CHOBHAM
Corporate sponsorship - a key tactic in transitioning junior players into senior squads
In 2013 financial services firm Macquarie Group agreed to a significant two-year
sponsorship of Chobham RFC, one of Surry’s leading rugby clubs. Now one year into
the sponsorship, this funding has been a significant contributor in maintaining the
club’s 400-strong Minis division for under 6 to under 12 players, one of the most
vibrant youth and mini sections in South East England.
One of the biggest challenges facing clubs today is encouraging younger players to
continue playing sport beyond the age of 16. In rugby, less than 20% of young players
continue to play rugby as adults. However by leveraging corporate sponsorships and
funding, clubs can host initiatives such as regular awards days, sail flags for way
games and develop transition programmes to engage and motivate young players to
continue with the sport.
For Chobham RFC, funding from Macquarie has assisted hosting these initiatives
while also helping provide coaches, referees, pitch maintenance and club house
improvements, benefiting the overall experience of playing for the club. At Chobham
RFC, the club developed a transition programme called ‘The Devils’ squad which is
achieving over 50% of players continuing into senior rugby with 60% of the First XV
coming through from the mini and junior ranks.
CHIPPENHAM
CHIPPENHAM
Chippenham RFC plays their home games at the Allington Fields in Wilts and their first
team currently competes in the SSE National League 3 South West. They are led by the
team of President Stuart Morrow and Chairman Ian Beswick and are looking to progress
under their leadership.
It would be fair to say that their first team did not perhaps enjoy the season
that they would have liked this time around having put together a record of
having won 4 and lost 22 of their 26 matches. This saw them finish bottom of
the pile with 27 points on the board.
They will be keen to put their current campaign behind them as soon as
possible and will be determined to improve next time around. So long as they
are able to bring in some additional quality over the summer and get off to
a good start to build some confidence they should experience some better
results.
One of the standout features of the Chippenham set-up is the superb youth
section that they have in place. This part of the club looks to provide young
players from the local area with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and
enjoyable environment.
It is important for any club to be able to produce their own talent, particularly
in the current financial climate. Given their form this season, bringing some
youngsters through could provide them with the boost that they need ahead
of their next campaign.
In order to ensure that as many of their young players as possible are able to
successfully make the transition into the senior game Chippenham run more
than one side.
A winning
combination
This allows them to give players experience of senior level rugby even if they
are not yet considered ready for first team action. Another benefit of having
more than one team is that it allows the first team to benefit from far greater
strength in depth. If they are ever left short on numbers through injury or
Although Chippenham
will understandably
be disappointed with
their results this
season this should
not take away from
the good work that
they do in their local
community.
If they continue in
the same manner
then they are sure to
benefit from improved
fortunes on the pitch
in the coming years
and Rugby Club
Magazine would like
to wish them the best
of luck.
One of the
standout
features of the
Chippenham
set-up is the
superb youth
section that
they have in
place.
Macquarie understands that success is based on difference.
Our culture is predicated on finding opportunities to create value for our clients. Working with world-leading teams in
infrastructure, transport, resources, commodities and energy, means our clients benefit from a uniquely diversified business
with a focus on delivering results.
With a 45-year record of unbroken profitability and global reach, we bring Asian insights to our clients in Europe, the Middle
East and Africa, offering the advantage of international yet specialised knowledge and expertise.
macquarie.co.uk
Macquarie Bank Limited, London Branch is authorised and regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and subject to
regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are
available from us on request
66
work commitments
then they can call
players up with a
limited amount of
disruption.
ISSUE 45
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