Parramatta Eels Launch Eels Institute to Develop Future Sports Industry Leaders

The Parramatta Eels have announced the launch of the Eels Institute, an educational initiative designed to support and develop the next generation of sports industry professionals.

Delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland, the program blends nationally recognised qualifications with immersive, practical experience inside a professional sporting organisation.

Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos, said the launch of the Eels Institute reflects the Club’s commitment to community development and education beyond the field.

TAFE Queensland Academy of sport manager, Don Harley, welcomed the partnership, noting the value of building pathways into the sports industry.

“The sporting world is an exciting place to work. Partnering with the Eels allows us to expand opportunities for students to gain meaningful industry experience in one of the country’s best sports facilities.”

In an NRL first, students enrolling in the Eels Institute will have the opportunity to complete one of two Dual Diploma programs:

• Diploma of Sport + Diploma of Leadership and Management
• Diploma of Sport + Diploma of Project Management

The programs will be based at the Eels’ James Hardie Centre of Excellence and the Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre, the club’s world-class high-performance facility in Kellyville.

Over the course of the program, students will undertake up to 100 hours of real-world work experience, rotating through key departments across the Club.

This hands-on exposure will allow students to build skills in strategic planning, team leadership, communication, operations, and project delivery—directly within an elite sporting environment.

To further support talent development, the Eels have committed to offering a minimum of two full-time employment opportunities to high-achieving graduates from each cohort.

Students will also have pathways to further university study through TAFE Queensland’s partner network. Importantly, no ATAR is required, making the program accessible to motivated students from all backgrounds.