Local cricket clubs will be encouraged to think outside the box when the Bermuda Cricket Board holds a second webinar this evening for club presidents, secretaries, treasurers and other interested executive members titled “Revenue Generating Strategies”.

The 90-minute forum, which begins at 6.30pm, will be moderated by Cal Blankendal, the BCB executive director, Rajan Simons, head of marketing and fund development, and Paul Ross, the second vice-president and fund development chairman.

Presenters will be former cricketer Cleon Scotland, of Bermp Bermp Bermp!, a company selling “Bermudanised” apparel such as T-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, sweatshirts and hats for cricket and football teams as well as Cup Match.

Also making presentations will be Shannon Burchall and Roger Lee, creators of the On Track sports app, Allan Young, vice-president of North Village Community Club, and Anthony Hansen, of Horizon Communications.

“During challenging economic times you must look within and challenge yourself to find a new way of doing business,” said Blankendal, who noted that the BCB has been working with the ICC Americas on developing commercial strategies.

“The intent of the webinar is to present our member clubs with concepts, products and services from local vendors and businesses to increase and generate new revenue streams.”

Blankendal added: “Just like businesses, sports clubs are going through the same situation so we’re just trying to give some concepts and ideas to them about how to navigate in the new world.

“The main focus is for clubs to understand that they are also businesses, even though very grass roots. Clubs have to take a new look at the way the world is operating and providing their content over a streaming platform or digital platform to their membership and people who are interested.”

During one cricket event, Cup Match, millions of dollars are generated in the community. “We forget in Bermuda that sport is development, but it is also entertainment,” Blankendal said.

“It’s not just the match being played on the field, but the commercials in between, music and promotion of other products. We just have to look at our sports and our sports clubs differently.

“Local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, so what can we do to attract different forms of revenue? For example, if you are not able to be physically present at a sports club or event, then there is no revenue being generated.

“At other sports, even if you are not in the stadium, they are offering you things for sale, that membership is available online and you don’t have to come to the club to pay for it.”

Blankendal added: “Here in Bermuda if you want something, you have to go to the sports club and find out when the club is open.

“I’ve never been to Old Trafford but I have a Manchester United jersey. How did I get that jersey?”