Wits Rugby enter into a new era with the launch of Wits Spartans
JOBURG - An exclusive rugby supporters club calls on all supporters this rugby season
Wits Rugby has placed a spanner in the works and moved away from conventional fundraising tactics with the launch of an exclusive rugby supporters’ club called Wits Spartans.
The club’s aim, among other things, is to lend a helping hand to rugby players who do not have the financial backing to support their sporting exploits both on and off the field.
The club was launched in November last year by supporters of Wits Rugby, Erick Bouwmeester and Jonathan Palmer, along with Wits head coach, Hugo van As. This after they got together to assess feasible ways in which the Wits Rugby team could be placed in a better financial position in order to stimulate better team results. The financial support engine that the Wits Spartans seek to drive is aimed, not only at anchoring the right results on the field of play but also aimed at ensuring that the best talent comes through the ranks.
Martin van der Merwe, the administrator of Wits Spartans, is charged with recruiting members and liaising with Wits Sport on financial initiatives. He explained, “Wits Spartans is looking to give back by recruiting ex-players and alumni with the intention of promoting networking, both social and business, between these factions in order to raise the necessary financial resources to support Wits Rugby.
“The money raised from functions as well as the membership fees applicable – currently R3 600 per annum for business owners and R300 per month for other members – will be allocated at a ratio of 75 per cent to the players to assist with running costs such as travel and accommodation, amongst others.”
The Wits Spartans mandate has a vested interest in recruiting young talent in order to bolster the on-field performance of the team, as well as to improve the already existing training facilities.
Van der Merwe is encouraging people to join what he describes as a ‘worthy cause in order to give back to the university’. He is excited about the future and looks forward to a strong presence of Spartan supporters at every Wits rugby game. He hopes to attract in excess of 300 members.
