Upshot Systems CIC’s Post

#3 On the way forward for WRU Ditch the Regions in Favour of Three Club Identities The regional model was a bold experiment, but it has failed—and clinging to it will only prolong Welsh rugby’s woes. It’s time to ditch the regions and embrace three well-known and historically rich club identities: Newport, Cardiff, and Llanelli. This approach acknowledges a hard truth: parochialism has no place in professional sport. Welsh rugby’s misplaced loyalty to outdated rivalries and fractured regional allegiances has stifled its potential. The regions were supposed to unify and elevate the professional game, but they have instead deepened divisions and alienated fans. Reestablishing three iconic clubs would not only restore pride and passion but also simplify the structure, making it easier to market and build support domestically and abroad. These clubs would act as the standard-bearers for Welsh rugby, creating clear pathways from grassroots to the professional game. While the decision to move away from regions might be controversial, it could not perform worse than the status quo—and would finally bring clarity to the professional landscape. I can hear the howls of indignation all the way here in NZ. To those people, strong leaders make changes when they are needed and since 2014, I have advocated change. Regions were right in 2003, they were the reasons for sustained success but that has not been the case since the incredible mismanagement of WRU financials by 2 former CEO’s. #NoGutsNoGlory

Looking back at 2024: In this Business Day article, Trevashan Pillay and Lehlogonolo Hloni Thankge - avid Springbok fans and Sanari Capital investment analysts - explored the impact of private equity on sports investments.      Using our 3S framework as a reference, they explain how private equity can offer more than just capital for South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby).      #SeeBeyondEquity #PrivateEquity #Springboks #StrongerTogether  

Attending the Sports Governance Academy conference 2024 with Lizzie Butcher and what a privalege to be at the Edgbaston Stadium for the day too! Great speakers and interesting topics for discussion 👏 Key takeaways so far: The stronger our communities, the more effective we become. People make structures work. Roll on the afternoon session! #swimengland #advantagegovernance #continuouslearning

SWAC Reorganization: Shifting to a Unified Conference Structure? We're exploring the ongoing discussions within the SWAC about moving away from traditional divisions. Hear insights from football coaches and administrators on the potential changes and decision-making process that could shape the future of the conference. #SWAC #CollegeSports #ConferenceChange #AthleticDirectors #SportsLeadership #FootballCommunity #UnifiedConference #SportsAdministration #TeamDecisions #CollegeAthletics #SWAC #digitalSuccess #CharlesMcClelland

𝘼𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙪𝙥 ⤵️ Following the proposed amendment to the Women's Football Pyramid League Rules, the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA is taking part in an FA Pilot for the 2024/25 season to better align the women’s pyramid and County Cups. As a result, the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA Women’s Senior Cup competition will start slightly later this season, with first-round fixtures set to take place in January 2025. The pilot aims to support leagues in the women’s pyramid whilst protecting the role of County Cup Competitions within the women’s game. By taking part in this pilot, we want to ensure the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA Women’s Senior Cup competition continues to play a significant role in developing the women’s game, providing opportunities for clubs and players to compete for silverware on a regional level. Together with the Football Association, we will continue to monitor the impact of these changes in future seasons.

Many of you will have read or listened to the news of the passing of Rob Burrow, Leeds Rhinos rugby league’s all-time great, who contracted motor neurone disease (MND) and campaigned right to the end, to raise MND awareness. Some of you may have seen the tribute this remarkable human being on BBC last night (03 June 2024), “There’s only one Rob Burrow”. Rob ended the documentary with this:  “In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream”.  Words which are now inscribed on the side of Leeds Beckett University’s student union. But how does all this link to the world of events? I hear you ask…. In an industry where so much more needs to be done to open up the doors and deliver events and experiences which are truly accessible to everyone, I urge you all to do more than just dare to dream. The events industry is packed full of creative talent that has the power not just to dream, but to make pretty much anything possible. So don’t let yesterday’s news be tomorrow’s fish n chips paper. Get the conversation going with your team. Get in contact with consultants who can help you on your events accessibility and inclusion journey, and make access and inclusion part of your every-day events agenda. Let’s dare to do more than dream. #eventprofs #accessibility #eventinclusion

The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation has released its much-anticipated annual impact report for the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a successful year of community engagement, growth, and dedication to promoting positive change across the Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde region. This year’s report offers insights into the foundation’s projects, achievements, and the social impact driven by its dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters. The 2023/2024 academic year saw the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation expand its reach to support individuals and families across a wide age range, aiming to uplift lives through sport, education, and wellbeing programmes. SEE THE FULL REPORT HERE: https://lnkd.in/ew59erhH We ask everyone to share this post as much as they can to help spread awareness of our impact and inspire others to join us in making a difference. Source @fylderugbyfdn © 2024 https://lnkd.in/e8kx3V57

Road To LEGACY

The list of clubs who have participated in the development of the players reflects the interdependency between the clubs at the top of the pyramid and those at the bottom. The UEC is advocating for new Solidarity solutions and benefits for the clubs who develop the players – protecting the European model of sport and the pyramid.

Our Chairman Nick Hawker explaining how Fan Engagement is so key to what we do! It is also how we have been named number 1 when compared with all 92 league clubs! 🏆⚽️ Working with Exeter City Football Club in any capacity is a great way to promote your brand/business whilst also contributing to a genuine community cause... 👍 With a social media audience over 500,000 and the new Sky Sports deal our exposure is huge! 💪 #devonbusiness #exeter #exeterbusiness #northdevon #business #football #entertainment #hospitality #digitalmarketing #marketing #socialmedia #branding #advertisingandmarketing