Local committee expansion is one measure that the Men of League is growing and there are many more indicators hat show the Foundation is on the rise. 2007 saw the largest increase in growth rates since the Foundation’s nception in 2002. Memberships rose by a massive 55% to now exceed 6000 general and associate members. The Foundation has ever received so much media attention, thanks largely to he Men of League Scholarship Scheme and Jim Beam’s oughest Twelve and www.menofleague.com is now averaging over 500 visits per day. hanks to this growth, the Men of League of fice has now outgrown the section of the NRL of fices that we’ve called home for the past six years. I would like to thank David Gallop and his team at the NRL for their support of the Foundation since our inception and for generously welcoming the Men of League as part of their house for
the past four years.
However, due to their own burgeoning staff roster, the NRL were unable to accommodate this growth. We needed new of fice area that could comfortably accommodate at least five staff members and we only had space for two at the NRL’s of fices at The Entertainment Quarter. Our search for a new home had not long started when I raised the topic with Ken Edwards, CEO of ANZ Stadium (formerly Telstra Stadium). Ken was very enthusiastic about the thought of the Men of League moving to the Olympic Stadium precinct at Hombush Bay and immediately offered some office space on level three of the eastern Grandstand.
On first inspection it became apparent that ANZ Stadium was perfect for the Men of League Foundation and Ken even offered a parking space for the newly purchased Men of League bus. The Foundation would like to thank Ken Edwards and Darryl Kerry, ANZ Stadium’s Operation’s Manager, for their generous offer.
This is an exciting time for the Men of League and our members. I would like to extend my warmest regards for the festive season and I look forward to watching the Centenary of the Game in 2008.
Ron Coote AM – President