FOR 20 years Campbelltown Australian Football Club has had just one major sponsor: Monarch Investments Group.
At a low-key ceremony to celebrate the milestone, the man behind Monarch, its chief executive Peter Icklow, told the Advertiser: ‘‘Bring on the next 20 years.’’
Mr Icklow said he decided to become a sponsor of Campbelltown’s Blues because he wanted to put something into the community.
‘‘It wasn’t about selling our homes [at the Macquarie Links estate],’’ he said.
‘‘They would have been sold anyway, but as an outsider coming to Campbelltown I felt it was important to contribute to this community, and this sponsorship seemed to be the right way to go.’’
Since 1993 Monarch has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the club to help its continued growth.
John McLaughlin, one of the club’s committee members, said Monarch’s contributions had been put to good use.
‘‘This includes the upkeep of our first-class facilities including Monarch Oval, the introduction of indigenous academies, high-quality officials and coaches, medical equipment, playing uniforms and numerous community health programs,’’ McLaughlin said.
“Monarch is a first-class corporate citizen that has played an integral part in helping the club prosper and given its members the ability to continue to utilise first-class playing facilities.
‘‘Monarch Oval and its facilities are currently rated as the No.1 venue in Sydney for AFL competitions.”
His words were echoed by Mr Icklow.
“The club has done a tremendous job in developing local children and indigenous youth in the Campbelltown area which in turn, has engendered strong community spirit,’’ he said.
‘‘I have witnessed the work they are undertaking and enjoyed seeing the club and its members continue to develop from our support.”
Campbelltown councillor Meg Oates said several athletes from the area who had received Monarch’s support have gone on to represent at state, national and international levels.
Macarthur federal MP Russell Matheson, a former player and coach of the club, agreed that Monarch had made a significant contribution to the development of Macarthur’s young athletes.
‘‘These athletes have been given the opportunity to live their dream through the Campbelltown Australian Rules Football Club and Monarch’s sponsorship,’’ he said.
Last Modified on 27/05/2013 10:53
