Helensvale Hogs president Karl Wernham and Rugby League Gold Coast manager Scott Dunshea discuss junior footy fees

Powerbrokers from various footy codes have weighed in on the challenge of keeping junior sporting fees affordable.

POWERBROKERS from various footy codes have weighed in on the challenge of keeping junior sporting fees affordable.

Helensvale Hogs president Karl Wernham explained how rugby union’s status as a minority sport on the Coast makes the situation no easier.

“As a growing club we have to be very proactive in making sure players and parents have the best experience on and off the field,” he said.

“Setting fees for the upcoming season is always a tough job – charging too much could turn parents away from the club and see them look elsewhere but charging not enough could put the club in financial trouble.”

Wernham noted sponsorships – a market that holds its own challenges – are critical to keeping costs down for families.

Helensvale Hogs juniors chase after All Blacks player Julian Savea. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We find sponsors every season for our training shirts. That cost sits around $12,000 that we don’t need to put on the fees,” he said.

He added grants are another avenue that can make a difference and that any additional funding “would always be welcomed”.

On the 13-a-side front, Rugby League Gold Coast manager Scott Dunshea said charging low fees is a priority across the competition, though they too face complexities.

“We all face issues especially around insurance,” he said. “This is one of the big drivers of fees being increased as clubs need to cover this insurance cost.

Mudgeeraba Redbacks juniors Miller Raven, Cooper Raven, Vann Raven and Brodie Simmons with 2018 senior captain Kyle Williams and committee member Pieter Berkhout. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It is imperative that we, as the governing body on the Gold Coast for rugby league, provide as much assistance as we can to our clubs.

“With RLGC obtaining major sponsors being QTOP/ QTEP and Kennards Hire, we have been able to keep fees to clubs at the same price for the past few years which then hopefully helps increase participation rates for our member clubs.

“Junior rugby league on the Gold Coast has had increased participation rates for the past two years but we need to keep finding ways to reduce costs to make it even more cost-effective for families to participate.”