BRANDING AND GRASSROOTS SUPPORT DOUBLE FOR WARATAHS
The NSW Rugby Union (NSWRU) has made an innovative commercial move to assist the growth of the grassroots level of the sport by committing to outfit every player in the under six and under seven age groups in the state with special Waratahs branded shorts and socks. Designed to grow the game at junior level, the arrangement involves almost 110 clubs across the state and allows many of these to offset costs that would normally fall onto the shoulders of parents.
NSWRU general manager for training and development, Mike Doyle, explained that providing shorts and socks free of charge means many clubs are able to offer free or greatly reduced registration fees, which translates into more kids playing the sport. He said clubs are already reporting an average growth of 15 percent on last season.
The shorts and socks deal comes on top of a Sydney Juniors initiative providing every junior in the under six and seven age groups with their own ball, courtesy of long-term sponsor Spartan. Furthermore, every participant in the ‘Walla Rugby’ junior program across Australia will also have their insurance costs paid in 2007.
(c) Copyright Sponsorship News 2007
