KOFF supporting clubs in need

Despite Australia’s love of sport, many community clubs are struggling.

A recent survey of almost 3000 clubs by the Australian Sports Foundation, the country’s only charity which offers tax deductions for donations to sporting clubs, has uncovered several worrying trends.

Rising costs and falling revenue are pushing 18 per cent of clubs to the brink of collapse, with those surveyed revealing there had been discussion about closing their doors.

More than one in four clubs reported a decline in registrations among 15 to 19 year olds.

About 52 per cent of clubs reported cost-of-living impacts as a growing barrier to member registrations, and 68 per cent experienced increased running costs, a substantial increase from 47 per cent in 2021.

Not having enough volunteers and administration load are also high on the list of challenges for clubs.

The costs and bureaucratic requirements for the installation and upkeep of club facilities are a major deterrent and often result in the deterioration of facilities.

The Kadina Oval Facilities Foundation, which is affiliated with ASF, has taken steps to help clubs associated with the Kadina oval precinct overcome these problems.

New facilities are starting to appear and KOFF founders Kent Newbery and Dean Flowers are confident greater use of the area will follow.

Cricket, football, hockey, netball and soccer are some of the sports which will benefit from these facilities.

To date, KOFF has been able to raise enough funds to finalise the structural proportion of current projects.

KOFF is raising money to build an extension of the Baz Fry shed, which will include a facility for the display and sale of club merchandise.

An elevated coach’s box will enable the area to potentially host SANFL games and a terraced viewing area will greatly increase spectator enjoyment.

Mr Newbery has called on the public to help by way of an end-of-financial-year tax-deductible donation through the ASF which will flow to KOFF.

Receipts will be issued by the ASF.

“On behalf of the KOFF board, I urge people to consider a donation of any amount to allow completion of the current plans and continue the upgrade of this sports precinct,” Newbery said.