The Parramatta Eels today officially opened the $70m Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence (COE) and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre, the largest rugby league training precinct in the world, marking a transformative milestone for the Club and the broader Western Sydney community.
Funded by the NSW and Australian Government, The Hills Shire Council and Parramatta Leagues Club, the precinct features five full-sized rugby league fields and is the first gender-equal elite facility in Australia with all training facilities replicated for men and women across NRL, NRLW and Elite Pathways programs.
The Community Centre, which stands beside the COE will be part of an international standard match venue with a 1,500-seat grandstand and multi-purpose function and community education rooms to enable the Club to expand its community programs and initiatives
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said:
“This marks a transformative moment for the Club and our community. The Centre of Excellence will provide Eels men’s, women’s and pathways programs with world-class resources and the environment they need to thrive, while increasing participation across all forms of rugby league in one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.
“Most importantly, it will be a home for the entire Parramatta Eels family, including past players, members, fans, partners and the wider Eels and Western Sydney community. We sincerely thank the NSW State and Australian Government, the Hills Shire Council and Parramatta Leagues Club for their investment and continued support.”
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Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton said:
“Nothing brings people together like sport, and we’re proud to have backed the delivery of a space where connection, opportunity and community spirit can thrive. It’s inclusive, it’s local, it’s Eels—and it’s everything we’re proud of in Parramatta.”
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"The opening of the Eels’ Centre of Excellence and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre is a game-changing facility for the community.
“The dreams of junior boys and girls at the Wentworthville Magpies or Rouse Hill Rhinos of wearing the Eels jersey have become more attainable with the completion of this facility.
“The Eels now boast one of the leading rugby league facilities in NSW, improving male and female pathways and player development for the community of Western Sydney.”
Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Michelle Byrne said:
“The new Centre of Excellence and Community Centre is a landmark facility for our region—providing young footballers with a world-class facility to train, compete, and chase their dreams. The next Mitchell Moses could very well begin their journey right here,” Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said.
“This project is a great example of all three levels of government working together with a leading sporting organisation to deliver outstanding outcomes for our growing community and the ever-popular—and rapidly growing—rugby league.
“Council has played a key role in this development, delivering new playing fields, a 250-space car park, and a new access road from Stone Mason Drive.
“This is part of Council’s broader commitment to creating Centres of Excellence across a range of popular sports—ensuring our community has access to premier facilities, inspiring participation, and supporting grassroots sports. It is an investment in the future of sport and about providing clear pathways for our local talents to reach the pinnacle of their sporting endeavours.”
Parramatta Leagues Club Chairman Greg Monaghan said:
“Congratulations to the Eels on the incredible achievement of launching this world-class Centre of Excellence. As the cornerstone of our Parra Group—now proudly representing 100,000 members—our shared commitment to Rugby League, sport, and community has never been stronger.
“Together, we contribute over $1 million annually to support local initiatives, and the Centre of Excellence is a significant extension of that commitment. We are extremely proud of the positive and lasting impact this facility will have on our community.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Federal and State Governments and The Hills Shire Council for their vision and foresight in backing a project that will benefit generations to come.”
Parramatta Eels major sponsor James Hardie will invest in the Centre of Excellence and Community Centre with initiatives aimed at connecting the broader Western Sydney community.
James Hardie APAC President John Arneil said:
‘As a company with deep roots in the local area, we believe in building a better future for all, not just through our products, but by investing in the communities where we live, work, and play."
Image gallery: https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2025/05/22/gallery--parramatta-eels-centre-of-excellence/
Replies
Is it just me or does 70 million seem quite cheap in 2025 ?
Just think 60 odd DB's for 10 years Wizzy.
PS I think the land was a gift and that alone would be worth that.....the airport next to ground was also a gift Wiz, just for you so you can go through the transit terminal for the long haul to Parramatta Stadium when you arive from the faraway place you hang out with your team of Zac Lomax's. LOL
The club is coming good. Pathways are working, unbeliebavle talentt coming through in both girls and guys. Facilities excellent and tthe best thing for me is every part of the building is embracing our past and our brand. Gym equipment branded with eels stamps. I think it wont be too long before we get that core group of 4-5 juniors hitting NRL at teh same time, same trajectory and making an impact our chances of winning competitions.
You are right PT but unlike that "core of rememberance" these blokes will want to be paid. Every junior we produce will be monitored by the non development clubs and paid more than us because we feed a broad base whereas they cherry pick.
Taking your point just the same, we are and will overcome that.....it just may quieten that view that Parra is a backwater and not an unattractive station.
NIce one.....Looks the goods now to translate to runs on the board
Truly amazing facilities. This is what the Eels setting the standard looks like and this is a massive win and should be celebrated. This is what we can achieve when we put professionals in charge of the club.
Now for the footy results to follow.
Hopefully James Hardie weren't too involved with the build. Otherwise don't breathe deeply... 😂
This facility potentially is a game changer for the Eels as a club there's nothing like having a one stop shop training and rehab facility under one roof.I've seen this in the new facility the Hurricanes operate out of here in Wgtn NZ.
All the Eels have to do is maximise it now but if done correctly with the right people the only way is up for the club operating and using a facility like this.It's a as mentioned a game changer.
Parra needs to be a top eight or better side to have good juniors wanting to further their career with the Eels. Good juniors will favor sides who can enhance their skill base and enjoyment of feeling success. I am sure if Gould was after Galvin he would be pushing Bulldogs position on the ladder compared to the Eels as a sales pitch
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