Client: 5Sports
Project title: Repurpose Soccer fields to a multi-sports indoor pavilion and multi-purpose main field
Category: Sport
The client
5sports is a privately owned 10-field elite soccer centre specialising in 5-a-side competition. Their mission is to bring avid soccer players together to share their love for the game. The facility caters to high performance high schools with public access outside of school hours, plus coaching, court hire, and event management services.
The challenge
Our client had a vision to create a more inclusive playing environment but knew that realising this would require upgraded facilities.
So the strategic vision became a project idea, which included the construction of an indoor pavilion and the replacement of the main field’s turf with FIFA-approved 4G artificial turf.
The new indoor pavilion would include markings for multiple sports well as providing an all-weather solution, both of which would increase the utilisation of the facility. Further, the pavilion would also support greater diversity among participants as a safe and accessible space for all, including women, First Nations people, people with disability, and the elderly.
Our specific challenge was to formulate and pitch a suitably compelling business case to secure a large amount of funding. With significant capital expenditure required for the infrastructure upgrades, a grant of over $2.5 million was our target. But being awarded this level of funding is no easy feat.
Our solutions
A large submission like this brings a slew of materials to be collated and tasks to plan. As is often the case, our first task was to tailor our Custom Submission Planner, breaking down the submission project into segments and ensuring every activity was accounted for and all responsibilities were clearly assigned.
Then, we prioritised the mandatory and long lead-time tasks and guided our client so that all the various documents would be gathered in a timely manner. This ensures we have enough time for review and refinement.
Working closely with the 5sports team, we coordinated brainstorming sessions via Zoom to create our responses, which were carefully honed to not only convey the client’s vision but also show the necessary alignment to the program objectives. This is one of the most challenging aspects of any grant submission, and getting the balance right is a mix of art and science.
We also gave our client a steer regarding which activities would be permissible within the program guidelines—this is often misinterpreted by businesses that attempt a DIY grant application.
As this submission project took place during the first year of the pandemic, we facilitated the project entirely via remote communication, from meetings, to document review, to feedback sessions.
Outcomes
Our final submission was comprehensive, including detailed responses to all questions, with maximum value delivered within the narrow word count allowances.
Our narrative spoke directly to supporting the MSCFF’s objectives, not only those of increasing participation and increased utilisation of the facility, but also empowering more women and people with disability to play sports.
Further strengthening our client’s case for investment were a facility activity forecast, detailed budget, project plan, letter of support, and financials.
We were thrilled to secure a winning outcome which saw 5sports awarded a $2.79 million grant. This was the catalyst they needed to take a leap towards a brighter future.
What made this grant project a success?
From the outset, 5sports’ leadership devoted time for brainstorming and discussion. This time allowed us to collaborate on a tightly constructed strategy, after which we could work through all requirements in a methodical manner.
The 5sports team also took on board our recommendations and guidance, particularly regarding adjustments to the scope of activities to create stronger, clearer alignment to the opportunity. Successfully implementing these scope changes requires both parties to maintain an open mind, or there is a risk of a disconnect emerging between client and consultant.
We were also appreciative of prompt follow-ups and the rapid acquisition of supplier quotes, letter of support, financials and other key documentation, all of which played their part in winning this grant.
Is your organisation eligible for a Sport grant?
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