The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs together with Vari Group, is pleased to announce a new and first-of-its-kind partnership in the Club’s Women’s Pathways and Development space.
The agreement sees Vari Group become the Bulldogs’ Official Women's Pathway Partner, with the Group’s logo set to feature on the playing shorts of all of female players within the Club’s grades – from the Lisa Faiola Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership squad sides.
The partnership is the Club’s first and largest sponsorship agreement to be made specifically in female rugby league pathways and development and is a testament to Vari Group's commitment to promoting gender equality and providing a platform for female athletes to reach their full potential.
Vari Group is a privately owned labour hire and traffic management company. The Group is highly regarded for its’ excellence, quality standards, competence, and compliance. Now too, it will be regarded in rugby league for its’ provision of opportunity to talented female juniors.
Vari Group Becomes Official Women's Pathway Partner
Bulldogs Chief Executive Aaron Warburton thanked Vari Group for their ground-breaking support, saying it was wonderful to see this level of sponsorship in the female program:
“The significance of this investment by the Vari Group is unparalleled. All funds provided by the Group will go directly to the growth of the women’s program and by extension, the game.
“Our current players will benefit greatly from the support as will a new breed of talented individuals coming through our Bulldogs Academy programs and development squads. The support will enable even more talented, local female juniors to prosper and be provided with more opportunities to advance their game,” he said.
By partnering with the Bulldogs Academy in female pathways and development, Vari Group aims to provide young female athletes with the support and resources they need to achieve their goals. As part of the sponsorship, funding will be utilised to develop a new and innovative scholarship program – The Elite Pup’s Academy - for females across the Club’s catchment areas in NSW, QLD and New Zealand.
Furthermore, Vari Group is dedicated to developing a platform to upskill and promote female construction workers and will use its company as a vehicle to promote women in construction by offering opportunities to players. By supporting female athletes and workers, Vari Group is striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and to support the development of female athletes,” said, Masen Haddad, Business Development Manager of Vari Group.
“At Vari Group, we believe in creating opportunities for women to succeed, and this sponsorship is just one way we are fulfilling that commitment.”
Bulldogs General Manager of Female Pathways and Junior League, Barry Ward added: “Canterbury is focused on building the women’s game from the bottom up. We are implementing the right pathways across the game and investing in grassroots and talent development.
“The support of Vari Group means greater opportunity for our female teams, as well as investment that will enable us to provide them with greater facilities, equipment, servicing, coaching and high-performance support to not only be successful sportspeople, but to sustain success at an elite level.
“Vari Group has demonstrated their dedication to supporting the next generation of female rugby league players and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Bulldogs family”.
The Bulldogs and Vari Group are expected to unveil more details regarding the exclusive scholarship program (The Elite Pup’s Academy) in the coming months.
