From Shuttlecocks to Showdowns: How Local Sports Clubs are Scoring Sizeable with Regional Partnerships
The intersection of local sports and larger regional events is creating exciting opportunities for community engagement and visibility. A recent collaboration between the Badminton Club Burgdorf-Jegenstorf (BCBJ) and the SCL Tigers, a professional ice hockey team, exemplifies this trend. The BCBJ was given a platform during a Tigers game to showcase their club, highlighting a growing strategy of regional teams supporting each other.
The “Tigerdorf” Initiative: A Win-Win for Local Teams
The SCL Tigers’ “Tigerdorf – Tigers für d’Region” project actively seeks to involve local communities and organizations. This initiative provides a unique promotional platform for KMU (compact and medium-sized enterprises) and local clubs like BCBJ. The program offers these groups the chance to present themselves during breaks in the action at Tigers home games.
BCBJ seized this opportunity, playfully challenging the stereotype sometimes associated with badminton – that it’s a sport for those who “jammer” (complain). They aimed to demonstrate the skill and athleticism involved, hoping to change perceptions among hockey fans. The club was selected, in part, because badminton hadn’t previously been represented within the “Tigerdorf” program.
Behind the Scenes: A Quick Turnaround for a Winning Presentation
Creating a compelling video presentation on short notice required ingenuity. Initially, the plan was to film during a regular training session. However, a tight timeframe necessitated a more creative solution. With the support of the city of Burgdorf, the club secured a gym and, in a “night-and-nebel-aktion” (a secretive operation), assembled eight players to simulate a training session for the cameras.
This demonstrates the resourcefulness and dedication of local sports clubs. The willingness of members to participate, even in unconventional ways, is crucial for maximizing these promotional opportunities.
Beyond the Screen: Experiencing the Game and Building Community
The partnership extended beyond the video presentation. BCBJ members were rewarded with tickets to the Tigers game, where they witnessed their video on the stadium screen and even had the chance to take a photo on the ice with the fans. This experience fostered a sense of community and provided a memorable reward for their participation.
This type of engagement is valuable. It’s not just about exposure; it’s about creating a positive association between the local club and a popular regional team, potentially attracting new members and supporters.
The Future of Regional Sports Partnerships
The BCBJ and SCL Tigers collaboration points to a broader trend: the increasing recognition of the mutual benefits of partnerships between professional and amateur sports organizations. These partnerships can provide:
- Increased Visibility: Smaller clubs gain access to a larger audience.
- Community Engagement: Strengthened ties between teams and their local communities.
- Cross-Promotion: Opportunities to attract new fans and members.
- Resource Sharing: Potential for shared facilities or expertise.
Expanding the Model: Beyond Hockey and Badminton
This model isn’t limited to hockey and badminton. Similar partnerships could be forged between professional soccer teams and local running clubs, basketball teams and youth leagues, or even football teams and local dance academies. The key is to identify complementary organizations with shared community values.
FAQ
Q: What is the “Tigerdorf” initiative?
A: It’s a program by the SCL Tigers to showcase local businesses and organizations during their home games.
Q: How did the Badminton Club Burgdorf-Jegenstorf get involved?
A: They applied and were selected because badminton hadn’t been previously featured in the program.
Q: Was the video filmed during a real training session?
A: No, it was filmed with club members simulating a training session due to time constraints.
Pro Tip
Don’t underestimate the power of a compelling story. BCBJ’s playful challenge to the “jammer” stereotype made their presentation more memorable and engaging.
Learn more about the Badminton Club Burgdorf-Jegenstorf: bcbj.ch/der-badminton-club-burgdorf-jegenstorf-im-tigerdorf/
What are your thoughts on regional sports partnerships? Share your ideas in the comments below!
