Some individuals will go to great lengths to contribute to developing and growing the game of football – whether it is officiating, coaching or administration.
The appetite to upskill themselves in order to impart knowledge gained to others is also very admirable. More importantly, they were able to identify a need to fill a void and to give understanding and meaning to proper governance as well as the true role of an administrator.
Two football administrators, Marq Klopper and Aaron van Schalkwyk, have taken a “Leap of faith” to ensure that this sector in football flourishes again as they have found that it was “lacking and very amateurish” – truth be told.
Hence, the duo have combined their knowledge of more than three decades to start a company, Blue Ocean Dynamic, whereby they assist specifically sporting entities to grow their administrations.
“I think because we are like-minded and share the same vision, this initiative was a no-brainer,” Klopper, a former Safa provincial coordinator, said to No Bones with Jones.
“We were both involved in all levels of football administration, from club level to provincial. What we have found is that there is a serious need for basic skills and understanding the role and functions of an administrator.
“Blue Ocean Dynamic is designed to assist specifically sporting entities to grow their administrations, leagues or infrastructures; forging them into a professional entity that is well-structured, well-formulated, well-governed and competitive toward growth and self-sustainability.
“We desire to improve, increase, develop and provide programs that will benefit sporting environments and communities, even businesses by uplifting the existing standards up to powerful and on to professional,” Klopper explained.
Klopper, the Director of Administration, comes with a wealth of experience having worked from lower to top levels in SA football. He was also the co-ordinator for SAFA Western Cape, the SASOL League and ABC Motsepe Second Division.
Van Schalkwyk, the Director of Operations, is a former Referees Instructor and Facilitator, at LFA, Regional and Provincial level – he is also a former match commissioner for the Motsepe League.
The duo start off their venture on 21 October in Hermanus at the iconic Whale House. It will be the first of 10 seminars.
“Our first workshop will focus on Communication Strategies,” Klopper further explained.
“We currently have 10 workshops and seminars to offer those who are interested in developing their areas of responsibility. These are: Communication Strategies; Club Development; Public Relations Development; Acquiring Sponsorship; Tournament Hosting; Constitutional Development; Competition Rules & Structures; Football Structure & Infrastructure Development; Basic Football Administration; and League Co-ordination & Administration.
“Where administration is mostly deferred to the least attention of any organization in sport, it is vital to its functionality and existence in the end.
“Blue Ocean Dynamic wants to ensure that administration levels are in place and guide any person taking the reins from fulfilling longevity and consistency to high levels of performance.
“The areas of specialty will include infrastructure administration; infrastructure development; constitutional development; competition structures and regulations; league administration and tournaments; sports marketing; specialised training and basic improvement programs,” Klopper concluded.
Blue Ocean Dynamic currently has two branches, one in Hermanus and one in Cape Town. You can find them at www.blue-ocean-dynamic.co.za or email marq@blue-ocean-dynamic.co.za for more information.
