GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – March 18th, 2024 – In a landmark collaboration, Playbk Sports and the Gold Coast Titans have united their expertise to launch a transformative technology focused initiative aimed at fostering inclusive sports education. This partnership will see the development of the Titans Learning Management System (LMS) and the rollout of their pioneering eLearning program – LeagueAbility.
LeagueAbility: Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers
LeagueAbility, a groundbreaking program focused on enabling people with disabilities to participate in Rugby League, will undergo a digital transformation having built a strong foundation of content and resourcing in its formative years of development. In the five years since its inception, the in-person program has witnessed a remarkable 425% increase in participation, underscoring the significance of genuine engagement and inclusive opportunities within the community.
To propel the program further and extend its reach to a broader audience, Playbk Sports will leverage cutting-edge technology to develop an innovative LMS. This platform will serve as a blueprint for Rugby League clubs across Queensland, providing an accessible and inclusive framework for starting similar programs. The online educational program will efficiently address the educational and resource needs, paving the way for thousands of Australians to participate in inclusive Rugby League initiatives.
Renee Cohen, General Manager of Community and Game Development at Gold Coast Titans, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration with Playbk Sports aligns with our commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. The Titans Learning Management System will be a game-changer, empowering our community to break down barriers and embrace the joy of sports.”
“The partnership with Playbk Sports signifies our dedication to innovation and inclusivity. The Titans Learning Management System and the digitisation of LeagueAbility will not only benefit participants but also strengthen the fabric of our community by fostering a culture of accessibility and education.”
Steve Mitchell, CEO at Gold Coast Titans
Jon Shepherd, Co-founder of Playbk Sports, is excited at the prospect of the Queensland headquartered company partnering with another Queensland based professional team on such an important area of sports participation. “At Playbk Sports, we believe in the power of technology to drive positive change. The collaboration with Gold Coast Titans is testament to our commitment to enhancing sports education and fostering inclusivity. We are excited to embark on this journey and contribute to the growth of Rugby League programs in Queensland and eventually nationwide.”
A Blueprint for Inclusive Rugby League Programs
The online educational platform developed through this partnership aims to upskill and increase the volunteer base of community clubs, ultimately fostering greater Rugby League participation among Australians with disabilities. By breaking down barriers through the educational platform, the inclusive initiative will showcase the community engagement opportunities the Gold Coast Titans are striving to achieve whilst also connecting to more fans and participants, with the ultimate aim of contributing to the expansion and sustainability of the LeagueAbility program.
To support the efficacy of the online content and learn more about participant engagement and outcomes Griffith University will be leading a research project into the LeagueAbility program. Renowned sports education researcher Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou will lead the research project, working closely alongside the Playbk Sports and Gold Coast Titans staff.
As we embark on this transformative journey, we recognise the support of the Queensland Government’s ActiveKIT (Knowledge Innovation Technology) program for their pivotal Round 2 funding. This project aligns seamlessly with ActiveKIT’s mission of improving health and physical activity options for people in Queensland through innovative products and leveraging technology as a catalyst for change.
Join Playbk Sports and the Gold Coast Titans in creating a more accessible and inclusive sporting landscape. Stay tuned for updates on how we’re revolutionising inclusive sports education and making a lasting impact.
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About Gold Coast Titans
The Gold Coast Titans are a professional rugby league football club, based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The club competes in the National Rugby League premiership, Australia’s elite rugby league competition. Since 2008, the Titans have played their home games at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina, Queensland.
About Playbk Sports
In 2015, Playbk Sports founders, good mates Damian Hecker and Jon Shepherd, set out to build an education experience without compromise.
They were tired of clunky PowerPoint Presentation, outdated PDF documents and people in regional areas missing out.
So, they sourced the best technology and built the most immersive online experience they could imagine – Improving Sport for People with an Intellectual Disability – and since then, they’ve built even more products to stand up to technology demands and needs of modern learners of top-tier sports.
Today, we’re trusted by the biggest teams in sport, including the National Football League (NFL) and clients across the Australian Football league (AFL), National Rugby League (NRL), National Basketball League (NBL), Suncorp Super Netball, as well as AusCycling and Special Olympics Australia who form part of a global movement for people with an intellectual disability.
At Playbk Sports, we give world-wide fans what they want – closer access to the sports they love.
