SA soccer clubs call for council freeze on ground lease fees as they fight to stay afloat during coronavirus pandemic
Soccer clubs across SA, from the top-flight champion to a third-tier battler, are calling on councils to waive rental fees on their grounds as they fight to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Local soccer clubs, from the reigning top flight champion to a third-tier battler, are calling on suburban councils to waive rental fees on their grounds as they fight to stay afloat.
Government enforced closures of licenced venues and restrictions on indoor gatherings have also led to clubrooms shutting indefinitely and revenue streams drying up.
National Premier Leagues SA powerhouse Campbelltown City is requesting temporary relief from its lease on the council-owned Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.
Chairman Don Leombruno said the Red Devils were unable to use their seven pitches, including a new artificial surface, and needed to protect their long-term future.
“Everything at the club is closed,” said Leombruno, whose side had claimed the past two NPL titles.
“There’s no gatherings and no club business. It’s almost like having another off-season.
“I’m pretty sure the council is going to do the right thing and help the clubs in this situation, while there’s no money coming in. But at the moment, it’s just a day-to-day situation.”
Clubs’ plea for council help followed a letter from Football SA chief executive Michael Carter this week encouraging them to do so.
South Adelaide hoped to receive financial assistance from Onkaparinga Council through the O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex committee which manages its home ground.
Chairman Sean Muxlow said the State League One outfit had already bought match and training kits worth $30,000, some of which it might not recoup while play was suspended.
“It’s pretty scary out there,” said Muxlow, who feared competitions might not resume this year having being halted after four rounds.
“It’s unprecedented times and there’s a lot of revenue being lost everywhere. We’ve shut the complex down. Your biggest problem now is starting up again.
“I’m hoping that no clubs have to fold because of this, but potentially there could be some casualties.”
Council leases generally include ground maintenance costs, but all clubs surveyed had shut down electrical appliances in their clubrooms to keep power bills to a minimum.
Salisbury Council had already frozen Para Hills’ rent at the Paddocks from April-June, saving the Knights about $5000.
But chairman Dale Ramsey said covering the federation’s team affiliation and referee fees, which totalled about $80,000 last year, would still make for a challenging period.
“The only way we survive is by holding functions, (and operating) canteen, barbecue, bar facilities,” Ramsey said.
“Without that option, it’s definitely made times a bit tougher.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I guess it’s just buckle down and ride the storm.”
Adelaide Cobras were due to return to their redeveloped Weigall Oval home in May, following two seasons playing at Birkalla’s Jack Smith Park and training at West Beach.
President Simon Panayi said the nomadic existence had put a “massive strain” on finances. The State League Two club would not be able to access its new clubrooms and start generating revenue again until the season had resumed.
Fellow third division side Modbury Vista had also struggled to make ends meet, while renting Modbury Jets’ ground as Richardson Reserve underwent a $7 million upgrade.
Chairman Stuart Carlisle had contacted Tea Tree Gully Council about delaying the renegotiation of its lease, given it had just got access to its new artificial pitches.
He said planned clubrooms were likely to be delayed and sponsorship income might not materialise as businesses struggle amid economic uncertainty.
“For the last few years we’ve been making losses,” Carlisle said.
“This was our first season we were back on our home ground and we were looking to actually get back in the black.
“It (new facilities) had generated a lot of enthusiasm and excitement around the club.
“But to all of a sudden have this occur, it’s just thrown a huge curve ball at us.”
Local Government Association president Sam Telfer said councils understood the impact COVID-19 was having on sports clubs.
“These clubs are an important part of the fabric of their communities, bringing people together and improving local health and wellbeing,” Telfer said.
“The assistance and support councils will provide their local clubs during the coronavirus shutdown will vary depending on the circumstances of the councils and the needs of the clubs and their communities.”