Softball Queensland adapts to be ‘sponsorship ready’ with new partnership approach and opportunities

Softball Queensland has unveiled its new approach to forming sponsorships in response to the ever-changing landscape of community and sports organisations.

With the industry still recovering after COVID-19, it has become more paramount than ever for organisations to encourage participation and demonstrate the value return for business sponsors.

Advising that the organisation’s approach to create partnerships involves understanding business objectives and tailoring a package to suit those needs, Softball Queensland Chief Executive, Ross Symonds explained “a partnership with Softball Queensland is not a request for philanthropy, with sizeable reach and impact a partnership can deliver on commercial, brand and community engagement objectives as well as help us keep Queenslanders fit, active and healthy.

“Softball Queensland is a powerful conduit to thousands of engaged and passionate supporters, players and volunteers across the state.”

Noting that sponsorship partnerships with Softball Queensland were beneficial as it promotes brand image, visibility and awareness, Symonds commented “through these vital partnerships we create a platform for our sponsors to showcase their own work and this delivers traffic to their businesses and websites.

“As well as raising brand awareness, Softball Queensland can offer prospective sponsors opportunities such as co-sponsor networking, community connection and strategies to enhance social media presence through campaigns.”

Softball Queensland and Sponsorship Ready designed the new approach to suit the changing landscape of community sports organisations and create meaningful sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorship Ready Director Terry Johnston said it can take as little as 90 days to get sponsorship ready which is evident through Softball Queensland’s recent additions to its portfolio.

Johnston stated “we offer clubs, schools and events or in this case a governing body, sponsorship strategies, tools and support so they can take to market their proposition professionally, making sponsorship a sustainable revenue line.

“Softball in Queensland has a story to tell (so) it comes as no surprise to me that Softball Queensland is getting interest in the market now - I have simply helped them tell their story in a way that appeals to sponsors.

“Softball Queensland has some great sponsorship assets that can deliver business objectives.”

As a result of COVID-19 and the lockdown restrictions many sporting organisations and clubs were forced to undergo a temporary closure and are still recovering from an economical downfall.

With less players making their mark on the field, a noticeable decline in sponsorship and membership numbers occurred across the country with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) estimating clubs would face up to $1.5 billion in financial losses.

But with grassroot sports organisations now getting back on their feet post-COVID, the need for player participation and encouragement to live a healthy, active lifestyle remains high, Johnston added “COVID has impacted the philanthropic style of sponsorship where there is not too much expected in return.

“Lots of community sporting clubs can verify that but if an organisation is conduit to an audience and they can define their reach and impact then they can monetise through sponsorship.

“Small to medium enterprises through to big brands are looking for novel ways to grow post COVID and the partnership platforms created through sponsorship helps businesses reboot.”

Johnston said it was imperative for organisations to demonstrate how they would deliver business objectives and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

For more information about partnership opportunities, contact Softball Queensland on 07 3391 2447.

Lower image: Softball Queensland Chief Executive Ross Symonds. Credit: Softball Queensland.