|
For the first 50 years of its existence,
Ghajnsielem F.C. survived as an organization in part thanks to the
generous contributions of its supporters and members here and abroad, in
part due to the low cost of its operations.
The Club's players were local youth to whom
wearing the storied Black & White shirt was ample compensation for their
services to the Club. The Club's coaches from Carmelo Mallia to Peter
Caruana never demanded any compensation for the time and effort they
expended at the Club. Training and player equipment was amply covered by
membership fees and member donations. The club premises' rent, operating
and maintenance cost were negligible.
Towards the mid-eighties football in Gozo
started to change. There was a marked rise in the movement of players
between clubs, and the introduction of Maltese and foreign players. Local
clubs started to look at commercial enterprises for support. Thus the
concept of club sponsorship took hold in Gozo. Although the Club could not
boast of the best sponsorship deals in Gozo, the various committees should
be commended for the deals struck in the late eighties and early nineties.
In recent years, however, the Club has sought
to rely on its resources and those of a few deep-pocketed supporters, and
has shied away from sponsorship deals. The launching of the official
website of the Club and the constantly growing interest in it has provided
the Club with a unique opportunity to reverse this trend. It is
anticipated that sponsorship funds attracted by exposure on the website
will not only cover the costs of running the website but will contribute
positively to the Club's bottom line.
In 2004/05 the Club was heavily funded by
Club president Raymond Grech, and the logo of his New York registered
company has been displayed on the front of the first team's shirts. The
Blacks have also been backed as far as their equipment needs are concerned
by Urban Jungle, local agents for Nike sportswear. The Urban Jungle name
and logo is displayed on the upper back of the first team's Nike shirts.
Numerous other sponsors have been welcomed aboard and advertising boards
bearing their name, logos and contact information have been hoisted on the
fence surrounding the Dun Karm Cassar training ground.
|