Students from the University of San Francisco (USF) were given a behind the scenes experience at the Gold Coast Titans while on tour in Queensland as part of their studies.
The aspiring sport management students were given a tour of the Titans home venue at Cbus Super Stadium, engaged in the NRL club's Leagueability program and were able to pick the brains of two of the club's senior managers.
Dr Ashley Sloper, Associate Director at USF says the opportunity to gain an insight into the running of an Australian franchise was of huge benefit to the touring American cohort.
"Experiences like this immersion trip provide our students with a diverse perspective and outlook on how sports are viewed culturally, economically, and socially outside of the US," she said.
"We were inspired by the multiple community initiatives the Titans have implemented, and their commitment to the growth of the sport and overall well-being of fans on the Gold Coast."
"As aspiring sport industry leaders, we recognize the global impact that sport has on economy, society, and athletics- by learning from countries, like Australia, we can better prepare our students to create positive changes in the communities they will work in."
Students took part in a Leagueability training sessions, with Titans players from the club's intellectual and physical disability program giving the tourists a first hand experience of the game of rugby league.
Abriana Howard, one of the USF students, says the time with the Titans has been incomparable.
"Learning about and being a part of their inclusive programs such as the Leagueability team was an huge privilege and so much fun to experience," she said.
"I could definitely tell that the Titans provide a place for everyone and would love to translate this in the United States."
Visiting the Titans training base at Parkwood, USF students also engaged in an extensive Q&A with Scott Rollinson (GM Business Operations) and Dean Madders (GM Marketing & Consumer) to learn more about the business side of the club.
"Getting to experience and hear from Scott and Dean about the different aspects of the business they look at when it comes to the team and business was very insightful," said USF student Derek Quinn.
"Learning about how the Titans truly care about their fans and growing the image of the team as they are one of the newer teams in NRL was very nice to see, and hear about all the ways they are trying to provide meaningful experiences for them.
"It's going to lead to great things for this club in the future and I'm excited to now be a fan and follow the continued growth."
Connor Hedges also spoke about the insights gained from learning about the integration of the club's programs.
"I valued the comprehensive insights provided by Dean Madders and Scott Rollinson regarding the Gold Coast Titans," he said.
"The cohesive marketing strategies and messaging across men's and women's rugby league and netball impressed me, enabling me to discern notable distinctions from American sports."
USF alum Erika Reita is now part of the San Francisco 49ers business strategy analytics team and says the Titans visit was highly valuable as part of her learning and development.
“Visiting the Titans has been a true highlight of our time in Australia," she said.
"While the sporting model here is very different from the United States there’s more commonalities than we would have ever known and so many ways both sides can learn from each other.
"Primarily in women’s sport and through their Leagueability programs the commitment from the Titans on proving exceptional quality opportunities for the entire community to engage in sport is inspiring and I hope to bring some of this passion back home.”
