How it started?

Sportslink evolved from informal conversations between local sports club administrators and members – conversations that usually involved complaining about: how hard it was to find the time to look after the administration of clubs; that it was impossible to get hold of anyone at a sports club; that the books were a mad panic when the auditor or the community trust wanted them; if only our club had the money to get things done properly.

There had to be an answer!

So after getting input from clubs, Sport Hawke's Bay, and local politicians, Accountant Cedric Knowles developed the concept of Sportslink – a sports administration hub providing “behind the scenes” support personnel at a minimal cost to the Sports Club.

The scarcest resource for most clubs is time, closely followed by money. By employing experienced administrators in one organisation to provide services to many clubs, both of these problems are solved. The efficiency benefits of full-time people focused solely on Club administration are obvious – consistent systems, familiarity and no need to fit it around other commitments!

Secondly, the concept would only work if it could be provided at a minimal cost. Sources of funding were explored and commitments obtained to cover the costs of operating Sportslink from charitable sources.

So Sportslink was born – it is a not-for-profit Charitable Trust with the aim of supporting participation and growth in sport throughout Hawkes Bay, by removing the administration obstacle many Clubs face. Sportslink is an independent organisation, however it has the full support of Sport Hawkes Bay, our local councils and members of parliament.

Sportslink services are available to any sports club and not for profit organisations in the Hawkes Bay region, and Clubs can pick and choose services to suit their individual club circumstances.

How it works?

Sportslink is a not-for-profit Charitable Trust with the aim of supporting participation and growth in sport throughout Hawke's Bay, by removing the administration obstacle many Clubs face. 

Sportslink is an independent organisation, however it has the full support of Sport Hawke's Bay, our local councils and members of parliament.

Sportslink has made its services available to non-profit organisations.

Key Component

The key component of using Sportslink is the ongoing, consistent and reliable service which is particularly important in both applying on a regular basis for funding and regular and timely financial reporting.

This is often not achieved in clubs where volunteers for key roles change from time to time resulting in a breakdown in this service. 

Cost Structure

All clubs and organisations using Sportslink services will be charged a monthly fee. This fee can be negotiated annually and based on the historical time spent on that club/organisation. Or Sportslink will invoice the club/organisation each month based on the time spent on services for that month. Our current hourly rate is $73 plus GST.

Funding Applications

Applications for funding done by Sportslink on behalf of clubs and organisations, should help to offset any costs incurred in receiving Sportlink assistance as most of our clubs are receiving more funds from funding than before enlinsting Sportslink’s services. Most of our clients enjoy a 60-70% success rate with their funding applications prepared by Sportslink.