Sydney Roosters Foundation to be highlighted in Round 24

The Sydney Roosters are proud to announce the Sydney Roosters Foundation as the Match Day Partner for the Club’s Round 24 NRL fixture against the Parramatta Eels at Allianz Stadium this Friday, August 16. 

The match will highlight the important work of the Foundation, which was established in 2021 as the fundraising arm of the Eastern Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club (Sydney Roosters).

The Sydney Roosters Foundation supports vital programs including Junior Rugby League & Pathways, Female Rugby League, Facility Development, and Corporate Social Responsibility. The Foundation's fundraising efforts align with the Easts Group Strategic Plan through four pillars: Our People, Our Future, Our Community, and Our History.

In 2021, 18 dedicated individuals, known as ‘The Founders’, pledged their support to establish the Sydney Roosters Foundation. Their generosity enabled the launch of the first major project under the Our People pillar: the Sydney Roosters Academy.

The vision for the Sydney Roosters Academy was born during a 2020 pre-season trip to Barcelona, inspired by the renowned facilities of FC Barcelona. Much like Barcelona's La Masia, where footballers as young as six are nurtured to become Barcelona footballers, the Sydney Roosters Academy aims to cultivate the next generation of Roosters talent.

Sydney Roosters Chairman Nick Politis AM envisioned a similar success for the Roosters.

“FC Barcelona is the world leader, and we were inspired by the set up at La Masia. Our goal is to establish the Sydney Roosters Academy as the best in Australian Sport,” said Mr Politis.

Established by Roosters greats Mitchell Aubusson and Jake Friend, themselves former teenage recruits to the Club, they have provided unparalleled support to the young players residing in the Roosters Academy House.

Here, players receive comprehensive training, education, and support from former Roosters players including Anthony Minichiello, Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner and Cooper Cronk.

There are 12 players residing in the Roosters Academy House at any one time, living with house parents and guided by full-time high performance coaches as well as dedicated physiotherapy, welfare and medical support.

In 2023, Siua Wong became the first Academy graduate to debut in the NRL, followed by Blake Steep in 2024.

“I’m proud of the way we have grown the Sydney Roosters Academy in just a few short years,” said Sydney Roosters Head of Academy, Jake Friend.

“We are building the next generation of Roosters premiership players, and it’s been very rewarding to see the first of our Academy products progress to the NRL. There’s still a long way to go in our quest to be the benchmark for elite junior player development in Australian sport, and that’s only possible via the continued support of our generous donors,” he added.

The Academy's success is entirely funded through donations via the Australian Sports Foundation. Members and supporters who wish to contribute to the Sydney Roosters Foundation can do so at: roosters.com.au/foundation

As part of the Match Day entertainment, one lucky fan in attendance will win a return trip to Hawaii for two guests thanks to Hawaiian Airlines.