Initiative launched to help grassroots sport navigate COVID-19 crisis

May 17, 2020

Grassroots Pledge has launched as a new pay-it-forward initiative to help local sports clubs around Australia navigate through the COVID19 crisis.

This initiative allows people to pledge an amount to their local sports club that can either be redeemed once games start up again or be used as a donation.

The concept was established by Sports Geek's Sean Callanan, in partnership with INTIX ticketing platform, as a way for communities to support local sports clubs and help them with cash flow issues created by the social distancing restrictions.

Callanan noted “many local sports clubs around Australia are struggling with the restrictions as revenue and traditional sources of funding are no longer available.

“A lot of communities, particularly small ones, revolve around their local sports clubs. Many of these clubs were affected by the bushfires earlier this year and are now in lockdown due to COVID19.

“These clubs rely on membership, game day fees and fundraisers to keep cash flow going.”

Callanan said that most of the mainstream media has been focused on the return of elite sports and Grassroots Pledge was a way to boost support for local sports adding “with the Pandemic presenting many challenges to the sports industry, I began looking for a way to help the industry bounce back.

“So I connected with INTIX via one of our regular #SportsBizZoom calls to brainstorm how we could secure funds to ensure local clubs survive the break, and allow people to say ‘I will be back to support my club. From there we developed the Grassroots Pledge.”

In terms of pricing, as the business is a social enterprise Callanan explained it would only be looking to cover costs from payment processing.

“All other costs are currently being covered by us, and we are looking for sponsors so if anyone is in a position to help we’d love to hear from you!”

Find out more and get involved at grassrootspledge.com.au

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13th May 2020 - Community aquatic, recreation and sport industry alliance seeks 12-month stimulus package from Federal and state governments

13th May 2020 - Survival package unveiled for Victorian sport, tourism and creative industries

6th May 2020 - Coronavirus downturn sees sports in country towns struggle

2nd May 2020 - FFA supports measures released for resumption of grassroots and elite sport

20th April 2020 - South Australian grassroots sporting facilities to receive $6 million funding

2nd April 2020 - Sportility collaborates with brands to support grassroots sports during COVID-19

17th March 2020 - FFA suspends grassroots football

31st December 2019 - Grassroots sporting clubs in Victoria encouraged to apply for funding

25th June 2019 - Hawthorn FC partners with Benchvote to drive grassroots campaign

14th May 2019 - New INTIX technology to revolutionise door sales for venues and event organisers

6th May 2019 - HART Sport to back elite and grassroots netball in NSW

15th February 2019 - National sports raffle to aid fundraising for grassroots sports and charities

1st February 2019 - Western Australia Government funding boosts grassroots netball and basketball

11th November 2018 - Australia recognised as benchmark for grassroots football across Asia

29th October 2018 - Funding boost for grassroots sport in Ballarat and Moorabool

19th June 2018 - Box office business takes off

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