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A Community and Game Development Officer focuses on developing, implementing, and enhancing sports programs to promote participation, inclusivity, and healthy competition. They scout for talent within communities, schools, and clubs, providing pathways for athletes to progress. Their role involves engaging with the community, fostering relationships with local organisations, managing sports events, and collaborating with stakeholders for resources and support. GDOs are critical for fostering sports development and ensuring these programs align with strategic growth goals in sports organisations.

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The role of a Game Development Officer (GDO) is crucial for fostering growth, innovation and engagement in sports. At the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), we emphasise the importance…

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A Community and Game Development Officer (GDO) at the Gold Coast Titans promotes rugby league at the grassroots level by engaging schools, junior clubs, and community groups. They run skills clinics, coaching sessions, and development programs like Future Titans while fostering inclusivity through initiatives for women and Indigenous players. They also support local leagues by improving coaching standards and creating pathways for young athletes. Additionally, they coordinate match-day activations, community events, and player appearances to strengthen fan engagement. Their role is essential in growing rugby league in the region, ensuring talent development, and reinforcing the Titans’ presence in the community.

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The purpose of a Community Development is to bring people together to work towards a common goal, improving the quality of life within their communities. Within the Gold Coast Titans, the Future Titans imitative provides the best platform for Community and Game Development officer to thrive and achieve this criterion. This job plays a key role in supporting the Future Titans program by identifying and developing young talent through school and club-based clinics. They promote the program in schools, educate players and parents about pathways, and strengthen relationships with local leagues. Additionally, they assist in organising training camps, workshops, and talent development events while coordinating with Future Titans coaches to support player growth. Their efforts bridge grassroots rugby league and elite pathways, ensuring the Future Titans program continues to attract and nurture the next generation of Titans players, reinforcing the club’s presence in the community.

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The purpose and power of community development | GVI

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Learn more about community development, what it’s about and why it is critical to ensure a fairer and brighter future for everyone.

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A Community and Game Development Officer helps the Gold Coast Titans achieve their 2030 roadmap by fostering local talent through grassroots programs, engaging the community, and creating pathways for players from youth to elite levels. By developing and managing sport programs, they build relationships with schools, clubs, and community organisations, ensuring increased participation and inclusivity. This contributes to the Titans' long-term sustainability, talent development, and regional engagement, aligning with the club's strategic growth goals. They play a pivotal role in strengthening the club’s connection with the local community and expanding its fanbase.

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Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell has today launched the Club's 'Building Titans' 2030 Roadmap.

It is a landmark day for the club that has also seen the announcement of a new Club logo - learn more here.

The strategic plan - which can be viewed here - details the club's key priorities between now and 2030.

Steve Mitchell introduces the Titans 2030 Roadmap

Mitchell said the plan was about creating sustained success on and off the field for the club while making the Legion of supporters proud.

"We are delighted to be able to provide clarity on our strategic priorities which will guide where we allocate our time and resources," Mitchell said.

"Our efforts will focus on on-field success, future NRL and NRLW player development, a world class fully integrated high performance training facility, financial excellence, and ensuring every seat in Cbus Super Stadium has a Member's name on it."

Gold Coast Titans: Feel the Energy

Mitchell said that by making the plan public he wanted to make sure the club's Members and fans were a part of the journey.

"Our goal is to bring Premierships home to the Coast," Mitchell said.

"By outlining a clear roadmap of what lies ahead, we hope to take you on the journey and make you a part of our very exciting future."

The full document can be viewed here.

The Gold Coast Titans also announced that current partner MyPayNow would be moving to the front of jersey and Principal Partner position from 2022 onwards.

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Building Titans 2030 Roadmap: CEO launches strategic plan

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Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell has today launched the Club's Building Titans 2030 Roadmap.

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Community Development Officers in Supporting Strategic Priorities

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Community Development Officers in Supporting Strategic Priorities

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A Community Development Officer at the Gold Coast Titans supports the delivery of strategic priorities by driving community engagement and developing talent pathways. They can also execute the Gold Coast Titans' strategic plan by focusing on grassroots talent development, community engagement, and fostering inclusivity. The officer builds strong relationships with schools, local clubs, and community organisations to increase participation and strengthen fan loyalty. Including implement initiatives that foster inclusivity, diversity, and fan engagement, while strengthening the club’s reputation through community events and collaborations with local organisations. They also deliver inclusive initiatives for women, Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities, supporting the club's diversity goals. Additionally, they collaborate with sponsors and stakeholders to enhance the club's reputation and secure community-based funding. Their work helps the club achieve its long-term goals in talent development, community growth, and sustainability.

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The Future Titans initiative is a program by the Gold Coast Titans designed to develop young rugby league talent and strengthen community engagement. It focuses on identifying and nurturing emerging players through partnerships with local schools, clubs, and community groups. By offering pathways from junior levels to elite competition, it promotes participation in rugby league while fostering a sense of community. Programs like the Kinetic Titans Schools League, Australia’s largest regional school rugby competition, engage thousands of players and help build local connections. The initiative supports both the development of players and the growth of rugby league within the community.

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The future of women's rugby league on the Gold Coast is in good hands with the club's Future Titans program in full swing for 2025.

Now in its third year, the next crop of Under 17s and 19s hit the training facilities at Parkwood this week and were put through their paces as they aim to follow in the footsteps of many of the NRLW top squad.

Titans director of female rugby league Karyn Murphy is proud of the genuine pathways the Gold Coast is providing for the next generation of Titans NRLW talent.

"We have such a talented young group of girls coming through our catchment area and we've seen it get bigger and bigger as the program progresses," she told titans.com.au.

"With the expansion of the NRLW competition in 2025, it's really important for those girls and their families to see there is a genuine pathway here at the club and to know they don't need to leave their region to find that opportunity."

With 14 players from the Future Titans Academy forming part of the NRLW playing squad in 2024, the program is providing a successful pathway for young players to reach their dreams at the top level.

"We believe in the success of our pathways and it's definitely being reflected through the numbers we've seen progress through our Academy into the NRLW," Murphy said.

"Sarina Masaga is a perfect example of someone who has progressed really quickly through our system - going from our Under 19s Academy to making her NRLW debut in less than 12 months."

An elite pathway has also been introduced into the program in 2025, with select players given the opportunity to be provided with year-round training from the Titans coaching staff.

"When they go back to their clubs, we'll work with their coaches to continue further review and they'll also get to be involved in a few training sessions in our NRLW side," Murphy said.

"The goal is to see those players progress through Academy into the NRLW with already having a strong understanding of the culture at the Titans."

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Future Titans hit the ground running upon return for '25

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The future of women's rugby league on the Gold Coast is in good hands with the club's Future Titans program in full swing for 2025.

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NRL vs AFL - Challanges in developing The Future Titans

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NRL vs AFL - Challanges in developing The Future Titans

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The Gold Coast Titans' Future Titans program plays a vital role in developing young rugby league talent. However, one major challenge is the competition from other sports, especially Australian Rules Football (AFL). The AFL's significant investment in the Gold Coast, particularly with the Gold Coast Suns, presents a strong challenge for attracting young athletes. The availability of well-funded AFL programs and facilities diverts talent from rugby league pathways. In response, the Titans have enhanced their junior initiatives, like the Kinetic Titans Schools League, Australia’s largest regional school rugby competition. Despite efforts, competition for young talent remains a significant hurdle.

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NRL vs AFL: Who is really winning the code war in Queensland?

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Finals fever is set to hit Brisbane with both the Broncos and Lions considered genuine premiership contenders – but who is really winning the Queensland code war? SUBSCRIBE TO SEE THE NUMBERS

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The Gold Coast Titans' Future Titans program contributes to the NRL by developing young talent and ensuring a steady pipeline of players. It identifies promising athletes from the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, providing them with the skills and support needed to transition into the NRL. The program creates structured pathways for juniors, preparing them for the professional game. Additionally, it fosters grassroots participation by engaging with local schools and clubs, helping to grow the NRL's fan base. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, the Future Titans program also supports the NRL’s broader goal of expanding its talent pool and reach.

