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RAF Funding Vital to Club's Growth at Grass Roots
Whatever the sport, funding is always a key issue. Money is simply the most vital lifeline to the future development and success of clubs and individuals at whatever level they compete. Sport today is big business – commercially driven and largely dependent on external funding - either from external sponsorship, investors or grants distributed via Governing bodies.
For the established and developed higher profile sports and clubs, the lure to investors and sponsors is readily returned. But what are the prospects for those at the opposite end of the spectrum – the clubs wishing to evolve and individuals wishing to develop their skills. The path to both club and individual success begins at the grass roots level and this ensures a constant flow of talent and performance through the ranks. After all it is at youth level and largely due to the success of fund development programmes that the stars of the future are born.
It is at the grass roots level specifically that the sport needs support and that is why RAF Careers is sponsoring the Junior and Cadet Basketball Leagues for both Men and Women. RAF Careers provides the sport with a high profile name and that much sought after vital injection of funding.
But how will the sport and those that are involved in it actually benefit?
In terms that can easily be evaluated it is the availability of a considerable cash injection into the sport that all clubs, subject to meeting certain criteria, have access too. It is here where the sport’s Governing Body, The English Basketball Association (EBBA) in close collaboration with the Sponsor, plays a vital role.
Already operating a Club Development Programme, the EBBA set-up the RAF Development Fund that would enable Junior and Cadet clubs to apply for additional financial support. Simon Kirkland, EBBA Chief Executive, explained the process that was involved. “Application forms and accompanying letters were distributed to clubs encouraging them to apply to the fund and advising them of the specific areas and ways that the funding could be used. To support this we (EBBA) also instructed our network of Regional Development Mangers to contact the clubs and to assist with the applications,” adding. “The applications that were received were evaluated by a panel made up EBBA representatives, including one Executive board member and a RAF Careers representative. Successful applicants were then contacted and advised of the level of funding that they would receive.”
Of the many factors that determined whether an application was successful, consideration was given in assessing how the applications met with the overall sponsorship objectives of the RAF, how funds would be utilised and importantly to substantiate that their set objectives would be achievable and sustainable.
Of the considerable number of applications received, the North London Lords, currently competing in the NBL Division 2, were successful with their submission.
Their basic principal for application focussed on producing a development team from their under 16 programme of junior players from their Barnet coaching sessions with the aim of integrating them into a league team. Up until now individuals have had to pay for coaching sessions at Hendon Youth Centre, who due to lack of funding were unable to put them into a league and cover costs. It was also becoming increasingly difficult for the individuals, the majority of whom were from backgrounds with limited resource, to raise enough money to continue their involvement in the sport.
For the North London Lords the objectives were clear-cut. To bring together a group of young players from a variety of backgrounds that were for a variety of reasons unable to fund themselves adequately. To create a new under 16 team in the Barnet area that would be affiliated to the North London Lords as part of their on-going club development strategy.
To achieve their aims they proposed to amalgamate and increase coaching sessions using the funds available to them to buy team kit, pay for coaching sessions and additional equipment. The newly formed team would be part of the North London Lords Club and would benefit from being directly associated with an NBL club.
Head coach, David Schiller is well aware of the high costs involved in running clubs and development programmes. “I am delighted that the club’s application was successful. To receive external financial support is a big lifeline to us and it will be a tremendous boost to the youngsters who will benefit directly from it,” adding, “It will enable us to improve the opportunities and provide some additional equipment for all those involved with the club.”
Steve Nelson, EBBA National Development Manager, said of the club’s application, “The application made by North London Lords was to gain funding to assist in the sustainable development of the club at u16 level. During each element of the application form the club detailed a response which was comprehensive, realistic as well as addressing the broader aims of the RAF sponsorship.”
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