In an SANFL first, Flinders University has signed a new two-year sponsorship deal of the South Adelaide Football Club as one of the club’s seniors’ jumper support partners.
The agreement will see the Flinders logo on all playing jumpers worn by all players across all grades at the club and follows an existing four-year sponsorship deal with the Under-18 Centre of Excellence.
A range of club and community engagement initiatives – that includes educational and professional development opportunities for Panthers staff, players and members, and support for the club’s outreach and mentoring programs – is covered by the agreement. Director of Flinders Marketing and Communications, Ms Diané Ranck, said the total sponsorship reflected many of the goals and ideals shared by the University and the Panthers.
“As high profile organisations based in Adelaide’s growing south, Flinders and the South Adelaide Football Club place great value on engaging with the community,” Ms Ranck said.
“The University has a strong commitment to the region and to the people who live, work and play here. We consider Panthers’ staff, players, members and supporters as key stakeholders,” she said.
“Flinders, with the Panthers, also recognises the important contribution our organisations can jointly play in promoting education, health and opportunity in the south.”
The initial Memorandum of Understanding signed last October focused on SAFC’s Centre of Excellence to foster further educational opportunities and workplace skills development for junior players and Flinders students alike.
Another University project, the Southern Knowledge Transfer Partnership headed by Penny Crocker, capitalises on this MoU to provide opportunities for industry and educational partnerships, research and work integrated learning.
“The new sponsorship agreement extends that concept to create a network of public and private sector organisations in the region engaged in enhancing the student experience and developing career pathways,” Ms Ranck said.
“As one element of that, Flinders is keen to work with senior SAFC players on ‘life after football’ career options,” Ms Ranck said.
Panther CEO, Ben Kavenagh said: “The South Adelaide FC is thrilled to be involved in a mutually beneficial partnership with Flinders University. Like our Football Club, Flinders Uni is an icon of the south. Their brand and direction has many synergies with our club, not least of which is a focus on engaging with the Southern Community. It’s innovative, exciting and a great fit.”