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The Gold Coast Titans Inclusion Programs

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The Gold Coast Titans Inclusion Programs

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Through the guide of their 2030 road map, The Gold Coast Titans are prioritising their community development and outreach through various programs. Their leading efforts in promoting social inclusion through their community programs, including partnerships with Carers Queensland. These initiatives aim to support marginalised groups by providing access to rugby league activities and creating opportunities for social connection. The Titans focus on making their programs accessible to everyone, particularly those facing challenges such as disabilities, mental health issues, and other barriers. By engaging with diverse community groups, the Titans help foster inclusion and a sense of belonging for all individuals. These initiatives and partnerships are some of the diverse solutions to addressing their overall challenges in community and game development, including being modelled against their Future Titans program.

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The Gold Coast Titans are leading the way in social inclusion in Rugby League and their achievements have everything to do with culture, leadership and innovative thinking.

We caught up with Renee Cohen, General Manager of Community and Game Development who leads a small team that has been instrumental in establishing and building the Titan's Physical Disability and Intellectual Disability Teams to find out more about how the Titans developed their program.
Q: How did it get started?
Preston Campbell was a foundation player and he's a figurehead of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and also nationwide he is well-respected and renowned for the work he does in the community.

Part of what he did is create this culture amongst the rest of the players, working out ways they can give back. About seven years ago, a player, Luke Douglas, came to me and his Mum had recently passed away. She had worked in a support unit for many years and he really wanted to do more in the disability space to honour her.

It's funny how fate happens, the same day Cathy Ward from Down Syndrome Association of Queensland (as they were called then) got in touch, looking to engage with the club in some way for their members.

We organised a meeting with Cathy and her amazing daughter, Sarah and came up with a Down Syndrome Run Out. It was the first time ever in any code that thirteen young adults and kids with Down syndrome would run out with the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos.

The club was at this stage where we could try new things, and everyone was always extremely supportive in the community space. For us, it was more about getting the other team involved because clubs never do joint promotions when they're competing.

The Broncos were really keen to get on board, though. Then I had to get the broadcasters, and then the NRL to agree, because normally you're just allowed to have one kid to run out with the team.

It was a Friday night game and that meant all of these families were sitting down to watch the Titans play the Broncos in this grudge match. But before that grudge match, 26 beautiful faces with the biggest smiles ran out with the players. The players were so caring and made sure they got to where they needed to get. It reached 36 countries and had over 1.2 million views.

It was a very, very beautiful moment and that's probably what made the whole club realise what a difference we can make.
Q: The Titan's social inclusion program is now even bigger and the Physical Disability and Intellectual Disability Rugby League Program has led to finding employment for some of the team. Tell us more about that.
Ethan Sloane is our first ever employee with disability, who was employed with the Titans in 2018.

Ethan had been heavily involved in our programs since the beginning and his Mum spoke to me about her concerns about what he was going to do when he finished school. I gently floated an idea to our Chairman, Dennis Watt, who straight away said 'Well, we're going to give him a job.'

Dennis could see his love and passion for the club, and also how much it meant to him to be involved in something.

So from there a lot of our stakeholders and sponsors and people involved with the club saw what Ethan was doing and what he was bringing to the organisation and went 'Oh maybe we should look at employing somebody with a disability?'

So, without meaning to, we sort of started providing these employment pathways for our PDRL/IDRL players.

We've placed three of our PDRL/IDRL players either with sponsors or stakeholders and we're about to place our fourth with a new sponsor, Neumann Steel, in the next couple of weeks.

I think that's probably what we can do, we can show how valuable Ethan is to the business and how valuable he is culturally, in regards to our players and the rest of our staff. Just to see no matter what's happened in his life, or what barriers he's faced, he walks into work every day with a smile on his face and always working out how to make other people smile. And I think if more people thought like that, the world would be a better place.
Q: What can other organisations starting out on their social inclusion journey, learn from the Titans?
I suppose the biggest way that we have been able to do all that we have been lucky enough to do, is with experience. I get all of our staff and our stakeholders to come to our NAIDOC day, or to attend the first game of our PDRL, just to experience it. As soon as they see it, and are a part of it, and understand how important it is - I think it's that personal experience.

