The North Melbourne Football Club has strengthened its ties with the state of Utah after meeting with one of the region’s most iconic brands, the Utah Jazz.

A selection of Kangaroos’ staff, including Sales and Sponsorship manager Adam Aiello and external executives Gordon Hoen and Grant Cairns, travelled to Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City on Thursday to meet with key Jazz personnel in an effort to better understand the international sporting landscape and share ideas.

The Utah Jazz plays in the Northwest division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and has a rich and proud history.

Director of Communications Jonathan Rinehart facilitated an initial meeting between North staff, Jazz President Randy Rigby and Vice-president of Sales and Marketing Jim Olson.

After an hour and a half long discussion, the North representatives were taken on an extensive tour of the basketball team’s training facility which is situated about three kilometres away.

The Roos’ Medical and Strength and Conditioning team comprising Steve Saunders, Peter Mulkearns, Dan Bates, Jona Segal and Dan Meehan took a look at the Jazz’s medical and treatment rooms before inspecting the gym.

Utah Strength and Conditioning coach Mark McKown answered questions about the team’s training programs and protocols and also took a keen interest in AFL - something many Americans know very little about.

Jazz Head Coach Tyrone Corbin also spoke to the group at length and was only too happy to share information and ideas with Shane Watson, Jon Haines and Jason Lappin about on-court related issues and player management.

To finish off what was a valuable experience for all involved, dinner with Rinehart, assistant coach Scott Layden and director of Basketball operations Richard Smith was held at a local Italian restaurant.

The North Melbourne Football Club wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the Utah Jazz for opening its doors and its incredible hospitality.