Tuesday, 2 September 2003 12:00 AM
Melbourne’s most famous national Soccer Club, South Melbourne received a major boost today with the announcement of mobile phone retailing giant Crazy John’s as the clubs major sponsor for this season.
This news continues the positive pre-season activities at Bob Jane Stadium and follows major local and international player signings, the recruitment of Stuart Munro as coach and the appointment of former AFL executive Mark Patterson as Chief Executive.
With the 2003/04 soccer season starting in 3 weeks time the club is positioning itself, not only for the championship but also as a major player in the revitalised National competition next year.
Crazy John’s Founder and CEO Mr John Ilhan said, “We are pleased to be the major sponsor of South Melbourne Soccer Club”. “ Our sponsorship is part of the strategic plan to continually support local clubs and the development of sport in the community, our sponsorship of South Melbourne will filter through to grass roots soccer and that is very important to us”
The sponsorship consists of a significant cash injection for the club and provides for the ability to generate addition revenue from commercial activities several of which that are already well underway.
South Melbourne Soccer Club Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Patterson expressed his delight with the agreement indicating that it is significant in a number of ways, “Not only is today’s announcement a commercially beneficial one, it also broadens our base of support and commences a strategy for this club to form business relationships with several major commercial brands this year”. “We are very keen to grow our corporate strength that will assist us meet the objectives of our business plan by providing better services to our supporters and members and an improved working environment for the players, administrative and coaching staff” Mr Patterson said.
Crazy John’s will receive front of shirt exposure, signage and corporate hospitality, as part of the agreement that both parties anticipate will be a long-term partnership.