Business partners’ support crucial to achieving goals
Business partners and sponsors are one of the most important components of football and netball clubs, and Drouin is no exception.
For the first time in three years the Drouin football and netball clubs were able to show their appreciation last Saturday week to the many that, without whose support, the clubs wouldn't exist.
About 80 district businesses sponsor the football club in a range of categories and the netballers have about 50 backers, all providing either sponsorship to meet club and team needs and in making match day awards.
Football club president Chris Soumilas and netball president Sarah Sharpe are both high in their praise of the sponsors and the hare they have in enabling the clubs to maintain and improve facilities and provide an environment where players can perform at their highest level.
They acknowledged that many businesses in Drouin and district had "done it tough" during COVID pandemic lockdowns and restrictions that caused football and netball competitions to be cancelled or severely curtailed but had continued to provide their financial backing.
This year has also seen new sponsors step forward.
But the presidents stressed that the club looked at the relationship as partnerships.
The club, players, their families and supporters all recognise the support given and wherever possible use them to supply goods and services they require.
The business partners and sponsors' luncheon earlier this month attracted more than 100 people to socialise, network and enjoy and three-course meal.
They also heard from former Drouin footballers Clinton Proctor who progressed through the junior ranks at the club and going on to play with Gippsland Power's Under 18 side and then to VFL clubs Williamstown and Frankston.
He turned his hand to coaching after retiring as a player and is now the senior coast at Box Hill, the Hawthorn football club's affiliate and reserve team.
Proctor also spoke with a passion about his work in the field of mental health for young sportspeople.
Drouin football club's major sponsors are the Drouin and District Community Bank and Drouin Family Hotel, has four corporate sponsors in Drouin Tree Services, Latrobe Community Health, A1 Group and Longwarry Food Park and more than about 80 other supporting businesses.
Double gold sponsor of the Hawks netballers is Vaalia group and its food brands.
The club also has 10 gold, seven silver and nine bronze sponsors as well as business support from others as training and team partners and providers of match day awards.