'More than a football club': Bulldogs chasing success on and off the field

The Bulldogs are confident off-field investment in community programs will translate to on-field results as they continue to expand their Game-Changers initiative. 

The school program was first launched last year and reached a major milestone on Monday morning when it was formally recognised by the Department of Education.

Premier Chris Minns was on hand for the announcement and praised the program for helping prepare students for life after graduation. 

Bulldogs pathways players also progress through the Game-Changers program, while senior squad members conduct a number of educational modules throughout the NRL season.

While addressing students at an event at Canterbury League Club on Monday, Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould said the initiative reflects the organisation's commitment to preparing youngsters for the challenges of adult life. 

"We're far more than just a football team," Gould said. "This is far more than just a leagues club and a football club. We are a platform for community engagement. 

"We're working with so many different departments to help them engage with the people they need to engage with. 

"The Game-Changers program is a small part of the community offering we have, a small part of the educational plans. To have it endorsed by the education department, the police department, to have the Defence Force here today, shows you how many people are now recognising what these programs can do."

Game Changers is a Bulldogs initiative that equips students with vital life skills. Participants complete education courses across seven subjects; mental health, physical health, financial literacy, safe social media use, road safety, career planning, and leadership.

The program solidifies the Bulldogs position as a community club and has received positive reviews from students, schools and local organisations.

The expansion of Game Changers comes amid a difficult season on the field for Canterbury, who have battled a heavy injury toll and currently sit 14th on the ladder. 

While on-field results are key, Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warbuton said his club will never lose focus on community initiatives. 

"Any player that has something other than football will generally have a better, longer career," Warburton said. "They'll pop out the other side a more well-rounded person as opposed to just an athlete.

"The skills they pick up tend to be well-rounded as opposed to one dimensional, so we see better athletes, we see people that know what they're doing after football being a lot more themselves in and around our four walls. 

"Winning on the field is our priority, we'll never shy away from that, however having complementary programs, that one as a business make us money so we can invest in football, but just as importantly what we do off the field. 

"We call it winning off the field. It's far more controllable than what happens in that 80 minutes. We just make sure we get as many of those wins off the field as possible while replicating that on the field."