Wests Tigers new partnership with Zurich was announced last week at the official opening of the club’s Centre of Excellence, now called the Zurich Centre.
Naming rights to the Zurich Centre for at least the next five years is a key part of the sponsorship, as is Wests Tigers burgeoning Women’s program.
The partnership includes sponsorship of Wests Tigers’ inaugural NRLW team as well as several community initiatives which focus on inclusion and diversity, as well as grassroots development.
Linda Griffin is Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Zurich. She was one of several Zurich representatives at the official launch and says that Wests Tigers women’s programs are at the very core of this new partnership.
“Diversity and inclusion are a really big part of how we want Zurich to be, so supporting not just men but women as well, is really important to us,” Griffin said.
Griffin speaks not just as a brand leader, but as a mother as well.
I have a 13-year-old daughter who aspires to be a footballer one day.
Linda Griffin
“I think it’s wonderful that we can set a great example within the community to help younger people coming through, to really believe that they can achieve greatness as well.”
Griffin says Zurich is delighted to align its brand with Wests Tigers NRLW team in its inaugural season.
“The Zurich Centre is a Centre of Excellence and where great things are going to happen, in both elite sport and in the community.” Griffin said.
“To support the NRLW team in its first year means so much to us. It’s also an opportunity for our customers and partners to see this support here at this wonderful facility. It’s incredible.”
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says having Zurich on board is a proud moment for the club.
“Our partnership with Zurich is enormous for us and for our NRLW team and women’s programs," Pascoe said.
To have a multinational like Zurich choose to align its brand with us is one of the biggest compliments we could get as an organisation.
Justin Pascoe
“We are so fortunate to have a facility that is the envy of other sporting bodies worldwide.”
Tess Staines was a member of this year’s premiership-winning Harvey Norman Women’s team. She says the Zurich Centre is a huge plus for Wests Tigers women’s programs.
“To be able to train at a facility like this, it’s just surreal,” Staines said.
“It’s a privilege to train alongside and use the same facilities as the NRL team, and clearly a lot of thought and planning went into making this happen.
“It’s so special that the women’s game has been able to progress to this level of professionalism.
And thank you to Zurich. This sponsorship is helping us to be the best we can be.”
Tess Staines
The Zurich Centre is part of the $84.5 million Concord Oval and Community Sports Precinct which provides new recreation spaces for the rapidly growing inner west population, including a basketball court, playground, café and community rooms.
The NSW Government contributed $64.6 million towards the precinct redevelopment, including the Wests Tigers Centre of Excellence (Zurich Centre).
Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich Australia & New Zealand) is the local arm of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) – a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. For 100 years, Zurich Australia & New Zealand has combined global expertise with local care to provide leading wealth and insurance solutions for its customers.
