Wests Tigers are delighted to support a major investment from Wests Group Macarthur that will see $350,000 of funding allocated to grassroots rugby league.
This funding will support 23 clubs, 500 teams and 8,077 players in the Macarthur and Group 6 competitions, helping reduce the financial strain on families for registrations, playing gear, insurance, and other costs.
In short, this funding will enable families to save about $60 for each junior rugby league participant.
The funding arrangement, now in its third year, remains the largest financial commitment made to a sporting code by Wests Group Macarthur, and was announced at half-time of the NRL match between Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson says the support of Wests Group Macarthur is paramount to his club’s plans in southwestern Sydney.
“This is an enormous boost for junior rugby league in this region, and that means it’s an enormous boost for us as a club,” said Richardson.
“Wests Group Macarthur has been helping grow rugby league here for 50 years now and we as a club are very fortunate to have their support.
“This area has the largest growth of any region in Australia, and we are seeing strong growth in participation too, with female registrations up by nearly 40%.
We are a development club, and we aim to grow our juniors to 10,000 by next year.
Shane Richardson Wests Tigers CEO
“We’ve just opened an office here in Campbelltown, and we will continue to increase our engagement and connection with this community.
“I know mums and dads who fork out money for their kids to play footy will join me in thanking Wests Group Macarthur.”
NSW Rugby League CEO David Trodden has also thanked Wests Macarthur Group for their generous support of grassroots sport.
“Wests Group Macarthur continue to not only believe in the role our sport plays to enhance healthy communities, but also the role strong junior participation plays for future player development and pathways in Rugby League,” Trodden said.
Chairman of Wests Group Macarthur Alan Buxton said: “Rugby League has been the beating heart of Wests Group Macarthur since its inception in 1974.
We remain steadfast in our focus to grow and foster rugby league in the region.
Alan Buxton Chair, Wests Group Macarthur
“Being able to support the past, present, and future of the game within Macarthur is a privilege we take seriously, and we are pleased to see the local conference continue to grow in 2024, as we celebrate 50 years in this community."
