As a new era of the Newcastle Jets takes flight in 2024/25, the organisation is keen to expand its horizons throughout the commercial sector.
And, with the Hunter-based club also gearing up to celebrate a major milestone in the A-League this season, now appears to be the perfect time for local enterprises to jump on board.
That’s the opinion of recently-retired legend Jason Hoffman, who’s a driving force behind the Jets in Business initiative.
The concept aims to provide an opportunity for companies to connect with Newcastle’s esteemed sponsors network of local and national ventures.
“I think it coincides really well with the fact that it’s the 20-year anniversary of when the Jets joined the A-League,” the corporate and A-League player welfare manager said.
“But, more importantly, it’s just a way for us – heading into a new era under new management and new ownership – that we can better connect with the business landscape in Newcastle and the Hunter.
“In the past, there’s been dribs and drabs in this area.
“However, the new owners have a very clear direction that they want to re-engage the community… and a part of that is the corporate sector.
“So, Jets in Business is basically facilitating an environment where like-minded people, who are interested in the game or just in local connections, can get together and form strong B2B relationships.
“If we can do that through the power of football, and the Jets branding, then it’s a great result.
“Our product, from a club’s perspective, has picked up a lot in recent times.
“When you look at football in general, and the grassroots side of the game, the numbers are huge.
“And, in the Hunter, it’s significantly ahead of many other sports.
“So, there’s numerous opportunities there.
“People who are engaged in the game, that have small or medium businesses, can network with large corporations in the region.
“We’re able to facilitate that through the elite side of football, which is the Newcastle Jets.
“For me, personally, I guess I’m now in a position to play an important role in enabling that.
“We can all thrive while supporting the ownership in what they’re doing.
“Because, the reality is, quite often in Newcastle we wait for a saviour when the answers are here in the city.
“So, why not facilitate that and start with people taking an interest in the club from a commercial and corporate point of view, where we can potentially get to a position where we can save ourselves?”
The reality is, quite often in Newcastle we wait for a saviour when the answers are here in the city.
Jason Hoffman
In 2023/24, Hoffman registered his 300th game in the A-League – 220 with the Jets, making him the most capped player in the Hunter organisation’s history.
Following his debut in 2007, as a substitute against the Queensland Roar, he was also part of the team, which won the 2007/08 championship.
So, he’s keen to lead from the front… off the field.
That kicks off with the Jets in Business breakfast launch at Peibri Place, in Wickham, on Tuesday 8 October between 7.30am and 9am.
“We’re hosting five major events, with three of them exclusive network opportunities, including the Women in Focus Luncheon (Tuesday 19 November) and Corporate Golf Day (Friday 28 February),” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“As well, there’s a range of value from ticketing and hospitality at men’s and women’s home matches, business gifts and a directory to connect and form those B2B relationships.
“Already, we’ve seen great uptake, which is extremely important to know there’s a market for this.
“The challenge is for us to deliver on it throughout the season.
“But, we’re excited about the initiative… as well as the launch.
“It’s a great opportunity to introduce our program down at the marina, have some guest speakers on what it means to be in Newcastle and the importance of business connections, and, obviously, have that filter of sport being the landscape and focus of the event.”
For more business stories:
- Mining, construction jobs on decline in Hunter, says ABS
- Here’s cheers to award-winning Hunter wines
- CO2 solutions to be created at University of Newcastle
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