The good business of sport is something The Steelers Club and Coniston FC have tapped into this week with a major sponsorship deal between the two clubs.
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Impressed by the professionalism of Coniston FC in the lead up to its first year back in the premier league Steelers Club general manager Sharon Arrow said the new three year partnership is an example of how both clubs have overcome difficult odds in recent years.
Ms Arrow said they have formed a partnership in the spirit of new-found success that will be mutually beneficial to both clubs as Coniston FC prepares to play its opening game of the season against Wollongong United on Saturday. The club will also be at the FFA Cup game on Wednesday.
Steelers is offering the services of its courtesy bus to Coniston FC members from its ground after each home game.
During the signing of the new partnership on Monday four of the Coniston FC players revealed the new playing strip that includes Steelers prominently displayed on one sleeve.
Coniston FC president John Karayannis said the Steelers sponsored the club previously in 2001 when it last won the premier league.
"We both fell on hard times after that but we are both coming back," he said.
"So it is very exciting to be with a club that shows the same family values in our community".
Mr Karayannis said Coniston FC was very serious about its future.
He said when the club fell on tough times in 2014 the ground required a huge amount of funds. Around that time the juniors affiliated with the seniors which resulted in more community involvement that included the Illawarra Stingrays using the ground as well as a partner.
"The club has grown to over 500 players now. As a result of that momentum we have more volunteers, sponsors and supporters," Mr Karayannis said.
"A key to our success is we are not just about winning. We want to be a destination club. We want to be the best club for juniors, our supporters and everything. Winning a first grade game is part of that. But it is not the be-all and end-all".
Ms Arrow said as a club Steelers was seeking to sponsor a local team that we felt had the same outlook for success.
"When we sat down we realised we were on the same page in regards where we wanted our club to be with a culture of success," she said.
"We want to ensure members of both clubs get value for their participation. It is a win-win for everybody. We can see there is a great alignment between the two organisations."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
