The car rental business driving sponsorship for grassroots Aussie rules footy teams

“The returns are 10-fold and the relationships we build over time are excellent... we definitely get a lot of repeat business from members of the football community”.

TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM: At Hertz Northern Rivers, employees including Lismore Swans AFC senior men's team coach Ashley Prichard (centre) said colleagues (L-R) Neil Jeffs, Judy Croker, Melanie Chambers, Madison Pethers, Julie Butler, Nathan Box and Christian War, are the "team behind the team" supporting local sporting clubs. Photo: Alison Paterson

Kicking goals for grassroots sporting clubs is smart business thinking, according to Hertz Northern Rivers sales and marketing manager Nathan Box.

Mr Box, 44, is adamant that getting involved and supporting your local team is an essential part of doing business.

“Being connected with your local sporting club is not only good for them, it’s good for the community,” he said.

“And it makes good business sense.”

This week Mr Box tossed a footy with staff member Ashley Prichard, who also coaches the Lismore Swans AFC senior men’s side.

As they played a bit of kick-to-kick, the pair talked about the benefits of what he described as a win-win sponsorship.

“This is my team behind the team,” Mr Prichard said of his work colleagues.

“It’s awesome that firms such as Hertz Northern Rivers play a vital role in helping sporting clubs reach their potential.”

SPORTING SPONSORSHIP: Hertz Lismore sales and marketing manager Nathan Box (right) said sponsoring community sporting clubs such as the Lismore Swans AFC which is coached by employee Ashley Prichard, is an important role small businesses play in the community. Photo: Alison Paterson

Mr Box, who in his day played in the back pocket for the Lismore Swans, said building relationships is what small businesses can do superbly in their regional market.

“It all comes down to local area marketing and being involved in the community,” he said.

“The returns are 10-fold and the relationships we build over time are excellent.

“We definitely get a lot of repeat business from members of the football community who need rental vehicles.”

Mr Box send while sponsorship could have good short-term benefits, the best relationships were nurtured over time.

“We have been ongoing supporters for the local AFL for a number of years now,” he said.

“As well as the Lismore Swans we also sponsor the Casino Lions, as these are the two most northerly clubs in the AFL North Coast league.

“And we have also got behind other football codes including rugby league and rugby union.”

Mr Box said clubs looking for small business sponsorship needed to take a formal approach.

“If they come to me with a proposal of what they are after, then I will break this down to see what we can do to assist,” he said.

“I’ll always aim to see how we can work together.”