Coverforce Heartland Crew Q&A - Christine Sayers

The Coverforce Heartland Crew is the backbone of South East Melbourne Phoenix. They volunteer their time to make game day the best for Phoenix fans and less stress for front office staff, players and coaches. 

Meet Christine Sayers

Age

I am old enough to know better, but young enough to do it anyway

How long have you been volunteering with South East Melbourne Phoenix, and why did you join the Heartland Crew?

Since game 1 on 13th October 2019 – 3 years.

What is your role / job while volunteering?

Year 1 – Membership, general enquires, set up and pack up of concourse and court pack down.

Year 2 – Spent most of the season in corporate, assisting running the pre-game event, welcoming corporate guests and running the event raffle for the pregame.

Year 3 – Membership, Corporate, setting up activations and working with CMS with time management with the dancers with pregame and time outs as well as helping pyrotechnics crew and court assistance when required.

(Christine has had a lot of different jobs on game day including being behind the membership table.)

What has been your highlight of your time with Phoenix?

The working relationships and friendships I have developed over the last 3 years. I have met some amazing people and had fascinating conversations with people I would never have normally spoken to.

Developing my understanding of how the NBL operates and all the activities that are required to create the game day, so much goes on behind the scenes to make sure that the day is enjoyed by our members and all attendees.

What do you love about club?

Phoenix is the family club and has become like a second family that I get to spend time with each week and miss greatly during the off season. #Phoenixfamily

This club is something that makes me proud to be a part of in what has been created, from the pregame, entry to the game, the actual game and the how to work together.

(Christine with fellow Heartland Crew volunteer, Ai-Dan Huynh.)

Are you involved in basketball outside of game days?

Not currently. My eldest son played domestic, VJBL and school basketball for 10 years and I was there as a parent, a scorer and a team manager at times. I also achieved my level 1 in score table for Big V.

Is a career in basketball something you would like to pursue?

A career in basketball would be an amazing! A role where I could pursue my passion in the sport with my volunteering experience, my sales and marketing studies.

What is your day job or studying?

I am a credit officer at an international power tools company, where I specialise major accounts, process improvement & collection of bad debt. I have been working in credit for 15 years & worked for a number of large organisations. I have also achieved a Certificate in Sales Marketing and a Diploma in Business (Marketing) which assists with my working and volunteering.

Who is your favourite Phoenix player?

That’s like being asked who your favourite child is! I have had a couple of favourites over the years who are no longer playing for the team. (Shhh don’t tell the others, it’s Dane Pineau!)

If you are interested in volunteering with Phoenix, CLICK HERE to register.

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