SDFC 2020 Financial Results

In what has been a globally unprecedented year, Swan Districts Football Club would like to announce that a $902,794 surplus has been posted for the club in 2020. This was unexpected, and should be considered in the context of many extraordinary factors relating to the pandemic.

Club President Peter Hodyl said, “2020 has seen us all navigate uncharted waters as we grappled with the uncertainty of the global pandemic. Health concerns notwithstanding, all businesses around the world wrestled with the financial implications around COVID-19, including those of us in the football community”.

“Our club experienced a significant positive financial turnaround a few years ago when we re-purposed our business model and made important improvements in our governance and fiscal discipline. In the face of significant uncertainty in the very early days of the pandemic, the club was therefore able to commit to retain all of our over 30 paid permanent staff prior to any announcement about any government assistance programs. Our staff were not at any stage asked to stand down which underlined the club’s commitment to our people. Our purpose was, and continues to be, to build community and develop people. And our staff’s genuine commitment to our community defines who we are”.

The Federal and State government COVID-19 stimulus provided to all businesses across Australia (including JobKeeper and other government rebates) was taken up by the club. Swans has a larger turnover and higher number of employees, and thus benefitted proportionally compared to other WAFL clubs. The club also received $198,000 in grants for the construction of a new women’s changeroom and a roof upgrade at Steel Blue Oval, which had been commitments made in 2019.

The reduced expenditure relating to the shortened WAFL and WAFLW seasons together with reduced football operations and player payments, also contributed to the surplus. In addition, the club continued to receive strong backing from loyal sponsors, members and supporters. 

The club’s community division received almost $2.8 million in revenue with a surplus of $36,510.

The club remains steadfast in its commitment to develop people; to build and connect with community; to foster an enduring and sustainable high performing football department; and to create new audiences through social media, community engagement, and match day activation strategies. It will continue to invest in a progressive, robust and resilient business model so it can remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment.    

“This result, on the back of consistent financial improvements in recent years, will further build on the club’s cash reserves. The Board and management will continue to be guided by the club’s cash reserve policy to further secure its future”, said Peter Hodyl.