ALBERTON – TheE Rugby Fan Foundation, which has been in operation since 2003, has selected Alberton Rugby Club as its pilot club.
Rosemarie Lodewick, who is the sole member of the Rugby Foundation and ex-banker, is the author of the rugby book called The Rugby Fan. The Rugby Fan Foundation, rugby fund and rugby development programme were developed on the back of this book last year, when Rosemarie came to know about the challenges that face the sport. One key challenge identified is the lack of funds.
Basically, the Foundation’s support programme entails a player welfare scheme as phase one, and phase two encompasses bursaries, gym facilities, recruiting of specialist players and player interchange system.
As far as the way forward is concerned, the book The Rugby Fan is now also available on Computicket’s new online store and bookstores like Exclusive Books. “Loyalty programmes” is part of the game and customers will be mesmerised with incredible offerings, including rugby tickets and competitions.
To a question to Rosemarie on how the fund works, she answered that the customer will be the winner as numbers will boost club’s income. The fund will use the “Combist Online Investment” platform to invest the club’s income (capital), clubs must register on the foundation’s website and must provide a needs analysis. A gallery for each club, sales barometers, campaign stalls or booths at games and promotion of the initiative are even more spin-offs.
The two senior Alberton rugby players, nominated as Ambassadors are Kenneth du Plessis and Reinand Swanepoel, as part of the pilot phase which will commence at the end of October and last for six months.
For further information, contact Rosemarie Lodewick on 084 658 2513 or 011 026 6855 or info@therugbyfan.co.za or masterclass43@hotmail.com