Our Approach

     -  Understand the requirements & outcomes needed.
     -  Work in Partnership with the client.
     -  Take a pragmatic approach. 
     -  Provide solutions that are easy to understand & apply
     -  Create long term relationships.
     
Vaughan Utteridge  -  Managing Director

     Serious Fun Sports and Events Management was founded by Vaughan Utteridge in March 2009. Vaughan has worked
     in the sport and recreation sector for over 25 years within Central Government & a Regional Sport Trust as well as at club 
     & regional levels.
  • Currently actively working with Regional Sports Organisations activating fundraising & sponsorship opportunities.
  • Previously worked as Sport Liaison Officer at the Christchurch City Council for five years being responsible for providing the sporting sector advice and guidance and developing strong sporting relationships.
  • 3 years at Sport Canterbury as Earthquake Recovery Manager working with regional sport and events developing strategies to recover participation and develop long-term & rebuild strategies for the sector. 
  • 4 years as CEO of Squash Canterbury leading a constitutional & strategic change as well as the development of Squash HQ as the home of squash.

Contracts:
  • Strategic & delivery structure reviews  -  Touch Canterbury.
  • Development of a Hawarden & Waikari Sport and Community Facilities Plan  -  Hurunui District Council.
  • Sponsorship Consultant  - Christchurch Metropolitan Cricket.
  • Funding acquisition  -  Bowls Canterbury.
  • Venue activation & sponsorship strategy development - Squash Canterbury.
  • Sponsorship Manager  -  Canterbury Rugby League 2019/20..
  • Sponsorship acquisition - Netball Mainland 2019/20.
  • Consultancy - Pay2Play.
  • Strengthening Communities Fund Advisor - Christchurch City Council 2019.
  • Squash technology review -  Squash NZ 2019.
  • Overview of the Banks Peninsula Community Recreation & Sporting Provision - Christchurch City Council 2019.
  • Sponsorship acquisition - Hockey Canterbury 2019.
  • Funding Acquisition - Wilding Park Foundation 2019
  • Redevelopment feasibility report - South Brighton Surf Life Saving Club 2019.  

Events

Serious Fun have been heavily involved in local, national and international events including:
  • Mud Sweat & Tears Challenge  -  Event Director & Creator
  • Urban Assault  -  Event Director & Creator
  • World Women's Squash Team Championships 2010  -  Event Director
  • World Masters Squash Championships 2008 -  Functions, Catering & Merchandise manager.
  • IPC Athletics Championships 2011  -  Ceremonies & Catering manager
  • Fifa under-20 World Cup 2015 - Training Facilities Manager
  • Rugby League World Cup 2017 - - Training Facilities Manager  & Sponsorship Match day coordinator
  • The Mud Run - Creator & Event Director
  • Top Team - Creator
  • Tough Kid - Creator & Event Director