The Sydney Roosters are excited to announce a groundbreaking strategic alliance with the USA Rugby League (USARL) as their Game Development Partner for a minimum of the next three years.
This significant partnership highlights the Roosters’ dedication to expanding rugby league on an international scale and fostering talent across borders.
The collaboration will encompass a broad array of initiatives designed to boost the development of rugby league in the United States. Key aspects of the partnership include:
Roosters West Coast Rugby League Academy:** The Sydney Roosters have secured naming rights sponsorship for the establishment of the Roosters West Coast Rugby League Academy. This Academy aims to identify and cultivate talented young rugby league players by providing elite coaching and training programs for young men and women throughout the U.S., with a base on the West Coast. Camps will be held multiple times annually, with Roosters coaching staff supporting the local Academy staff.
USA National Elite Youth Team Sponsorship:
The Sydney Roosters will be the primary sponsor of the USA National Elite Youth representative team participating in the European Championships this July in Serbia. The team jerseys will feature the Roosters West Coast Academy logo prominently on the front.
USA National Hawks Sponsorship:
The Roosters will be the back-of-shorts partner for both the Men’s and Women’s USA National Hawks teams. Additionally, they will sponsor referees in the USARL domestic competition, with the Roosters logo appearing on national team shorts and referee shirts. In the second year of the partnership, the Roosters logo will also be featured on every football used for training and matches in domestic competitions.
Club Development Fund
An annual Club Development Fund will be established, enabling clubs from the four conferences (Pacific Coast Rugby League, Utah, Rugby League United, and Florida Rugby League) to apply for funding to support the growth of rugby league awareness and participation in their regions.
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are extremely excited to partner with USA Rugby League. This landmark agreement presents a unique opportunity to expand the reach of rugby league and share our expertise in game development with a passionate and growing rugby community in the United States. We believe this partnership will have a significant impact on the growth of the sport internationally and we are incredibly optimistic about the opportunities to unearth future rugby league talent in the US.”
USARL Chair Matt Goschnick commented on the unprecedented investment and commitment from the Sydney Roosters, emphasizing its importance for the growth of rugby league in the United States. He said, “We hope it serves as a catalyst for future investment in the game across the nation by the NRL and other partners as we continue to develop and grow awareness of the game. This is an exciting day and marks a significant milestone for rugby league in the United States with the announcement of a new partnership between the Sydney Roosters and the USARL. This collaboration will create unprecedented opportunities for both male and female athletes, establishing a clear pathway for those involved in or aspiring to join the sport.”
Goschnick highlighted the current statistics of American athletes transitioning from high school to NCAA programs and eventually to professional sports, noting, “In the U.S., only 6.8% of male athletes and 9.5% of female athletes transition from high school to NCAA college programs. Moreover, just 3.06% of men and 0.8% of women reach professional sports. This partnership with the Roosters offers these athletes a chance to pursue their dreams of becoming professional athletes through our programs. Our goal is to see players from this program secure NRL contracts in the coming years. As a board, we are committed to continually seeking opportunities to support the growth of the game and recognizing the efforts of our volunteers. This partnership with the Roosters exemplifies our dedication to creating further opportunities for all involved in Rugby League in the U.S.”
Ady Cooney, President of the Pacific Coast Rugby League, added, “This announcement marks a new beginning for Rugby League in the U.S. and especially on the West Coast. We’re excited to see how the Roosters can boost the game’s visibility, develop local talent, and create pathways into the NRL and NRLW.”
This strategic partnership between the Sydney Roosters and the USA Rugby League represents a monumental step in the global expansion of rugby league, providing numerous opportunities for growth, development, and the discovery of new talent in the sport.
