Pirates get kick start

GIVING BACK: Pt Chevalier Pirates co-coaches Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbeil are hoping a sponsorship drive will help provide the basics for their team this season.Photo: JASON OXENHAM

A novel fundraising idea could help the Pt Chevalier Pirates League Club's premier side get back on track.

The team will be coached this season by former Warriors and club old boys Stacey Jones and Awen Guttenbeil, after it won just one match last year in the third division Phelan Shield competition.

With the club struggling not only on the field but financially as well, they’ve decided to raffle off sponsorship rights to businesses for just $200, which will raise much-needed funds for basic supplies throughout the season.

First prize includes the company’s name on the front and back of the premier team’s jerseys, a sign at the club and a meal for six at Jones’ Subway outlet with the subs served up by the two former Kiwis themselves.

Two season tickets to Warriors games and membership to the Mad Butcher Club are also included in the first prize pack.

Guttenbeil says the team is essentially starting from scratch.

"Once you take over you find out how much it costs to run a side.

"You can give them the football knowledge, but they also need drinks, ice and uniforms."

The pair hope to take the side to Whangarei next month for a team bonding session, but that also costs money.

Jones hopes enough money can be raised through the sponsorship drive to make the trip happen because he knows from personal experience that it will be good for the team.

"At a professional level teams go away in the pre-season because it’s a good way to get to know each other."

The father-of-three says it wasn’t a difficult decision to return with Guttenbeil to the club where they played together as teenagers.

"The club gave us our opportunity, so we always said if we had the time to give something back we would.

"We always spoke about coming back and helping out even when we were playing."

Both Jones and Guttenbeil say they might take the field in some games depending on how recruitment goes.

They could be joined by former teammates Monty Betham and Wairangi Koopu, who have indicated they might be keen on getting back to league’s grassroots.

Nigel Rattray, who is part of the club’s management team, says sales are going quite well with The Mad Butcher Peter Leitch also getting in behind the cause to find donors, but more are always welcome.

Rattray says even if donors don’t win, they’ll still get to attend the draw at the club on March 3, where new Warriors captain Simon Mannering will be interviewed by Leitch.

Team manager Peter Urlich will also provide music on the night.

If you’d like to make a donation and go into the draw to become the Pirates’ major sponsor call Nigel Rattray on 027-488-1231.

Anyone interested in playing for the premier side can turn up at Walker Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News