Parramatta Eels open world’s largest rugby league Centre

The Parramatta Eels have officially inaugurated the $70 million Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence (COE) and Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre, now recognised as the largest rugby league training precinct worldwide.

This development represents a significant milestone not just for the Eels, but also for the wider Western Sydney community.

Commenting on the inauguration, Parramatta Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos, said: “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.”

He highlighted the centre’s role as a home for the entire Eels family, including past players, members, fans, and the broader Western Sydney community, while expressing gratitude towards the government and local partners for their support.

Federal Member for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, noted that nothing brings people together like sport, and underlining the importance of the facility as a space for connection and spirit.

NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, remarked on the facility’s potential to enhance grassroots opportunities for local youth, specifically noting how it makes the dreams of junior players more attainable.

He affirmed that the Eels now possess one of the top rugby league facilities in the state, bolstering player development pathways.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr. Michelle Byrne, described the facility as a landmark for young footballers, providing them with a world-class environment to hone their skills.

She highlighted the collaborative effort among different government levels to realise this initiative.

Additionally, major sponsor, James Hardie plans to invest in the Centre of Excellence and Community Centre, aiming to foster connections within the broader Western Sydney community.

The project, funded by the NSW and Australian Government, The Hills Shire Council, and Parramatta Leagues Club, features five full-sized rugby league fields and is Australia’s first elite gender-equal facility, ensuring that all training amenities are equally accessible for both men and women involved in NRL, NRLW, and elite pathways.

Adjacent to the COE, the Community Centre will complement the new precinct by offering an international standard match venue, complete with a 1,500-seat grandstand and various multipurpose function and community education rooms. This will enable the Eels to broaden their community programs and initiatives significantly.

This state-of-the-art facility is poised to become a cornerstone for rugby league development in Western Sydney, reflecting a significant investment in the future of both sport and community engagement.

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