Men of League Foundation Appoint National Sponsorship Manager

Newly appointed Men of League Foundation National Sponsorship Manager Debbie Rowley says she feels plenty of excitement about connecting the Foundation with untapped markets for new opportunities.

New Zealand born and bred, and unsurprisingly a fanatical New Zealand Warriors supporter, Debbie joins the Foundation with a succinct focus on tapping into contacts and forging prosperous relationships for the rugby league charity.

“I don’t think there has been a heavy focus on ongoing relationships in the past so I’m looking forward to getting out there and growing our network to assist our Wellbeing program” Debbie said.

Debbie has come from a role as Director of Partnership & Business Development with Duco Events that focused on managing sponsor acquisition for the NRL Nines, Global Rugby 10s and other major events, including the Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn fight in 2017. Here, she worked alongside former Canberra Raiders and New Zealand International, Dean Lonergan.

Prior to this, she was Head of Business Development at Event Hospitality & Entertainment where Debbie worked with brands such as Event Cinemas, Rydges Hotels & Resorts and Atura Hotels.

She says that the Foundation can count on her to be proactive in her approach to sourcing new sponsors.

“I don’t like sitting down waiting for leads, I get out there and knock on doors for contacts.

“I want to try to recruit sustainable and reputable sponsors that the Foundation can see in the future alongside them. I love rugby league, I grew up with it and working in sport is where I would say I’m at my best,” Debbie concluded.

Debbie was a key instigator in the development of Warrior Nation – a Facebook page that connects New Zealand Warriors fans in Sydney and coordinates sitting together at games to cheer their beloved boys on.

Like a lot of Sydneysiders, Debbie enjoys weekends at the beach during summer and watching copious amounts of rugby league in the winter!

The appointment of a full-time staff member sourcing ongoing funds is an exciting time for the Foundation and we are looking forward to seeing Debbie in action.