Youth from one of the US's largest housing projects were told of the proud history of Sydney Roosters and pathways to the NRL during a rugby league clinic in Watts.
With Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly in attendance, 17 LA Roosters male and female players hosted a coaching clinic for youth from Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, Watts Rams and Lincoln Rams co-ed youth American football programs.
The Watts Rams, established in 2013 in partnership with the LAPD and Project Blue, provides children with opportunities to excel in both sports and academics, while fostering positive connections between local youth and law enforcement.
The program is proudly supported by the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.
Watts, one of the largest housing project areas in the US, served as a unique and impactful setting for the coaching clinic, offering local youth a much-needed uplifting experience.
The clinic featured skill stations and games of tag rugby league, offering children the chance to interact with LA Roosters players while learning the fundamentals of rugby league.
Kelly personally introduced himself to each child and participated in a Q&A session led by Marc May, GM of the Watts Rams and Executive Director of Project Blue.
Kelly shared insights about the 1908 foundation club's proud history, the opportunities in rugby league, and clarified the differences between rugby league and rugby union, which many Americans mistakenly confuse as one code.
“It was great to see the level of involvement from the LA Roosters players, both male and female, and the enthusiasm from participants in a non-traditional market who are still learning that rugby league is distinct from rugby union,” Kelly said.
“They were eager to learn, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Kelly also discussed the possibility of partnering with Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, which indicated it was planning to introduce a rugby program.
“We see great potential in collaborating with schools like Verbum Dei as we build our West Coast Academy and expand the youth program at the LA Roosters,” Kelly said.
The clinic was a collaboration between the NRL, Sydney Roosters, LA Roosters, LAPD, Watts Rams, and Project Blue, showcasing the Roosters’ commitment to growing rugby league, including in underserved areas like Watts.
The event demonstrated how sport can unite communities, inspire young athletes, and create positive change.
“It was such a great and fulfilling event," LA Roosters coach Emiliano Nash said.
"The ability for our players to give back to the community and help raise awareness for rugby league is something I’ve wanted to implement for some time.
"The support from the Roosters has made this possible, and today’s clinic is just the beginning.”
USARL Chair Matt Goschnick praised the ongoing commitment of Sydney Roosters to develop the game in the United States.
“The Roosters’ dedication to growing rugby league and their involvement on the West Coast is driving a cultural shift and excitement from players," Goschnick said.
"It’s fantastic to see the LA Roosters players giving back to the community and showing such strong commitment to helping grow the game.”
Making the experience even more memorable for the participants, Lieutenant Scott Wilhelm and Sergeant Adam Davidson from the LAPD organised a helicopter flyover with lights and sirens on the final lap.
A representative from the Watts Rams expressed appreciation for the involvement of the Roosters.
“Emiliano, the coaches, and the players ran an impressive rugby league clinic, showing a real willingness to support and inspire these kids,” he said.
