Benefit (sports)
Encyclopedia
A benefit or testimonial is a match or season of activities granted by a sporting body to a loyal sportsman to boost their income before retirement. Often this is in the form of a match for which all the ticket proceeds are given to the player in question.
There have been occasions when a testimonial match was not held until the players had been retired for over a decade. This occurred when Bill O'Reilly
and Stan McCabe
, Australian Test cricketers of the 1930s, were given a joint testimonial by the New South Wales Cricket Association
.
Sometimes, the "beneficiary" can opt to give part or all of the money to charity. An example of this is Paul Collingwood
's 2007 benefit with Durham County Cricket Club
.
There have been occasions when a testimonial match was not held until the players had been retired for over a decade. This occurred when Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly (cricketer)
William Joseph "Bill" O'Reilly , often known as Tiger O'Reilly, was an Australian cricketer, rated as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game. Following his retirement from playing, he became a well-respected cricket writer and broadcaster.O'Reilly was one of the best spin bowlers to...
and Stan McCabe
Stan McCabe
Stanley Joseph McCabe was an Australian cricketer who played 39 Test matches for Australia from 1930 to 1938. A short, stocky right-hander,...
, Australian Test cricketers of the 1930s, were given a joint testimonial by the New South Wales Cricket Association
New South Wales Cricket Association
The New South Wales Cricket Association is a sporting club who administer cricket in New South Wales, based at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their trading name is Cricket NSW....
.
Sometimes, the "beneficiary" can opt to give part or all of the money to charity. An example of this is Paul Collingwood
Paul Collingwood
Paul David Collingwood MBE is an English cricketer. He has been a regular member of the England Test side, was captain of the One Day International team 2007–2008. He is also vice-captain of his county, Durham County Cricket Club. Collingwood is a batting all-rounder, whose batting...
's 2007 benefit with Durham County Cricket Club
Durham County Cricket Club
Durham County Cricket Club is one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh national cricket structure, representing the historic county of Durham. Its limited overs team is called the Durham Dynamos. Their kit colours are blue with yellow trim and the shirt sponsor was...
.