We at The Ridout Group recognize the importance of uplifting disadvantaged communities and as a result we are approaching sponsorship from a new angle - innovative, fun and most importantly beneficial to its recipients.

Brief history

When deciding on which direction to take regarding our social responsibility portfolio, a number of ideas were brainstormed by our management team. It was ultimately decided that in light of South Africa hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup and recognizing the plight of the youth in disadvantaged communities, we would set out to sponsor a township based soccer team. To set the ball rolling, so to speak, we approached the Alexandra Football Association (AFA) in 2006 and requested permission to host a mini soccer tournament consisting of 4 teams belonging to the Association. The winners of the tournament would be awarded an ongoing sponsorship by The Ridout Group. Sheffield United Football Club were crowned the winners on the day. They are a football club which consist of 5 divisions (U-12's, U-14's, U-17's, U-20's and Seniors) and have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Alexandra Township football fraternity.

Life skills and job-readiness programme

What sets this sponsorship apart is that in addition to providing financial assistance for the club's basic necessities i.e. soccer kits, 1st aid supplies, food and traveling expenses, The Ridout Group has committed itself to enriching the lives of the club's players with a whole host of other services. It was noted that the majority of the club's senior and U-20's players were nearing or had completed their school careers. With The Ridout Group being a search consultancy, we are in the perfect position to assist the players with preparing themselves for the job market.

The recruitment-readiness training side of the sponsorship comprises of the following:

• Compiling professional CV's for the players
• Hosting workshops to provide coaching on interview skills
• Providing the players with access to the Internet and recruitment portals where they can load their CV's and search for employment opportunities
• Awarding internship programmes to excelling players to join The Ridout Group for a 3 month period and gain on-the-job training in basic computer skills.

The first recipient of the above-mentioned internship is Percy Mataboge, captain of the senior team. Apart from having passed matric and being unemployed, Percy was a deserving candidate due to his excellent leadership role and the commitment he has shown towards the club. He has been working at The Ridout Group since January 2007, gaining skills as a data-capturer and filing clerk.

COACHES AND ASSISTANT COACHES

Below are the names of the coaches and assistant coaches for the different divisions:

Brief Histrory

Sheffield United Football Club was established in 1963 by Mr Simon Timba, with the vision of achieving the following objectives:

• to keep children off the streets.
• to produce and develop local talented football players in Alexandra, to be professionally competitive.
• to promote and encourage the game of football.
• to become a member of any association with the same objective.
• to take part in matches or competition that will promote football.

Goals

The club has set the following goals for 2007:

• To win AFA first division league and proceed to play in Promotion league from 2007.
• To represent Alexandra in Metropolitan Under - 19 Cup in 2007.
• To represent Alexandra in Danone Under - 12 Cup in 2007.
• To obtain sponsorship for all amenities needed to make the above goals achievable.

Our overall long term goal is:

To work hard at producing a brand of top quality, talented professional players who will represent Alexandra in the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

Our Slogan

"Up The Young Warriors"

Our Motto

"We Ain't Gonna Stop Till We Reach The Top"

Affiliated league

Sheffield United FC is an affiliate of the Alexandra Football Association (AFA) which is an affiliate of the South African Football Association (SAFA-Southern Gauteng Region).

Finance

Sheffield United is conducted on a non-profit basis with the intent and purpose that its capital and income, howsoever derived, shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its objectives. The financial resources which are made use of by Sheffield FC are, amongst others: a) Sponsorships b) Donations c) Fund Raisers

Sponsorship

1. All sponsorship shall be accepted unless:
   • It is of the opinion that the nature or terms and conditions of said sponsorship are such that it will jeopardize an existing sponsorship.
   • The product or service advertised or the nature of such advertising is regarded as distasteful or ethically or morally undesirable, or in the case of the younger players in particular, is considered to be inappropriate for players of that age.
2. The advertising worn on the players clothing shall be the same in respect of all the players in that team, with the possible exception of the goalkeeper.
3. Sheffield United Football Club retains the right to limit the size of advertising worn on players clothing.
4. Your partnership with this project will receive publicity that will be generated in the following manner:
   • You organization or Co. banners will be situated inside of the playing field, every time we play.

SHEFFIELD UNITED F.C. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

1. BEHAVIOUR - All players are expected to behave in a proper manner, on and off the field of play.
2. RESPECT THE MATCH OFFICIALS - Every player must accept the decision taken by the match official at all given time.
3. RESPECT THE OPPONENT - Players are to respect opponent players, officials and supporters at all times.
4. PUNCTUALITY - (a) every player must report to the grounds, 1 hour before every match (e.g. match starts @11H30 every player must be on grounds @10H30). (b) Every player must report 30 minutes before every training session (e.g. training session starts @16H30 every player must be on training grounds @16H00).
5. ATTENDENCE - every player must attend all matches and training session without fail.
6. SUSPENSIONS - all red cards will be reviewed by management and may result in the player being called in for disciplinary action. All fine and red cards resulting from bad behavior on the player's behalf will be his own responsibility. Sheffield will not pay, the player in question will be asked to pay the fine himself.
7. RESPECT THE RULES OF THE GAME AND COMPETITION RULES - every player will accept victory and defeat equally.
8. ATTITUDE - every player is expected to have a positive attitude toward his team mates, club officials, parents and supporters.
9. PERMISSION TO PLAY IN OTHER TEAMS OR COMPETITIONS - No player will play in any competitions, for any other football club without Sheffield's permission. Serious disciplinary action will be taken against any player breaking this rule. Players found contravening this rule run the risk of immediate expulsion from the club.
10. TRANSFERING OF PLAYERS - under no circumstances will a clearance certificate be issued to a team coach, parent nor a player. A clearance certificate will be issued to team's management official.
11. ACADEMIC COMMITMENT - All players must commit 100% to their studies. Players not performing well in their studies will be supervised and can suspended from the club until their academic results improve.