PART ONE Tough times for sports
ation of the two elements ements – 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.
“I think we have to treat each region separate. I think Townsville business should support a sport, not all sports, but one there there’s ’ 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 Cowbo Cowboys coach Grant Bell has con continued to be actively involve involved with regional sport, and says its future could hi hinge on the ability to balance income to cl clubs and affordabil ability for parents.
The former Ce Central Tigers m mentor said registra tration costs, while gre great for getting pla players on the field, wer were not enough to fully support clubs and org organisations. “There “There’s so many things that sit behind sporting clubs tha that enable them to operate, func 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.
“I think across the state and the country I don’t think clubs can rely on expecting sponsorships.”