Roosters, Beetson Foundation combine with LAPD for youth initiative

Arthur Beetson's legacy is set to continue in the United States as the Roosters combine with Los Angeles Police Department for a coaching clinic ahead of the NRL’s season opening double-header at Allegiant Stadium.

It is the second year that Sydney Roosters and LA Roosters have partnered with the LAPD Community Safety Partnership Bureau and Project Blue to deliver rugby league skills and drills to children in Watts.

The Arthur Beetson Foundation, created in honour of Australia’s first Aboriginal sporting captain and one of four inaugural Rugby League Immortals to support Indigenous Australians in health, education, sport, employment and business development, will also be involved.

"It's once again fantastic to be partnering with the Los Angeles Police Department and Project Blue to connect with the kids in the Watts neighbourhood of Los Angeles through a rugby league clinic,” Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said.

“This year we are fortunate to have members of the Arthur Beetson Foundation join us in the delivery of this clinic. Artie is obviously synonymous with the Roosters and to have the boys’ support this event will add significantly to the experience for the kids.

“Not only will we be teaching the basics of Rugby League, we will also add some cultural elements to the day through the Arthur Beetson Foundation's involvement.

“The word has spread from last year and we are seeing increased interest in participation for the event on February 22."

Former NRL player and NRLW coach Dean Widders, a driving force for Indigenous rugby league, will help take the sessions, along with Sydney Roosters pathways coach Mark Beetson.

The pair recently worked together as coaches of the NSW U16s Indigenous team that toured Vanuatu.

The USARL, of whom Kelly is a director, are also involved, along with LA Roosters, which the Sydney-based club took over after seeing the potential for the game in the United States following their involvement in the NRL’s first Vegas venture in 2024.

The coaching session will be hosted by Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, with players and coaches from the school’s recently established rugby union program in attendance.

The Roosters, along with the NRL, have provided balls for the participants. 

“It’s an opportunity to have some fun with some kids, give them a taste of rugby league and hopefully grow the sport over there on behalf of USA Rugby League,” Beetson said.

“It also aligns with our values of diversity and culture and the opportunity to support the growth of the game. It is not just rugby league itself, but what it brings to people and communities.

“As a foundation we are very honoured to have been asked to participate and to continue Dad’s legacy in the community, especially in the USA. To partner with the LA Roosters, LAPD, Project Blue and the NRL is a massive honour.”

The partnership between the Roosters and the Los Angeles Police Department Community Safety Partnership Bureau was initiated by NRL Security Manager and Senior Investigator Ben Sharkey, via a contact at the LAPD.

Project Blue is one of the LAPD CSPB's most trusted and impactful partners and works to foster positive relationships between community members and law enforcement officers, who serve as mentors and coaches within programs like Watts Rams – adopted by LA Rams.

“This collaboration created a natural bridge between professional sport, mentorship, and community engagement,” LAPD Community Safety Partnership Bureau Police Officer Melissa Ohana said.

“Interacting with NRL players and coaches also provides a rare opportunity to engage with different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, encouraging curiosity, understanding, and connection.”

Kelly said Sydney Roosters had shown their commitment to acknowledging and supporting NSW Emergency Services through the annual Sydney Roosters Emergency Services round.

“It's great that we can extend this support to the LAPD and their Community Safety Partnership Bureau through our LA Roosters club,” Kelly said.

“Seeing first hand last year the outstanding work that Project Blue undertakes in these vulnerable communities in conjunction with the LAPD CSPB, we are delighted to be supporting them with a sports-based experience that is bespoke and unique for the kids in the Project Blue programs, as well as those at the High School.”

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