A groundbreaking initiative that has seen schools and rugby clubs across Ospreylia saving more than £100,000 on rugby kit has been expanded to offer discounts on a number of different sports kits including hockey, basketball, netball and cricket.
The Ospreys Kit Initiative, operated by the region on a not-for-profit basis in conjunction with kit supplier Kooga and primary commercial partners RWE npower renewables, is directly responsible for saving cash strapped clubs thousands of pounds worth of savings in recent years, cash which can then be diverted into other areas.
Andrew Hore, Chief Operations Officer at the Ospreys, said:
“We are delighted to be able to announce details of the relaunched Ospreys Kit Initiative, which now offers so much more flexibility and choice, and reaches out not only to the rugby community but the wider sporting community throughout Ospreylia.
“We have long prided ourselves on the strength of our community work and we believe that this arrangement fits comfortably within our overall strategy of supporting the people, and in turn, the people supporting us.
“The total sum this initiative could save sporting organisations and schools in the region is simply huge. With a potential saving to the clubs per set of rugby kit of between £300 and £500, a club operating just four teams would be looking at saving as much as £2,000. There are 77 rugby clubs within the region, and then you can add in all the football, cricket, hockey and netball clubs, plus the hundreds of schools that can also take advantage of this offer and you can see the scale of savings available.
“This is money that can then be used elsewhere to help develop sport at grass roots level, where it is needed most, and will make a significantdifference in local communities the length and breadth of the region.”
Clubs and schools taking advantage of the deal will receive up to 40 per cent off the retail price of high quality Kooga branded equipment, similar to that worn by the Ospreys themselves. The playing kit is supplied numbered up as appropriate, with club and sponsors logos as required. In addition to this, the shirts can feature the Ospreys ‘mask’ logo and RWE npower renewables branding, helping to strengthen the links between the region, commercial partner and the local communities across the region.
Following the relaunch of this initiative, with a whole range of team sport kits now included, for the first time ever clubs and schools are able to design their own kit rather than simply selecting from a range of pre-selected templates, ensuring their new strip truly reflects the team’s history and identity.
Cwmgors RFC and Crynant RFC are the first clubs to receive their orders following the relaunch of the scheme, Aaron Jarvis handing over the new kit to Cwmgors , while Duncan Jones was joined by Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Mark Bennett at Bennett’s own junior club Crynant.
Darren Thomas, Cwmgors RFC, said:
“Ask anyone who has ever been involved in running any kind of sports teams and they will inevitably tell you that kit is one of the biggest financial drains. This scheme offers clubs practical assistance, providing fantastic new kit at a great price, freeing up money to spent in other areas.
“The children also get a real buzz from taking to the pitch with the Ospreys logo on their shirts, it makes them feel a part of the region.”
Jamie Furber, Crynant RFC, said:
“It’s always a struggle to keep going so anything like this that saves us money on essentials makes huge difference when it comes to running a club like ours. The best thing about the scheme is that it really does help to bring the Ospreys and the clubs closer together as it shows that they care about grassroots rugby across the region and are prepared to back up their words with actions. We would like to thank the Ospreys for their continued support and we would also like to thank RES Ltd who funded the purchase of the tracksuits for the U7's – U11's”
Andrew Hore added:
“By reaffirming our commitment to this initiative and expanding it to include other team sports kits, we are underlining our goal of supporting the many varied local communities of Ospreylia. This initiative makes a tangible financial difference to schools and clubs alike during what remain tough financial times for everyone.
“The entire scheme is being operated by the Ospreys on a not-for-profit basis, but we consider the cost incurred in administering the initiative as a worthwhile investment in the local sporting community that will make a real difference to those involved at grass roots level. We realise that for the Ospreys to succeed we need a thriving community game and the this initiative is just one way in which we are helping the game, and participation in sport generally, to grow across the region.”
For more details of the initiative please contact Dan Richards at Ospreys Rugby on 01792 616500 or via email at daniel.richards@ospreysrugby.com.
You can also check out www.kooga-teamwear.com.