The City of Stirling’s Club Forever program has lifted the benchmark in the vital area of club development. Since 2003, the program has worked at the grass roots level to support sport and recreation clubs, which Council believes are fundamental in developing and maintaining a healthy, vibrant and interactive society.
Clubs Forever aims to ensure the availability of affordable, sustainable, varied and quality recreational opportunities well into the future by providing club and community group volunteers with an innovative, ongoing support program.
Stirling’s Club Development Officer, Kendra Koranis, said the program has addressed current issues affecting clubs and established a forum to confront new issues impacting clubs in the future.
“This approach allows for continued improvement by remaining flexible and responsive to current trends affecting clubs, such as diminishing volunteer base, risk management, escalating insurance costs, reduced bar revenue and limited access to sponsorship,” she said.
Business partnerships formed with the Department of Sport and Recreation, the WA Sports Federation and former major sponsor, Genesis Environmental, support the initiative. It is believed to be the first time that any Local Government has created such an extensive, well planned and adequately resourced program.
Kendra Koranis said sport and recreation clubs play a vital role in all communities.
“They help to provide a sense of belonging at the local level,” she said. “They foster better physical and mental health and assist in building strong and resilient communities. By enhancing the strength and self management capability of our clubs, the City will uncover tangible benefits in better resource management and less reliance on Council. Clubs will also become more empowered and conversant in key management areas.”
The program is built around a High Five framework, comprising the following modules:
- Communication – newsletters, services guide, club survey, website
- Education – self management seminars (approximately every six weeks), including fundraising, financial/volunteer/risk management, grant applications, marketing, sponsorship and conflict resolution
- Recognition – special award schemes created to recognise excellence and achievements made by juniors, volunteers and seniors
- Products – information ‘Action Packs’ are given away to club representatives as well as ‘Clubs Forever’ t-shirts, back packs, frisbees, mouse pads and drink bottles
- Credits – clubs are awarded credit points for active participation in the program. For further information contact Kendra Koranis on (08) 9345 8940.
