Bulldogs and Western Sydney University join forces for social change

The Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Western Sydney University have unveiled details of a unique program using sport and education to promote social inclusion for high school students.

The Be All In program gives students an opportunity to participate in sport, with an educational component covering topics like building social harmony, and valuing self esteem and diversity. 

The program targets:

• students who have shown an interest in sport but don't have the confidence to become involved
• students from refugee backgrounds who could benefit from sport as a means to join in conversations and activities with other students
• female students from strict cultural backgrounds where girls participation in sport isn't encouraged (parents are invited to be a part of the programme),
• high needs students who could use sport to help them keep focused in class

Wiley Park Girls High School, Bankstown Girls High School, Belmore Boys High School and Sir Joseph Banks High School are the first schools to participate in the program.

Be All In is the flagship program of a multi-faceted partnership forged this year between the University and the Bulldogs which also involves:

• the organisations working together to develop advocacy campaigns for regionally focused community issues
• the development of mutually beneficial research projects
• Bulldogs players and staff presented with career development and educational opportunities
• potential internship opportunities at the Bulldogs for WSU students
• discount and other incentives across both organisations
• Bulldogs merchandise sold at WSU Campuses
• scholarship opportunities

Moses Mbye has become the first player to take up the educational opportunities offered by the partnership, commencing a Bachelor of Business this semester.  

Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle says this is a significant partnership for the Bulldogs.

"Western Sydney University and the Canterbury Bulldogs are two major institutions in Sydney's west that value the importance of education and social inclusion," says Raelene Castle.

"By combining our knowledge and skills we expect this partnership to have a positive impact on the communities we represent. "

"A big part of the partnership will see WSU researchers monitoring the impact of our Bulldogs programs so we can better understand the role Rugby League can play in effecting social change."

Western Sydney University Deputy Vice Chancellor Scott Holmes says the program is a fantastic opportunity for the University and the Bulldogs.

"Through this joint research, we can understand the impact programs like 'Be All In' have on social inclusion," he says.

"It's the way we do research at Western, working with influential organisations like the Bulldogs to understand our community and change it."

Ends

15 August 2016

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer