Local businesses work together to support grass roots sports
Tabitha Fox, Director of Canterbury based Not Another Marketing Agency, has always guided her clients to do what they can to help their local communities. So, when she heard that grass roots sports clubs were finding it hard to raise much needed funds during the pandemic and lockdown, she decided to see what she could do to help.
“Grassroots sports are vital to local communities”, says Tabitha, “not only do they help to keep us physically healthy, but they also provide a significant boost to mental health.”
After extensive research, she discovered The Sports Business Club (TSBC), a networking organisation based in Gillingham, which donates half of its membership fees to nominated sports clubs. They also donate further money to charities supporting the homeless and people in need. Combining the opportunity for businesses to grow their network with community based corporate responsibility was the perfect combination and Not Another Marketing Agency are now proud members of TSBC. “I always encourage my clients to support the communities who support them”, commented Tabitha “so, it made perfect sense for my business to get involved too. Putting my money where my mouth is so to speak”. NAMA are now a partner in The Sports Business Club.
The Sports Business Club has grown from strength to strength over the last six months and has plans to have engaged with over 1000 grassroots sports clubs by the end of March and up to 5000 by the end of 2021.
Additionally, with clubs feeling the financial squeeze of another lockdown and uncertainty about when they will be able to play again, TSBC have created a Club Support Pack, designed to offer every service that a growing sports club needs. From mental health and physio services through to companies who specialise in marketing, finance, and energy providers it’s all there. These services will be subsidised and funded through The Sports Business Club fund, a crowdfunding initiative which aims to raise £10,000 to help clubs in need. The fund has received the backing of a number of current and ex-professional athletes from a diverse background of sports. 10% of all funds raised will also be donated to charities which support the mental health of those who have lost loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic.
