Questions over viability of sport without supporters

Is it worth it? Struggling sporting clubs on the Sunshine Coast are at long odds to turn a profit this year without a weekly match day income.

Woombye Snakes Club president Andrew Kinden says the club struggles to make a profit as it is, they wont fold, but are doing it tough Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

STRUGGLING sporting clubs on the Sunshine Coast are at long odds to turn a profit this year without a weekly matchday income.

With the coronavirus pandemic putting all community sport on pause until late June at the earliest, many are battling to stay afloat.

Under government guidelines, the resumption of community sport will resume on July 10 with sport permitted for up to 100 people indoor and outdoor.

Locally, it is understood matches are likely to be played without crowd prompting questions from clubs whether that is viable.

For a club like Woombye Snakes, who have 350 playing members from under-5s to over-35s, its annual running costs are more than $170,000.

Club president Andrew Kinden said that covers lighting, licenses, insurance, ground maintenance and more.

Mr Kinden said the club would survive but would not turn a profit.

"As much as we all want to play, we can't go into hardship just to have a season," Mr Kinden said.

"We will be applying for every single grant we can.

"Without a canteen and bar, that's a big bulk of our income, so we'll have to work out what it costs us month to month."

 

Woombye Snakes Club president Andrew Kinden says the club struggles to make a profit as it is, they wont fold, but are doing it tough Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

 

Noosa Pirates coach Brett Winkler said many clubs would start the season behind the Eight ball regardless of when sport resumed.

But without crowds he too questioned the viability of it.

"The problem with playing without crowds is that we need the revenue from the gate, the canteen to get back on our feet," Mr Winkler said.

"It's like the NRL playing without their television money.

"You can't expect much from sponsors if there are no crowds. Too many businesses are doing it tough.

"We need to play until December to get value for money from the season. We will do whatever it takes."

Mr Winkler said from a social and wellbeing standpoint, particularly surrounding mental health, he said a bounce back to team sport environments was crucial.

Caloundra Sharks secretary Adam Kruger said the club is one of few local clubs fortunate to benefit from a year-round cashflow provided by its leagues club.

"We get a revenue stream from the bar which is a big help for us," Mr Kruger said.

Mr Kruger admitted there was a case to be made to write off the season.

The concerns come after a national campaign was launched this week by the Australian Sports Foundation to help determine the extend of the pandemic's impact on local clubs.

Following a pilot survey in April, responses showed that there are significant problems that may lead to many community clubs falling by the wayside.

"There is a crisis in Australian community sport, which presents a real risk to the physical and mental health of our communities," Australian Sports Foundation CEO Patrick Walker said.

"To the general public it may seem like the crisis is coming to an end with mooted openings of community sports clubs across Australia, but there are issues ahead that haven't been addressed yet.

"Trying to reopen and get members back onto sports fields is where the crisis for grassroots clubs will really start."

To access the campaign, visit covid.sportsfoundation.org.au before June 3.

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