Sometimes it’s the simple things that make club members feel they belong and that their hard work and contributions are appreciated.
For Manukau Rovers Rugby Football Club, those small gestures include Player of the Day certificates and vouchers for its senior and junior teams, and official shirts and trophies for volunteers.
Club Treasurer Jason Myks says he and his fellow administrators take genuine pride in the club’s partnership with Woodside Bar, Dining and Functions, which allows them to acknowledge the efforts of players and volunteers with gifts they value.
“There’s nothing better than being able to announce the Player of the Day and give a gift. The players feel great, the coaches feel good and the club leaders look organised and can demonstrate that they value acknowledging players for their efforts.”
Another benefit is that it prevents managers and coaches in the junior grades from feeling obliged to spend their own money on player of the day prizes. That can create a financial burden for volunteer administrators and could even discourage someone from taking on those roles, Jason says.
Woodside-sponsored volunteer shirts help build a real sense of belonging among those who give their time to keep the club running. “It means they are not isolated, they can identify each other, and it creates a feeling of tribalism.”
Manukau Rovers is a club with deep roots in the South Auckland community. It affiliated with the Auckland Rugby Union in 1923, but the history books show junior rugby was played at the club as early as 1885.
Five former Rovers players were All Blacks and eight featured in Māori All Blacks sides. The club has lifted the Gallaher Shield, awarded to the winner of the Auckland Rugby Football Union senior premier competition, four times, most recently in 2022 and 2023.
In the 2026 winter season, the Rovers had about 500 registered players and fielded 20 teams.
Jason says the club’s leaders work hard to provide sporting opportunities for all, with the Rovers also running school programmes, school holiday activities and summer competitions.
He is also proud of the personal and professional development opportunities the club provides for board members, coaches, managers and others taking on responsibilities within the organisation.
But the most important role the club plays in the community is creating a place where people feel they belong and can develop friendships and social connections, Jason says.
“The more people you know, the better. It’s more people to look after each other.”
Wiri Licensing Trust Community and Marketing Manager Sophie Rider says Woodside values its partnership with Manukau Rovers and the opportunity to recognise the people who contribute to the club.
“Sport brings people together, but clubs like the Rovers rely on so many people giving their time and energy to make that happen. We’re pleased Woodside can provide some simple ways to acknowledge players and volunteers and show them their contribution matters.”
Funders and corporate sponsors play an important role in sustaining sports clubs and the benefits they offer the community, Jason says.
Many South Auckland sports clubs, particularly those involved in winter codes, operate from large, older buildings with high running costs.
“Power costs have doubled since 2018, and insurance costs are four or five times higher.”
In a low socio-economic area such as South Auckland, it’s not feasible to push all those increases onto members. “We would be headed to a future where if you can’t afford to play sport, you can’t play.”
Having community backers is key to keeping sports affordable and accessible.
“To have community and corporate friendships and networks is such a good feeling. It gives club leaders a real sense of relief and hope, knowing they are not on their own.”
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
