Clubs Create Connections in Communities
The New Zealand Amateur Sport Association Inc. fully endorses the outcome of a recent survey of current and past players
undertaken by the Otago Rugby Football Union, which revealed that local amateur clubs are where players feel most
connected to the game.
The survey also reported that players “still want to play for their Club, still want to play with their mates and still
want to play on a Saturday”, emphasising the role of community based clubs as critical for positive social interaction,
based around common sporting interests.
Association Chair, Gordon Noble-Campbell said, “many New Zealanders relish the opportunity to participate in their
chosen sport at their own level of competitiveness, based on their skill and interest.” “Amateur clubs are important in
providing the organised framework for this to occur, as well as providing the structure in which social relationships,
essential to healthy communities, are formed and developed”.
With many sporting codes now focusing increasing resources on creating pathways to elite performance, Noble-Campbell
says it’s important to provide meaningful ways for those in the community to experience and enjoy achievement at an
amateur level.
“Otago Rugby have identified a theme which the Association believes is consistent across many sporting codes. There is a
need for more to be done in understanding the role of amateur participants in sport and their needs to be connected to
their communities.” The Metropolitan Rugby Council in Dunedin will now consider recommendations arising for the survey,
with the Association offering its support to the Council in developing new models for amateur participation.
The New Zealand Amateur Sport Association Inc. is a Registered Incorporated Society formed in April 2017 to work
collaboratively with all sporting codes in promoting, fostering, advancing and encouraging the core values of organised
amateur sport.
ENDS