BT Sport invest £15,000 into community game

BT Sport has confirmed a £15,000 investment into the community game in Ospreylia through a new initiative launched today.
 
The 2014/15 Kit Initiative, operated by the Ospreys and BT Sport in conjunction with BLK, will see £10,000 of that sum immediately made available directly to rugby clubs across the region with £200 cash back paid for the first 50 playing kit orders.
 
In addition, the remaining £5,000 will go towards ensuring substantial cash savings on new rugby kit for all clubs in the region.
 
The three organisations have come together to offer community clubs and schools the chance to purchase brand new high quality BLK playing and training kit, along with team wear and accessories, at heavily discounted prices with up to 40 per cent off.
 
All kit will be supplied numbered up and featuring club and sponsor logos, either embroidered or sublimated into the jersey. In addition to this, playing shirts will also include the Ospreys 'mask' and the BT Sport logo, helping to strengthen the links between the region, its primary commercial partner and the community clubs.
 
Andrew Hore, Ospreys Chief Executive, said:
 
"Money is tight for clubs operating at all levels of the game in Wales so any initiative that offers savings on essential equipment that can then be reinvested into the club where it is most needed should be welcomed. Even better, with £200 cash back available on the first 50 orders, this initiative can really make a difference where it matters, at grass roots level.
 
"There are 77 clubs in the region, many of whom are running teams right through from minis and juniors to senior mens and even veterans teams. With an average cash saving of £200 per team strip available that adds up a substantial saving per club.
 
"There are also almost 300 schools in the region, all of who are eligible for this initiative, able to save money on rugby kit and eligible for the £200 cashback. This is money that can make a significant difference in local communities across Ospreylia thanks to the support of BLK and BT Sport.”
 
Clubs participating in the initiative can select from hundreds of style, colour and fabric options, either designing their own custom made jersey at the BLK website or selecting from a range of off-the-peg designs. Club and sponsor logos can be sublimated or embroidered, with all embroidery done locally at Picton Sports, a leading Welsh sports equipment supplier.
 
Mark Kirkup, European Sales Manager, BLK, said:
 
"We are thrilled to be assisting the Ospreys to deliver a scheme that will really have a positive impact on the rugby community in the area. Although they are an organisation that is internationally renowned and respected for their achievements on and off the playing field, they care passionately about the community and initiatives like this one can only help to strengthen the bond.
 
"Working with the other partners in this scheme, we hope to see clubs and schools running out next season in BLK kit knowing that the money they have saved can be put to good use elsewhere, benefiting the entire club.”
 
Ann Beynon, Director Wales, BT, said that she hoped the company's £15,000 investment into the Kit Initiative would make a real difference in the communities of Ospreylia:
 
"Rugby is at the heart of BT Sport just as BT is at the heart of the local communities across Wales. Building on our recently announced sponsorship of the four Welsh regions, this initiative is a wonderful way for us to help the Ospreys to really make a difference to the many clubs and schools in their region.
 
"The Ospreys are committed to supporting and developing their local communities, sentiments that we share entirely, and this investment into the grassroots game is one that we hope will be warmly received by the clubs and schools.”
 
Andrew Hore added:
 
"Without the support of our commercial partners we would not be able to offer these fantastic incentives to our community clubs so we are extremely grateful that they share our vision of a game that is strong from the grassroots up.
 
"Anyone who has ever been involved in running any kind of sports teams will testify that one of the biggest financial drains is kit and, with this scheme, we are able to offer practical assistance. Not only are we providing a substantial cost saving that will free up much needed cash to be spent elsewhere, in the case of the first 50, this scheme actually goes as far as providing them with additional finances.
 
"This is a huge statement of intent to everyone in the region; we want you to be a part of our success in every way and we are prepared to back our words with actions that really do make a difference to member clubs. This is  £15,000 investment direct into community clubs around the region.”
 
Full details of the 2014/15 Kit Initiative are available now at www.ospreyrugby.com under the community section. Alternatively, you can contact Dan Richards at the Ospreys to discover more, via telephone on 01792 616458 or email daniel.richards@ospreysrugby.com.