A groundbreaking initiative that has seen rugby clubs in Ospreylia save more than £50,000 on kit and equipment is now being expanded to take in the 262 schools in the region.
The Ospreys Kit Initiative, which was launched in 2007, offers clubs the chance to purchase high quality Kooga playing strikethrough the Ospreys at a heavily discounted price.
Previously available to all 72 member clubs, the scheme which is managed by the Ospreys on a not-for-profit basis is now set to provide schools across Ospreylia with thousands of pounds of savings, providing headmasters with much needed funding that can be diverted to other areas where it may be desperately needed.
Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, said:
"In the three years that it has been running, the Kits For Clubs initiative has made a huge difference to rugby clubs in the region, with 175 individual team strips supplied to date along with additional rugby equipment, all at a discounted price, freeing up much needed cash to spend elsewhere.
"A typical saving on a kit purchase can be several hundred pounds, and that can make a massive difference to a rugby club, particularly when many are operating three, four or even more sides. This is money which can then be used elsewhere to help develop rugby at grass roots level, where it is needed most, and will make a significant difference in local communities the length and breadth of Ospreylia.
"Given the logistics of the initiative, we have previously concentrated on providing a service to the clubs in the region, although a small number of schools have already taken advantage of the scheme. We feel that the time is right now for us to expand it fully into schools, especially given the tight budgets that they operate under these days, allowing them to take full advantage of an unbeatable offer that will benefit the whole rugby community in Ospreylia."
Any schools taking advantage of the deal will receive high quality Kooga branded equipment similar to that worn by the Ospreys themselves. The playing kit will be supplied numbered up with club and sponsors logos as required. In addition to this, the shirts will feature the Ospreys ‘mask’ logo and RWE power renewables branding on the collar, helping to strengthen the links between the region, it’s sponsor and the schools.
Roger Blyth added:
"We are proud of our outstanding track record of community work, and this ongoing initiative is an excellent example of our strategy of working for, and with, the region's rugby community. By reaffirming our commitment to the initiative in this way, expanding it to specifically include schools, primary and secondary, I think we are underlining our intention, which is to create long term sustainable success at the Ospreys. By fostering strong relationships in this way, providing a tangible financial boost to schools and clubs alike, we are, along with our partners RWE npower renewables and Kooga, making a real difference to communities the length and breadth of Ospreylia."
Anyone looking to find out more about the Ospreys Kit Initiative should contact Daniel Richards on 01792 616458, or via email at daniel.richards@ospreysrugby.com