·
What market have they targeted in New York, if
any, with regard to promoting the team?
MB- We’ve definitely focused on the
Brooklyn borough of New York City, with a broader goal of engaging the entire
New York metropolitan area. This is
evident in the club’s mission, “To provide Brooklyn and the greater New York
City metro area with the opportunity to play, spectate and engage in the sport
of Rugby League.”
·
What’s the Castleford connection with the Kings?
MB- Castleford Tigers have played a vital
role in raising the awareness of our brand. Nick Youngquest was the obvious
link, and both Steve Gil and Brett Cullen have been amazing in spreading the
Brooklyn Kings love across the UK. We’ve sold memberships worldwide, the
majority coming from Castleford and nearby areas. Cas fans are one of a kind
and have really thrown their support behind us. Their messages continue to come
in every week, and these are the types of encouragement that make all the hard
work worthwhile. Hopefully we can continue to build on this relationship, and
one day repay Castleford fans with a friendly match in their home town.
·
Given that the rival organization has pretty
much folded, have you had any contact with AMNRL players looking for games?
MB- We haven’t actively approached
AMNRL players, but since there is no other active Rugby League team in New York
this season, we’ve had a few Conneticut Wildcats and New York Knights players
come over and play. We’ve welcomed them with open arms, and many of these guys
are experienced, talented Americans who have played a huge role in developing
the new guys who are playing their very first season of Rugby League.
·
Is there much of a chance of getting the sport
into local schools?
MB- Absolutely. The school where we play at, Midwood High
School, has already approached us to develop a program to implement in 2015.
We’ve also had expressed interest from other schools in Brooklyn. We’re working
closely with the AYRLA to successfully get this program up and running. We
consider grassroots the #1 priority in developing the sport on a national
level.
·
Do you fancy touring Denmark?
MB- Who wouldn’t? Pastries and
Caroline Wozniacki. I’m sold. In all seriousness, tours to various parts of the
globe are a dream and are on the radar when funding allows. We have an exciting
announcement next week regarding the Brooklyn Kings and other parts of the
world. Stay tuned.
·
In a city such as New York, with several
competing sports, what will be the niche for rugby league?
MB- New York loves its sport. Yes,
it is a saturated market, but tickets continue to sell out for just about every
one of those sports. I believe we will find Rugby League fans in American
Football fans, particularly in their off-season, in the same way Australian’s
LOVE watching Cricket in the summer, primarily because the footy (NRL and AFL)
is on break. I think we can fill that sporting void in summer. There are many
similarities between Rugby League and Football, and many Americans comment on
how much more exciting our game is once they get a taste of it. We just need to
get it in their faces. And we are slowly doing so. Additionally, very few
sports call Brooklyn home, so we have a HUGE opportunity to feed that market.
·
What growing amateur sports can you look to for
inspiration?
MB- Definitely Major League Soccer. The MLS
has soared to success in the last ten years or so, and Rugby League should try
and follow a similar model. Following RLIF recognition, funding and media
attention will follow, giving us greater scope for grass roots and development,
and up and away from there. We’re in a good space to follow the path of the
MLS.
·
What area of Brooklyn are you based in?
MB- This year we trained and played out of
Midwood High School. Over the off-season we will re-evaluate where we are at
and move forward with either renewing our agreement of establishing a new
relationship that is more beneficial to the club moving forward.
·
What sports do you look for players?
MB- Any and all. This year alone
we’ve seen Football, Basketball and Soccer players come over in their
off-season, and they’ve all loved it and improved vastly in a short period of
time.
·
Do you think NYC could handle having another
team based in Manhattan/Queens?
MB- I think so. We’ve seen guys travelling
up to two hours for training and games, and we’ve registered nearly 40 players.
That’s just year one. I’d like to see the Brooklyn Kings consolidate their
place in NYC before further teams were added, but down the track I can
definitely see additional teams from Manhattan, Jersey, Connecticut etc. It
would definitely be a positive move for the USARL, as long as the time is right
and as little disruption is caused to existing clubs.
·
What's your 5 year plan?
MB- Our plan this year was to a) be
successful off the field as a business and b) be competitive on the field. I
100% believe we achieved this. Moving forward over the next 4 years I want to
place key emphasis on building our playing group (skills AND team
culture/brotherhood). We’ve successfully built an attractive brand and built
hype in the Rugby League world (Australia, NZ, UK etc). I want to continue
giving back to these fans abroad by implementing innovative ways to interact
with us, both during games and in general. This is a tough challenge, but a fun
project for all of us to work on. Hopefully streaming of games is just around
the corner, as well as live Q&A’s via platforms like UStream. These fans
have been early adopters of the Kings and essentially made this club possible.
I also want to put strong strategy into engaging the local community to build a
following here in Brooklyn and New York that is just as big as our following
overseas. I want to get into schools, attract the students and begin the local
King culture.
·
I'd be interested to know what your budget is,
particularly given the distances you're travelling (Boston, RI, Philly and DC).
How much of this is funded by the players themselves. What revenue streams do
you have?
MB- Players pay dues/fees of $200.
This helps us cover costs for our team kits (which they get to keep at the end
of the season), as well as travel/accommodation to all away games. Other
revenue streams have been via sponsors, Savory Pie Guy, Kent Ale House and
Sixpoint Brewery. Without these guys we wouldn’t be here today. We’ve also had
to get creative with fundraising nights, membership drives and other events.
Our operating budget is quite sizable for a first year team, but we’ve made it
by largely thanks to our fantastic sponsor and member family.
·
Are you from New York or somewhere in Yorkshire?
MB- Neither. I’m originally an Aussie, from
Wollongong, NSW. I’m 24, graduated from a sports business degree in Sydney,
worked for two years in sports sponsorship at the Nine Network, quit my job and
travelled to New York on a working visa. Having played here in 2010, I thought
this time I’d start my own team with fellow previous teammate, Justin Coffman.
·
What impact, if any, did last year's World Cup
have on recruitment, enthusiasm, awareness etc.?
MB- To be honest, very little. Most of my
guys are brand new to the game of Rugby League so had little knowledge of the
world cup. Although, now they definitely aspire to one day represent their
country, which is absolutely achievable.
·
Why Brooklyn and the name kings?
MB- Brooklyn, because I live here
and it is already a global brand. And the Kings because it is Kings County.
Blue and Gold are also the colors of the flag.
·
What is the Status of USARL being sanction from
RLIF?
MB- Currently under application review with
all requirements fulfilled. We’re looking forward to good news any moment now.
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