City of Parramatta has renewed its partnership with the Parramatta Eels for a further three years, with an increased focus on delivering positive outcomes for the local community.
Endorsed by Council last night, the renewed partnership will deliver expanded community programs with more free sporting clinics, opportunities for women and girls, new multicultural initiatives and opportunities to promote the City’s attractions.
Council will invest $250,000 per year in the partnership, building on its successful relationship with the Parramatta Eels since 2024 with a stronger focus on community programs, including additional clinics, events and activations during Multicultural Round and opportunities for emerging female leaders in Western Sydney.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Cameron MacLean said the renewed partnership puts community outcomes at its heart while strengthening Parramatta’s position as a leading destination for sport and entertainment.
“The Parramatta Eels are part of the fabric of our City, and this renewed partnership is about harnessing the power of sport to create opportunities and deliver meaningful benefits for our community,” Cr MacLean said.
“We’ve taken the learnings from the past three years to strengthen the partnership’s focus on community, including an additional after-school Youth on Track program for underprivileged children and doubling the investment in the Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship.
“We’ve also reduced our financial investment towards the partnership, while enhancing the community programs that have proven they make a positive difference to our community over the past three years.
“Parramatta’s becoming the home of sport and entertainment and this partnership with Parramatta Eels is also about bringing visitors to our City, while promoting the events, attractions and experiences we have on offer.”
Parramatta Eels Chief Commercial Officer Daniel Clifford said the Club was proud to continue its partnership with City of Parramatta.
“Parramatta is at the heart of who we are as a Club, and we’re proud to continue working with the City of Parramatta to give back to the community we call home,” Mr Clifford said.
“This partnership allows us to use our collective strength as organisations to create meaningful opportunities for local young people, women and our diverse communities, whether that’s through grassroots clinics, education and development programs or bringing people together through events.
“We’re excited to build on what we’ve achieved together and strengthen the connection between the Eels, the City and the Parramatta community over the next three years.”
The renewed partnership will deliver:
- 21 sporting clinics, including 18 Parra Play clinics in schools and three school holiday clinics, giving more local children and young people opportunities to participate in sport
- An additional after-school Youth on Track program, running for a term each year and supporting underprivileged children and young people
- Increased investment in the Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship, creating more educational and networking opportunities for women
- Multicultural community events, clinics and activations during NRL Multicultural Round, celebrating community leaders and their cultural contributions to Parramatta
- Player appearances connecting the Parramatta Eels with the local community
- Tickets for community members to experience Parramatta Eels games
- Cross-promotion of major Parramatta events and initiatives, helping showcase the city’s offerings and drive visitation.