One of the great things about the Titans is, we don't really have barriers. We do have a lot of room for innovation and a lot room for us to try different things. We wouldn't have been able to achieve all we've been able to achieve if we didn't have that.
Q: Where to from here, and what's it going to take to achieve it?
I would like to see a New South Wales and Queensland State of Origin for people with physical disability and intellectual disability.

That would mean essentially a competition in New South Wales and a competition in Queensland, where they get to regularly play in their local areas. From there, as the competition builds and participation increases, then we'd be able to pick a New South Wales and a Queensland team and they would play against each other. My aim is for them to play at the curtain-raiser before State of Origin.

It's going to take funding to get there. We've got the framework and we know what we need to do it. It's funding and as much support as we can get from local leagues and competition structure.

As much as I'd love this to be the largest portion of my job, unfortunately my job is very broad and I can't devote the time that it deserves. Funding would mean that we would put on two social inclusion officers that would be out spreading the word about LeagueAbility and what people with disability can do, that they don't have any limitations in Rugby League, they can play a version of the game.

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Titans taking the lead with social inclusion - Carers Queensland

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The Gold Coast Titans are leading the way in social inclusion in Rugby League and their achievements have everything to do with culture, leadership and innovative thinking. We caught up with Renee Cohen, General Manager of Community and Game Development who leads a small

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Community Development Issues and their Implications on Stakeholders

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Community Development Issues and their Implications on Stakeholders

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Sports organisations play a vital role in communities through initiatives promoting health, education, diversity, and inclusion. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strengthens their reputation and relationships with stakeholders like fans, sponsors, and governing bodies. Programs like the Penrith Panthers' "Panthers on the Prowl" showcase effective engagement. However, community development challenges impact NRL stakeholders—clubs struggle with talent development, sponsors lose interest, fans disengage, and government support diminishes. Without strong grassroots programs, financial stability and talent growth suffer. To ensure sustainability, the NRL must prioritise community outreach, fostering long-term success through inclusive and impactful development initiatives.

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Introduction

Sports organisations play an essential role in their communities, and their influence can have a significant impact on society. By supporting various initiatives that promote health and fitness, education, diversity, and inclusion, sports organisations can make a positive difference. Through their involvement in community initiatives, sports organisations can strengthen their relationships with all different kinds of stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, athletes, employees, and governing bodies.

Building strong relationships with the community: CSR

Building stronger relationships through community involvement can enhance a sports organisation's reputation and contribute to its success. By aligning their community involvement with their brand values and objectives, sports organisations can create a positive impact on society while enhancing their brand image. Sport fans increasingly seek to support socially responsible and sustainable organisations, and sports organisations that engage in community initiatives can differentiate themselves from their competitors.

One way sport teams do this is by adopting to the principals of CSR. CSR stands for "Corporate Social Responsibility". In its basic term it is a business model that involves companies taking responsibility for their impact on society, both economically and socially.

Companies are expected to act in the best interest of their community and their stakeholders- including customers, employees, shareholders, and the wider community.

Research has found that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has a positive impact on marketing performance, and it is made up of different dimensions that relate differently to various stakeholders. One way to create a CSR perception of a brand is through sponsoring charities and professional sports teams.

Sports provide stakeholders/business organisations to establish a socially responsible image due to sports unique position in society and the emotional attachment to sport teams people have. Sponsorship therefore creates a halo effect where consumers' goodwill towards a sports team rubs off on a sponsoring brand.

Therefore, through sponsorship of consumer-favoured sport teams, other business brands can generate a socially responsible image in the eyes of consumers.

The video below are comments made by members of various football organisations talking about why CSR is important as a tool to also give back to the community (we can't be too negative to the intentions of brands here!)

Let's have a look at how the premiers of the NRL are making an impact on their community.

It is important to remember that to create successful community programs, it's essential for a sport team to have a deep understanding of the community they represent. This includes knowledge of the community's demographics, the challenges and issues faced by different groups within the community, and the community's needs and aspirations.

By having this understanding, sport teams can create programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the community, ensuring they are effective and well-received. Additionally, by engaging with the community and getting feedback on their programs, sport teams can continually improve and adapt their initiatives to better meet the community's needs.

