In the latest of our Club Series this week we take a look at how one club Three Rock Rovers in Hockey has sought to make the most of the opportunities it had to seek out in order to generate revenue to keep the club to the fore.
Sport for Business caught up with incoming Men’s Captain Stephen Findlater who filled us in on the challenges they are facing and how they are going about addressing them.
“Our club serves nine adult teams across the men and women’s game along with around 300 children each week.”
“In addition, it is also the hub for many Leinster hockey events, serving the majority of the spot’s community at some stage over the course of a season; last year the club hosted close to 50 finals including 30 Leinster schoolgirls finals as well as the Irish Hockey League finals – the marquee event in the club calendar in Ireland – and numerous interprovincial and social tournaments.”
“Our two astroturf pitches have come to the end of their normal life expectancy at roughly the same time which has placed a big impending financial burden on the club. To replace the pitches, the cost of new turf, shockpads and watering systems could, in the worst case scenario run to €250k each while the base price is likely to be €180k.”
“As a club, we have a sinking fund that will cover a decent portion of the costs but there is still a big need for fundraising and this is our major challenge but we have found that this process has had a galvanising effect on the club, opening new doors with local business to further our mutual goals.”
“To this end, the club ran a Dream Auction last week. Putting the event together has helped the club reach out to a good portion of the businesses associated with the club. Initially, this has seen a large number of donations/dreams from various companies as well as advertising in the event brochure of which 500 have been distributed and posted to a number of online sites.”
“Similarly, this has helped give us some traction to market the club and the high volume of people who frequent the venue. There has been an increase in pitch side advertising. The men’s first team have also contacted local companies to obtain five sponsors – an asset management company, a physiotheraphy practice, a hockey photography agency, an energy drink company and a car dealership – for their new kit.”
“From a club perspective, both the adult sections and the underage sections have grown since 12 months ago with the adult men’s section especially growing by 24 percent in playing numbers. The club will hold a sponsors day later in the season, coinciding with our hosting of an Irish Hockey League group game next March, offering a major networking opportunity.”
As with any club, it requires a huge effort from a committed group of individuals to draw up plans and execute them. Local business and individuals will help where they can and the collaborative impact of working together can really bring a club to life. There are no simple short cuts but when has that ever not been the case with something worthwhile.
Next week we will continue the series with a look at the GAA and Rugby as well as a number of imaginative online and community fundraising ideas.
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