Sydney University Football Club Foundation
A group of former players and supporters established the Sydney University Football Club Foundation in 2003.
Its goal is to establish a capital fund of at least $2 Million to support the aims of the Club now and for future generations.
Many of these individuals felt that some of their most cherished memories and friendships stemmed from their Club days, and the Foundation is a way of giving something back to the Club in perpetuity.
The Board of the Sydney University Football Club Foundation is very pleased to report that the initial target has been achieved. The Foundation has pledges from donors in excess of $2.19 Million as at 30 June 2007.
CASE FOR SUPPORT
Sydney University Football Club has a rich history as the first rugby club in Australia and one of its most successful. It has consistently developed a fine calibre of individual, and provided a leadership role to the club rugby movement.
The establishment of the Foundation will cement Sydney University's reputation for developing young players. The SUFC provides an encouraging environment in which to gain academic qualifications as well as a pathway for achieving rugby potential.
The aim is to establish a capital fund of at least $2 Million, which would be ring fenced. Income derived from the Fund would then be used to fund the Club's core objectives on an ongoing basis. This is an innovative approach to the financial pressures facing club rugby as it secures the ability of Sydney University Football Club to continue growing Australia's knowledge base and rugby excellence.
Establishing a capital fund will ensure that money contributed will still be working hard for the Club in the decades to come. Each dollar given will be channelled many times over into the Club providing a secure financial footing and an unprecedented level of commercial independence. The Foundation has three key objectives where it will appropriate funds.
1. Combining Academic and Rugby Success
There are very few organisations that have the ability to offer young players such an excellent foundation for a successful life.
Sydney University is in a unique position, providing an environment of excellence, a pathway to higher representative rugby honours as well as a setting where academic qualifications are encouraged.
This is particularly true for those elite rugby players applying to the Rugby Scholarship Program, thus looking after both their short and long term careers.
All players are enveloped in an environment that can provide a significant value to them as human beings.
2. Maintain the Sydney University Culture
Through their participation team members learn valuable life skills as well as develop as people. Through the Club, players build friendship, enjoy and contribute to the Club's camaraderie and have experiences that are cherished for a lifetime.
Sydney University understands that maintaining eight or more teams is the best way to retain the Club's culture, the strong bonds formed also provide a unique playing depth that reinforces success throughout the teams.
3. Preparing for the Future
The Foundation will provide important financial and commercial independence. It is very important that Sydney University prepare for the future.
With the possibility of an elite National Competition in 2007, and other commercial pressures, it is vital that Sydney University is in a strong position to contest for a franchise. The Club wants to, and has the capacity to, continue competing in the highest level of competition.
How the Funds will be utilised
Club rugby faces many challenges going forward. To achieve the objective of maintaining the Sydney University culture and combining academic and rugby success the Foundation will direct funds to achieve these goals.
The employment of talented administrators, and coaches, fitness and technical advisors throughout the grades would be encouraged. The scholarship program and the associated needs including scholarships, athlete advisors to support the scholarships holders and tuition would also be suitable. Capital items for the Club, which would otherwise exceed budgetary constraints, could be bought. This includes such items as specialised training equipment, upgrading and maintenance of facilities, game and player computer analysis hardware and software, videoing of games, players and team video analysis areas and equipment.
The Foundation Board believes strongly in preparing for the future. Should an elite National Competition be introduced in 2007, there will be a demand on all clubs to demonstrate appropriate financial security, facilities and operating structure to compete at that level.
The Foundation would be very much supportive of the SUFC's bid for a franchise should the situation occur.
Formal Application for Funds
There is a formal procedure in place where the Football Club will apply to the Foundation for funding for specific requirements. A decision has been made that funds will not be approved by the Foundation to be spent on player payments.
The Foundation feels that funds should be directed in keeping with the objectives that in summary contribute to the long-term development of players.
Professional Management
The SUFC Foundation Board are delighted to join together as they feel it is an excellent way for them to 'give back' to the Club from which they have received so much.
They want to ensure that friendships, challenges, opportunities and good times they experienced are afforded to players at Sydney University for many years to come. The Board offers an enormous amount of professional knowledge, business experience, integrity and a passion for Sydney University rugby.
The capital fund will be preserved in perpetuity. The income derived from the capital fund will be provided solely to the Sydney University Football Club. The SUFC Foundation values the relationship with the donor and assures that all funds will be managed under strict regulation and management from the Board so that the objectives of the Foundation are met.
Many clubs have recognised these challenges and the financial imperatives they pose. Some are entering commercial partnerships to ensure they have the financial capacity to embrace the challenges ahead.
Sydney University Football Club has a rich reserve of human capital. We pride ourselves on attracting and nurturing the best players and grooming them for representative rugby and or successful future careers. The Club has long had a reputation for providing a pathway for its players to international rugby as well as having many successful members working in all areas of business and the community.
Your Contribution
However, the Club's past pre-eminence is no guarantee of its future prosperity particularly in an increasingly competitive environment. We must ensure we have the financial strength to rise to these new challenges and maintain our standing as a nursery for Australia's future.
Support for the Foundation will help deliver on these objectives and will ensure Sydney University Football Club maintains its proud name and world-class standing on and off the field well into the future.
Should you feel able to contribute in any way, please get in contact with the Foundation on 8232 5107 (Tuesday only), or email Rohan Beale at rohan.beale@macquarie.com and ask for an information pack to be sent to you.
Please click for a copy of the SUFC Foundation Donation Form
Many thanks for your support.
Sydney University Football Club Foundation Board
