2309THS Assessment 1 by Anna Margraf

Commercial Partnerships Manager

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 12:25:24 UTC

The Commercial Partnerships Manager for the Gold Coast Titans is responsible for securing and managing sponsorships that drive revenue and enhance community engagement. This role involves developing strategic partnerships with brands such as NRMA Insurance, which supports junior rugby development, and Rebel Sport, which could provide equipment for grassroots programs. Additionally, the manager oversees game-day activations, including XXXX Beer sponsoring fan experiences or Uber Eats offering Titans-themed promotions. Beyond financial benefits, partnerships like McDonald’s Development Pathways and Harvey Norman’s NRLW sponsorship contribute to the sport’s growth. These collaborations align with the Titans’ 2030 roadmap, ensuring long-term community impact.

Ashley Hustwayte - Commercial Partnership Manager of the Gold Coast Titans

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 13:44:09 UTC

Ashley Hustwayte began her tenure at the Gold Coast Titans as Head of Partnerships in August 2019 before advancing to Commercial Partnerships Manager in May 2021, a role she continues to hold today. With over five years at the club, she has made a significant impact on the Titans' 2030 roadmap. Her expertise in securing key stakeholders, including The Star and Telstra, has been instrumental in expanding participation pathways for young people, women, and Indigenous communities, strengthening the club’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

Creating Pathways for Young Athletes in Australia

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 15:10:09 UTC

As highlighted in the Gold Coast Titans’ 2030 roadmap, one of the critical challenges is developing stronger pathways for young athletes, especially as rugby league participation in Queensland continues to rise. In 2024, over 70,000 players were recorded in junior leagues, marking a 10% growth from the previous year. To keep up, the Titans must expand youth programs while ensuring inclusivity for diverse groups, particularly Indigenous and regional youth. Building partnerships with local schools and clubs will be key in creating sustainable development opportunities, fostering both talent and community engagement in the region.

Gold Coast Titans' 2030 Roadmap: Ambitious Goals and Strategic Challenges

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 15:14:26 UTC

In 2021, the Gold Coast Titans unveiled their 'Building Titans' 2030 Roadmap, setting ambitious targets to elevate the club's status in the NRL. CEO Steve Mitchell outlined goals to secure two NRL and two NRLW premierships by 2030, emphasising the importance of building a championship-winning culture. Achieving these objectives necessitates significant investment in player development, infrastructure, and community engagement. The club also aims to sell out every home game at Cbus Super Stadium, targeting a membership base that fills all 27,350 seats. This ambitious plan positions the Titans to become a dominant force in Australian rugby league over the next decade.

Leagueability and Increasing Participation

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 15:47:41 UTC

The Gold Coast Titans’ Leagueability program has made significant strides in increasing participation for people with disabilities. In partnership with Kinetic, the program saw over 500 participants in 2023, helping expand rugby league pathways for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. This initiative aligns with the Titans' 2030 roadmap, which focuses on community engagement and inclusion. By breaking down barriers and creating accessible opportunities, the program has fostered stronger connections with the community, increasing grassroots involvement and supporting the long-term growth of rugby league across all levels.

Capitalising on Gold Coast's Population Growth

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 15:59:36 UTC

The Gold Coast has seen substantial population growth, reaching 820,000 in 2025, marking a 3.6% annual increase. With 39% of this population under the age of 25, the Gold Coast Titans have a prime opportunity to engage with younger, diverse communities. By leveraging strategic partnerships and targeting youth participation initiatives, the club can expand its fan base and solidify long-term community connections. Aligning with local organisations and sponsors focused on youth and family engagement will enhance the Titans' presence in this rapidly growing region.

Embracing Cultural Diversity to Drive Participation

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 16:18:50 UTC

The Gold Coast's growing cultural diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Titans. With 35.1% of Gold Coast residents having parents born overseas and 29.1% of the population born overseas themselves, the club faces the challenge of reaching and engaging with these diverse communities. To capitalise on this, the Titans can leverage partnerships and targeted programs, ensuring that rugby league is accessible to all. This aligns with the Titans’ 2030 roadmap, which emphasises increasing participation and inclusivity. Collaborating with multicultural organisations and tailoring engagement efforts can strengthen community connections and drive growth in the club’s fanbase.

The Impact of Community Engagement on Fan Loyalty

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 16:44:50 UTC

The Gold Coast Titans can significantly benefit from the insights shared in this study, which underscores the role of community engagement in fostering fan loyalty. The research highlights that fans’ loyalty is often driven by their connection to the broader community rather than just their satisfaction with the team itself. This aligns with the Titans’ focus on inclusivity and grassroots programs to engage with diverse communities. By strengthening these community ties, the Titans not only enhance fan loyalty but also drive long-term growth, both in terms of fanbase and local support. As the study reveals, fostering a sense of belonging is key to maintaining a committed fanbase.

Impact of Women’s Rugby League Growth on the Titans

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 17:06:38 UTC

The expansion of women’s rugby league is creating a lasting impact, and the Gold Coast Titans are at the forefront. With female participation increasing by 20% and over 40,000 women and girls now involved in the game, the Titans' commitment to their NRLW team and development pathways is shaping the sport’s future. This growth strengthens community engagement, attracts new commercial partners, and enhances fan loyalty. By investing in female talent, the club is broadening its audience and reinforcing its role as a leader in inclusivity and professional pathways.

Impact of Record Participation on Titans' Future Growth

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 17:10:55 UTC

The Gold Coast Titans are well-positioned to capitalise on rugby league’s record participation surge, with over 128,000 new registered players in 2024, marking a 6% year-on-year increase. The growth of junior and female participation aligns with the Titans’ commitment to grassroots development, creating stronger talent pipelines. By leveraging commercial partnerships, the club can expand community programs and facilities to support this demand, ensuring sustained engagement and future success.

References

annamargraf1 — 2025-03-23 17:40:55 UTC