'Team VC' to learn in the USA
Varsity Cup Managing Director Duitser Bosman was one of 14 Varsity Cup role-players set to depart for the USA on Thursday night as part of a fact-finding mission ahead of the 2010 tournament.
America is one of the most innovative and cutting-edge sporting nations - in terms of on-field success, marketing, sponsorship and branding - in the world.
Bosman and co. are thus hoping to learn as much as possible during their time in the USA, before bringing it back to South Africa and, hopefully, implementing certain aspects of what they have seen and learnt in the 2010 Varsity Cup.
Of course, both Bosman and Varsity Cup Chairman Francois Pienaar have leaned heavily on the 'American Way' since the advent of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International in 2008 - with the whole 'Monday Night Football' idea being based on the successful Monday-night College Football format in the USA.
"Francois (Pienaar) and I have travelled to America before to watch some College Football and to learn about the American sporting market," Bosman told varsitycup.co.za.
"We thought it would be beneficial to extend an invitation to everyone involved in the Varsity Cup, some of which took up the offer, plus a representative from SuperSport and two of our sponsors will also be making the trip," continued Bosman.
"Everyone in the group will be getting some training in marketing and the structures in place in sport in America - all of which will be beneficial as we continue in our bid to make the Varsity Cup the pre-eminent rugby tournament in South Africa."
The 14-man Varsity Cup touring party will visit various sporting bodies, universities and clubs, as well as consulting experts in marketing and, importantly, taking in some live sport; from soccer, to gridiron, to hockey; at various levels, universities and nationally.
"University sport is absolutely massive in America," said Bosman. "Professional provinces and clubs could even take a leaf out of some college teams' books.
"Our aim is so absorb as much as possible during our trip and if each person - be it a sponsor, coach, university representative or even just me - can take just one aspect of what they learn back, and implement it, it would have been a worthwhile trip."
'Team VC' will arrive in America on Friday, September 11, before departing for SA on Tuesday, September 22.
varsitycup.co.za will carry news and any updates from America, so stay logged on for any exciting news or developments from 'Team VC' on tour in the USA!