The Parramatta Eels are thrilled to announce that Peter Sterling has joined the Club as an Ambassador of the Eels Foundation.
A four-time Premiership winner for the Club, and a Parramatta Eels legend, Peter Sterling also represented New South Wales and Australia. During his illustrious career, Sterling earned two Dally M Medals, the Adidas Golden Boot, he is the first winner of the Clive Churchill Medal and was subsequently inducted into the Eels Hall of Fame and NRL Hall of Fame.
While touring the new Centre of Excellence at Kellyville Park set to open early next year, Sterling said he was thrilled about the direction the Club is heading in.
“It’s an exciting new era here at the Eels. Members, fans and partners have the opportunity to support the long-term future and legacy of the Club, to ensure that we remain one of the strongest sporting organisations in the country for years to come, both on and off the field.
“We are more than football, we are a community, and the Foundation will help support social and community engagement. Our aim is to create a meaningful and long-lasting impact on our community, like we have done for generations,” said Sterling.
Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said, "It’s truly wonderful for the Club to have an Eels legend like Peter Sterling come on board as an Ambassador of the Foundation. We are incredibly proud to work alongside him as we start a new chapter.
“His legacy and connection to the Parramatta Eels are unparalleled, and his involvement will play a key role in helping us achieve our vision for the future. Peter’s passion for the Club and rugby league makes him the perfect Ambassador for the Foundation as we work towards creating a strong, sustainable future for the Eels,” added Sarantinos.
The Parramatta Eels Foundation will support key projects and programs across three areas, the Club’s Academy & Pathway Programs, Football Facilities and Infrastructure including the Centre of Excellence (COE) & Community Centre, and Social Impact and Community programs.
With an expected completion date of March 2025, the new COE will be the largest rugby league facility in Australia. It will provide a world class training facility for NRL, NRLW and our elite pathway and academy programs, all training together under one roof - as one club.
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.
Learn more about the Eels Foundation at parraeels.com.au
Replies
Good news just got the email from club as well . Be good to see him finally involved with the club again
Great to see him involved but why did it take so long??
Didn't want anything to do with the former coach.
Yeah just saw the email - good work - and abt time. I wonder if this is a Ryles push?
It's another great initiative that Ryles has brought into this club. The first thing he spoke about was to bring the community and the club together, and involving the great players from the past.
Another great step towards making the Eels great again, pardon the pun
All this is aknowledged but to be realistic I think this has been driven by Jim Saratinos and the board and whilst the " Ryles Era" is a catalyst, I doubt if Ryles himself has given it nothing but support, not instigation.
Yes I agree popp. But I'm betting that the previous coach' wouldn't havewanted anyone close to the club who was powerful enough to undermine his chances of staying as long as he could.
No past players were invited to be around the club whilst ba was around
Poppa, of this is Jim's work then I have to ask why wasn't this done in previous years? Are you implying that BA was a road block...?
My feelings are that all the Indications are that it may be thecase
Or Jim and Sean had a timid approach approach, can't see why a CEO or Chairman couldn't or didn't pull BA into line..