Budget Direct Delivers Major Boost to Victorian Grassroots Rugby League Through the Budget Direct Storm in Your Club

Melbourne Storm and Budget Direct are continuing to invest in the future of rugby league, providing a major boost to grassroots clubs across Victoria through the Budget Direct Storm in Your Club program.

As part of the program, Budget Direct has supplied 21 Victorian rugby league clubs with custom club marquees and goal post pads, that have been co-branded with the individual club's name.

The initiative reflects Budget Direct's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and strengthening grassroots rugby league, ensuring clubs have the resources they need both on and off the field.

"We’re thrilled to be part of rugby league’s growth story in Victoria,” said Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer at Budget Direct. 

 “Investment at the grassroots level is not only vital to the development of our future NRL players, but also supports healthy children and positive community connections,” Kerr added. 

 “We want to ensure when kids watch Melbourne Storm play they have a chance to get out there and give it a go themselves.

Through the Budget Direct Storm in your Club program, we’re providing clubs with the equipment and resources they need to support this growing momentum and help their communities thrive."

The presentation of the new club assets coincides with the return of Melbourne Storm's annual Storm in Your Club program, now proudly presented by Budget Direct, which sees Storm players and staff visit clubs across Victoria throughout the season.

Delivered in partnership with NRL Victoria, the Budget Direct Storm in your Club gives young players the opportunity to train alongside their rugby league heroes while taking part in skills, drills and development sessions at their local club.

NRL Victoria, Operations and Game Development Manager, Ben Jack said, “It's been great to see this initiative come to life, the support that Melbourne Storm and Budget Direct have given our local clubs this year has been amazing and seeing these marquees and post pads out on the field tops it off.

After breaking our registration record this year, NRL Victoria are really excited to see where this leads to for our Storm Premiership and Storm Junior League clubs in the future.”

Each year, Melbourne Storm and NRL Victoria work together to identify clubs across the state that will benefit from the initiative. The Budget Direct Storm in Your Club provides junior players with unforgettable experiences while helping grow the game by strengthening connections between the elite and grassroots levels.

“The support from Budget Direct this year has been great. The equipment provided has enhanced our player safety and enabled us to expand facilities available to the club.  It’s great to know we are supported at our grass roots level of the game,” said Andrew Neaves Club President at Sunbury United Tigers Rugby League Club. 

"Your thoughtful support enabled the Sunshine Cowboys to continue to fuel its passion for rugby league, and keep our membership active, whilst being recognised by the wider community. Thank you, Budget Direct,” said Marlane Hurinui Club President Sunshine Cowboys Rugby League Club.

This year has also marked a historic milestone for NRL Victoria, which has surpassed its all-time participation record with 6,250 registered participants across the state.

The achievement reflects the continued growth of rugby league across schools, clubs, community programs and participation initiatives throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria, demonstrating the impact of programs such as Budget Direct Storm in Your Club in inspiring the next generation of players and strengthening local communities.

Through the combined support of Budget Direct, Melbourne Storm and NRL Victoria, local clubs across Victoria continue to receive meaningful investment that will benefit players, volunteers and communities for years to come.

Originally published on melbournestorm.com.au