Creating a (good) community plan

To create an effective community plan, sports organisations should identify the needs and interests of their communities and align them with their brand values and objectives. For example, they can partner with local organisations and non-profits to support initiatives that align with their values and objectives.

By communicating their community involvement initiatives effectively, sports organisations can showcase their positive impact on society and enhance their reputation. Ultimately, community involvement can benefit both the sports organisation and the broader society it serves.

It is important to remember that when implementing a community strategy, clubs need to to clearly outline their goals, the type of program they will deliver, the external partners they will engage to help deliver the program, the target group for the program, and the desired outcomes of the community strategy.

Clear goals help clubs to identify the specific outcomes they want to achieve through their community programs. A well-defined program design ensures that clubs deliver activities that align with their goals, and that are appropriate for their target audience.

Engaging external partners helps to expand a club's reach and resources, and to ensure that their programs are more effective and relevant to the community they are serving.

Identifying the target group for the program helps clubs to ensure that their programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of their community - with a very specific focus (this could be related to targeting individuals from particular age, gender or cultural background

Finally, outlining desired outcomes ensures that clubs can measure the impact of their programs, and determine whether they have achieved their goals.

Let's look at an example on the Bulldogs website that related to the "multicultural" pillar of their strategy and how they have implemented a program in their local community.

For example, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs engaged with their local community to develop their community strategy that was collaborative and unique to their local area. Throughout this process, the Bulldogs and their local community, identified the following 'community pillars' that they believe will highlight and address local social needs. These are: Multicultural, Arts and Culture, Participation.

As we can see, community involvement can have a broader impact on society, beyond the immediate benefits to the sports organisation. By supporting health and fitness initiatives, sports organisations can promote physical and mental well-being in their communities.

By supporting education initiatives particularly, they can provide opportunities for learning and skill-building in new and exciting way. By supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives, they can promote a more equitable and just society.

Evaluation of community programs

This week I am asking you to read through the "Her Sport Her Way Grant Program Evaluation report"

As the video above shows, the Her Sport Her Way Grants was a grant program initiated by the New South Wales (NSW) government in Australia to support initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of women and girls in sports.

The program was part of the NSW Government's women in sport strategy, which aimed to create gender-inclusive sports environments. The grants were awarded to state sporting organisations (SSOs) and state sporting organisations for people with disabilities (SSODs), to develop and deliver initiatives towards this goal.

The program was evaluated to monitor changes in the funded organisations' towards making the sports sector more gender-inclusive

You need to understand that evaluation procedures are crucial in ensuring that community initiatives are effective and impactful. Without proper evaluation, it is difficult to determine whether the programs are achieving their intended goals and making a positive difference in the lives of the target audience.

When I spoke to industry partners about creating this unit, this was an area in which they ALL feel graduates need to have more experience.

What we know is that empirical research is also essential in providing evidence of the impact of community initiatives. This evidence can be used to attract additional funding and support from stakeholders, including government agencies, philanthropic organisations, and private sector companies.

By demonstrating the positive outcomes of the programs, sports organisations can increase their credibility and expand their reach to benefit more individuals and communities.

In addition to attracting funding, empirical research can also inform the design and implementation of future community initiatives. By analysing the results of previous programs, sports organisations can identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly. This can lead to more effective and sustainable community initiatives that have a greater impact on the target audience.

The Her Sport Her Way Grant Program was designed to make sports environments more gender-inclusive. The program was evaluated using a survey administered by the Office of Sport and SPRINTER. The survey the designed collected information from those who took part that included: membership data by gender, and policies/strategies in place.

The survey was administered twice, once before program delivery and 12 months later, to allow for a pre-post comparison. Only organisations that completed the survey at both time points were included in the report for comparison to previous year's data.

The evaluation of the program in this report shows why evaluating community programs is so important. The program was designed to create gender-inclusive sports environments, and the evaluation showed that it achieved its long-term objectives, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report tells us that grant funding provided organisations with necessary resources to experiment with and deliver new initiatives towards increasing participation of women and girls in sports, both on and off the field. By evaluating the completed initiatives, the evaluation did however identify certain strengths and challenges faced during grant delivery.

