The Parramatta Eels Foundation will provide an opportunity for individuals, organisations and philanthropic donors to support the Club and its key projects and programs.
With a focus on three keys areas, the Foundation will support the Club’s Academy & Pathway Programs, the Centre of Excellence (COE) & Community Centre, and Social Impact and Community programs.
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said the Eels Foundation message is simple.
“The Foundation will play a central role in helping our Club provide world class resources and facilities for men’s and women’s Pathways programs and support the important work we do with our community programs to ensure we remain a force for positive social change in Western Sydney,” said Jim.
With an expected completion date of March 2025, the new COE will be the largest rugby league facility in Australia. Emphasising equal access and equal importance, the facility will be a hub for women’s football alongside the men’s football program from Pathways to NRL and NRLW.
Next to the COE will be the Club’s Community Centre which will incorporate facilities for our pathways programs and additional community spaces including cafes, multi-purpose meeting rooms, and a 1500-seat grandstand, with the club estimating that over 65 per cent of the people using the facility will be community and grassroots participants.
It will also be home to junior rugby league, touch football and league tag teams, the NSW Cup and host elite women’s rugby league games, helping to increase participation across all forms of rugby league for boys and girls from grassroots to elite level in one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.
The new headquarters will be more than a training facility. It will showcase the Club’s rich history and be a place to celebrate and welcome the Eels’ community, partners, members and supporters.
Importantly, the Foundation will help support social and community engagement through programs that focus on mental health, respect, celebrating culture and active kids.
The Club has partnered with the Australian Sports Foundation Limited (ASF) which was established in 1986 with the sole purpose of generating funding for the development of sport. The ASF is governed by the Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 which enables it to offer tax deductions for donations of $2 or more.
