bird of prey wrote:jumbo20 wrote:You would have thought Uni have the best recruiting ground of any club in SA, yet it seems they don't even talk to some of the players who are doing courses there.Very strange this avenue not tapped in to...Its not just the wealthy college kids that go there
so what is the connection with the actual Uni? Is there a connection on the opps and admin side, or is it more just a connection in name only?
if so, then they wouldn't really have any pull within the uni itself. But if there is, then is it discounts off courses, etc that is offered? Does the footy side have the ability to offer that?
Connection in name only. Uni students no longer are expected to play for University; they can play where they like and many play at local clubs such as country clubs. HECS is a bill that can be paid by anybody (for example I've studied while working for a private company and they paid my HECs bill as it was work related) and, when not paid by others, is a personal responsibility that follows the individual. University does have some sports cholarships but they are targetted at people who play sports at international level; eg rowing, athletics, hockey, karate etc rather than sports played at the local level such as SAAFL; professional footballers who go to Uni get paid too much to qualify for these.
An example of the troubles faced are the kids who board at Aquinas college; there's a connection between them and Old Ignatians through the religious background of them (Catholics) and the connection between the boarding master there and St Ignatius. Traditionally, many players have come from colleges but with the increasing money getting paid at these old scholar sides means that Uni can't compete. as we don't pay. money to players and we certainly don't HECs. It's a challenge but we just have to make sure that we utilise the points of difference between us and other teams (as do most sides).
Course costs are defined by the University administration in conjunction with supply and demand and, as a money making venture, the sports clubs are very small fry when contrasted with business input to courses.