So, watch the video and make some notes on this report and bring them to class to discuss this week! In the meantime, have a go at finding at this crossword drawn from this weeks content as your knowledge check!

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Sports organisations play an essential role in their communities, and their influence can have a significant impact on society. By supporting various initiatives that promote health and fitness, education, diversity, and inclusion, sports organisations can make a positive difference.

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Community development issues affect the NRL by limiting participation and diversity. Weak youth engagement threatens future talent pipelines and reduces long-term fan support. Insufficient outreach to underrepresented groups, such as women, Indigenous communities, and multicultural populations, restricts diversity in both players and fans. Regional disparities hinder access to facilities, affecting talent development and local fanbases. Socioeconomic barriers limit opportunities for lower-income families, reducing inclusivity. A cultural disconnect can alienate certain communities, decreasing participation and loyalty. These challenges weaken the NRL’s ability to expand its fanbase, recruit diverse talent, and maintain a strong community presence, impacting long-term growth.

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Potential Solutions for Improving Community Development 

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Potential Solutions for Improving Community Development 

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To enhance community development, the Gold Coast Titans and NRL should adopt a multi-faceted strategy. Strengthening grassroots partnerships with schools and local clubs can improve access to rugby league, especially in rural areas. Inclusive programs targeting underrepresented groups, such as women and Indigenous communities, can foster diversity. Investing in regional infrastructure will provide better training facilities, encouraging wider participation. Fan engagement initiatives, including community events and meet-and-greets, can strengthen local connections. Expanding youth pathways with scholarships and mentorship ensures long-term talent development. These efforts will boost participation, foster inclusivity, and secure the sport’s future sustainability.

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We passionately support people of all backgrounds, and strive to achieve positive outcomes for our local communities. With specialised inclusion, education and participation programs, we'll spread the joy of rugby league, making it the greatest game for all.

As an organisation that has built a reputation on its significant community contribution, we understand that with an elite national profile comes the added responsibility to work with the broader community to set a positive example and assist in addressing many of the social issues impacting society.

We aim to build upon the work the club has already achieved, which include the following highlights;

Reconciliation Action Plan - Innovate (2017) Stretch (2020)

NRL Young Person of the Year - Holly Summers (2019)

Titans Leagueability program launched (2018)

Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year - Kane Elgey (2017)

Ken Stephen Medallists - Preston Campbell (2008) and Luke Douglas (2015) Ryan James (2018)

NRL Community Club of the Year (2009)

We ask for your financial support to ensure our various community programs continue and expand into the future.

For more information about what we do in the community, please navigate through the website or to contact us at community@titans.com.au

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The Strategic Plan and Community Development

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The Strategic Plan and Community Development

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Community development plays a crucial role in the Gold Coast Titans' 2030 Roadmap, as it supports the club’s goals of long-term success, fan engagement, and talent development. By investing in grassroots programs, the Titans aim to strengthen youth participation and create clear pathways for young athletes to progress to professional levels. Expanding inclusivity initiatives ensures greater diversity in both player recruitment and fan engagement. Additionally, deeper community connections through school programs, regional outreach, and local partnerships help grow the club’s supporter base. A strong community foundation supports the Titans’ ambitions of sustained success and sold-out stadiums by 2030.

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We're here to make our communities proud, to inspire them with energy and unite them through success.

Launching the Building Titans roadmap to 2030 in October 2021, the landmark document set a path to success for the Gold Coast over the next eight years, in conjunction with the launch of a brand new club logo.

Outlining the club's strategic priorities between now and 2030, the plan is about creating sustained success on and off the field for the club while making the Legion of supporters proud.
VIEW THE 2030 ROAD MAP HERE
Steve Mitchell introduces the Titans 2030 Roadmap

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The NRL faces several community development challenges, including competition from other sports like AFL and soccer, which make it harder to attract and retain young players. Engaging fans and players in regional and remote areas, where access to facilities is limited, is another challenge. Ensuring inclusivity for underrepresented groups, such as women, Indigenous communities, and multicultural populations, requires ongoing efforts. Funding and resources for grassroots programs are often limited, restricting their reach. Additionally, the NRL must adapt to shifting demographics and changing social trends while maintaining long-term engagement in areas with transient populations to sustain community support.

