Despite conquering the Football NSW National Premier League 2 competition, Sydney University Football Soccer Club’s (SUSFC) under 12’s team has arguably achieved more good off the field than on it.
On the field the under 12’s team has had a season to remember, taking out the 2013 premiership by finishing five points clear of the second placed Hills Brumbies. Sydney Uni suffered just three losses from their 22 games and in the process racked up an enviable 56 goal differential (72 goals scored and just 16 conceded).
This weekend the boys are up against the Brumbies in a qualifying final and two victories over the next two weekends would produce a premiership and grand final double.
Off the field the under 12’s team are participating in a sponsorship arrangement that is unparalleled, particularly in the realms of amateur sport.
A business linked with Royal Far West (RFW) – a well-known children’s charity – have agreed to pay SUSFC a sponsorship amount for advertising the charity’s logo on the under 12’s playing shirts.
Sometimes known as a ‘reverse sponsorship’, such arrangements are almost unheard of. In 2006, Spain’s Barcelona FC – then Europe’s reigning champion – signed a five year contract agreeing to displaythe UNICEF logo on the players’ chests. The deal was worth US$1.9 million per year to UNICEF.
While the amounts involved between the un-named business linked with RFW and SUSFC is obviously far less than the Barcelona/UNICEF deal, it is a great opportunity for the charity to receive some much needed publicity outside their traditional area of the Northern Beaches.
Furthermore, the University of Sydney have also partnered with RFW on an exciting research project called ‘Wobbly Hun’, which is supporting the rural community’s health service. The University are also involved in the RFW technology assisted speech program called ‘Come N See’; are in discussions about student placements at their Manly Residential Buildings; and have co-hosted an expert clinician from Canada in Manly in a professional development lecture for their staff.
For more information about Royal Far West (RFW), please visit their website: www.royalfarwest.org.au
