A football tournament between brokers and insurers which is following a similar formula to
July’s rugby league State of Insurance could finally lead to a broker win, says one of the main organisers.
JLT broker Murray Snell told
Insurance Business the brokers are absolutely determined to beat the insurers, following three consecutive losses against them in the league tournament.
“The insurers have turned over the brokers in league three years in a row so the broking guys and gals are very keen to turn the tables,” said Snell, who plays for Onehunga, and admits there are a few former Northern League level players and even a current Auckland City player in the broker squad.
“Having said that, it’s a huge unknown. From our side in broking I’ve been really surprised at the quality across the two men’s teams but it’s only going to come out on the day.”
He added: “What we’re hoping for is that all three matches are fairly even because if we get disparity it won’t be as fun for everyone.”
The tournament is being held on Wednesday 8 April at Eastern Suburbs AFC at Madills Farm in Kohimarama and will involve three matches – social men’s, women’s and competitive men’s – with the first kicking off at 12.45pm.
Snell and the organising committee found that although they were grateful to follow the path already beaten by the league guys, planning this inaugural football event was not without its challenges.
“The big challenge was the overwhelming support and need to manage resultant expectations,” Snell said.
“We were so swamped with numbers we had to cut off registrations of interest back at the end of January.
“As it is we have 105 players which means ample subs to allow us to manage the anticipated mixed levels of fitness.”
The committee has been stoked with the sponsor support too, with sponsorship coming from a range of brokers, insurers, assessors, lawyers and premium funders including
Vero,
QBE,
NZI Marine, Jones Fee,
Crombie Lockwood, Field Assessors, Indie Assessing, McElroys, Financial Synergy and The Right Track Sports Café, where after match refreshments will continue in the evening.
Another challenge was choosing the date, with all the financial quarters posing work problems and field availability being another issue.
“There was no good time to have it,” said Snell, “So we had to pick a date and just go for it.”
Snell, who along with Terry Mutimer of Vero Marine was set to announce the respective broker and insurer squads this week, said the expectation is the event will become an annual highlight of the insurance industry calendar.
“The great thing about this is that along with the league State of Insurance it’s really the only event on the calendar where insurers and brokers come together to this extent.
“Everyone’s keen to have a kickabout and show off to people in the industry that they’re good at this football, it should be a lot of fun.”
Supporters were being urged to come along and cheer for the teams but to get in quick to secure a ride on the free buses departing from Fort Street at midday and 12.30pm and returning at 6.45pm and 7.15pm on the day.
Snell said seats are limited so anyone wanting a ride should contact Rochelle Donovan as soon as possible at
[email protected].
More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page under Inaugural Insurers V Brokers Football 2015.