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The National Rugby League (NRL) is undergoing significant changes and opportunities that shape its future. It is working towards expanding the competition to 20 teams by 2030, with a notable addition of a Papua New Guinea-based team in 2028, supported by a $600 million investment from the Australian Government. The NRL is also navigating the shift in the media landscape, as digital content creators challenge traditional media’s dominance, influencing fan engagement. In infrastructure, major investments, particularly in Queensland, include the development of a new 63,000-seat stadium in Brisbane, aiming to attract key events. Additionally, New South Wales is encouraged to update its ageing stadiums. Rule changes, such as adjustments to kick-off procedures for player safety, have sparked debates about their effectiveness. The NRL is also in the midst of complex broadcast rights negotiations, balancing traditional media with digital platforms to optimise revenue and audience reach. Player movements, like Daly Cherry-Evans' decisions, significantly impact team strategies and fan engagement. These evolving trends highlight the NRL's efforts to expand, modernise, and adapt to the changing media environment, while addressing challenges related to competition, player welfare, and fan experience.

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The NRL wants to expand to 20 teams by the end of the decade, with many pros and cons to consider for each hopeful vying to join the league writes Tim Harcourt.

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Potential Impacts if the Future Titans Fails

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Potential Impacts if the Future Titans Fails

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The failure of the Future Titans program creates a challenge for the Gold Coast Titans by limiting their ability to develop local talent, forcing the club to rely on expensive external recruits. This not only strains finances but also undermines long-term competitiveness, as the club may struggle to maintain depth compared to teams with strong youth pathways. Additionally, the program fosters local fan engagement, and its failure could result in reduced community support, impacting attendance and loyalty. Without a strong talent pipeline, the Titans face increased operational costs and diminished sustainability, affecting both their on-field performance and financial stability. If the Future Titans program fails, the NRL could face significant challenges. The failure would limit the league's access to emerging talent from the Gold Coast, reducing the overall player pool. Additionally, grassroots engagement would suffer, potentially leading to decreased youth participation and a loss of future fans and players. A failure would also contribute to a competitive imbalance, as clubs with strong development systems would have an advantage, widening the gap between teams. Furthermore, the Gold Coast Titans' diminished connection to the community could reduce local support, impacting the NRL’s presence and growth in key regions.

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The Future Titans Program is Lifting the NRL

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The Future Titans Program is Lifting the NRL

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The Gold Coast Titans' Future Titans program contributes to the NRL by developing young talent and ensuring a steady pipeline of players. It identifies promising athletes from the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, providing them with the skills and support needed to transition into the NRL. The program creates structured pathways for juniors, preparing them for the professional game. Additionally, it fosters grassroots participation by engaging with local schools and clubs, helping to grow the NRL's fan base. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, the Future Titans program also supports the NRL’s broader goal of expanding its talent pool and reach.

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Future Titans is our club's dedicated junior development program, providing a pathway for elite junior players in the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers region to make a successful transition to the National Rugby League.

By engaging with talented players in the early stages, the support and development provided by Future Titans ensures that juniors who are serious about pursuing rugby league as a career are given an insight into the expectations and standards required of professional athletes.

The Future Titans program consists of various sessions with professional Titans coaches and staff, as well as the chance to train alongside and learn from the Titans NRL squad players.

Future Titans also volunteer in the community alongside the NRL players to help gain experience in the responsibilities of being a Titan, and the importance of giving back to the community that they have been chosen to represent.

Donations to this project will aid various aspects such as; equipment, coaching, training gear & team bonding activities.

We ask for your financial support to ensure the Gold Coast Titans continue to produce local National Rugby League players.

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Community development and building future pathways for kids present challenges within the NRL due to competition from other sports like AFL and soccer, which are heavily invested in grassroots programs. Additionally, engaging kids in regional or remote areas, where access to facilities and training may be limited, is difficult. Financial constraints can also hinder the expansion of community initiatives, especially in less affluent regions. Moreover, creating effective pathways from junior leagues to professional NRL levels remains a challenge. Finally, ensuring inclusivity across diverse cultural, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds requires continuous efforts to make programs accessible and appealing to all communities.

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