pandemic. Over more than 20 years of support for Brothers, Doyle has seen the club evolve to what it is today. With no partners or volunteers he said it would not be what it is now. Doyle said the disparity in wealth and sporting numbers between regional Queensland and the southeast highlighted the government’s return to sport guidelines and funding commitments needed to be rethought. The successful rejuvenation of the two elements — sport and business — would go hand-in-hand in a symbiotic relationship. While confident sponsors would return once the economy picked back up, Doyle said it was important for businesses that had maintained cash flow to support where they could. Without it, sporting organisations may struggle to remain in play. “I think we have to treat each region separate. I think Townsville business should support a sport, not all sports, but one there’s familiarity with and I think it’s important more now than prior to the pandemic,” Doyle said. “I think sporting clubs need sponsors and volunteers at all times, (but) this pandemic just makes it that bit harder to attract them because there’s no level of exposure. “It’s an outlet for all of us, and most of the North Queensland population follow a sport at some level. So it’s important we get it going as quick as we can to get back to that level of enjoyment. “It’s important to see … kids playing sport of any level and they still interact and keep them busy regardless of what sport or at what level.” As per the State Government’s $51.3 million Sport and Recreation COVID SAFE Restart Plan, up to 7000 clubs are able to apply for $2000 grants for hygiene supplies, equipment and operational costs. Grants for minor capital works and “revenue generating equipment” will also be available to 3000 clubs, while 73,000 young participants will be able to apply for a $150 sign-on voucher. But would it be enough to get less wealthy regional outlets out of the doldrums? Inaugural North Queensland Cowboys coach Grant Bell has continued to be actively involved with regional sport, and says its future could hinge on the ability to balance income to clubs and affordability for parents. The former Central Tigers mentor said registration costs, while great for getting players on the field, were not enough to fully support clubs and organisations. “There’s so many things that sit behind sporting clubs that enable them to operate, function and generate the income that’s needed to make sports go,” Bell said. “A lot of the money a parent will pay in the way of registration is absorbed in a lot of administration costs, not necessarily equipment and the things that make a club tick over like ground upkeep. “There’s a lot of money that goes into insurance, national body of administrations and a range of things that probably don’t meet the bottom line for clubs themselves to function in a league. “I think across the state and the country I don’t think clubs can rely on expecting sponsorships. “I don’t think in the near future those couple of thousand dollars for jersey sponsors or to put signage up at the local field, those incomes that are so important just won’t be there.”
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