Celebrations: Mitchell moses Eels officially takes much-awaited step as they Launch the Eels Institute: A New Pathway to Careers in Sport and Business_In a groundbreaking move that cements their commitment to both the community and the future of the sports industry_the project is set to be fully commissioned in the following date…

Celebrations: Mitchell moses Eels officially takes much-awaited step as they Launch the Eels Institute: A New Pathway to Careers in Sport and Business_In a groundbreaking move that cements their commitment to both the community and the future of the sports industry_the project is set to be fully commissioned in the following date…

 

In a groundbreaking move that cements their commitment to both the community and the future of the sports industry, the Parramatta Eels have officially launched the Eels Institute, an innovative educational initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of sports and business professionals.

This landmark program — the first of its kind in the club’s history — marks a bold step toward bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience in the world of professional sport. Delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland, the Eels Institute offers students the opportunity to study for a Dual Diploma that combines the rigour of nationally recognised qualifications with the excitement and authenticity of hands-on experience inside one of Australia’s most iconic rugby league organisations.

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A Vision for the Future of Sport and Education

The Eels Institute has been designed to go beyond traditional classroom learning. It represents a holistic approach to professional development, one that aligns with the Eels’ long-term vision of cultivating leadership, resilience, and innovation both on and off the field.

Through this partnership with TAFE Queensland, students will gain a Dual Diploma of Sport and Business, a program crafted to provide not just theoretical understanding but practical insights into the daily operations of a top-tier sporting club. Participants will have access to the club’s facilities, management teams, and event operations, allowing them to see firsthand how a professional sports organisation runs from the inside out.

The initiative also aims to support young people in Western Sydney and beyond by creating pathways to meaningful careers — not only in sport but across the broader business landscape. Whether it’s sports management, marketing, administration, event planning, or community engagement, the Eels Institute opens doors to an array of professional opportunities.

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Bridging the Gap Between Education and the Sporting World

Speaking at the official launch, Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos described the Eels Institute as “a defining moment for our club and our community.”

> “We’ve always believed that sport is more than just what happens on the field,” Sarantinos said. “It’s about inspiring people, creating opportunities, and investing in the next generation. The Eels Institute allows us to do exactly that — to nurture future leaders who understand both the business and the heart behind professional sport.”

 

Through structured learning and real-world placements, students will develop key skills in leadership, strategy, and collaboration. Each module has been carefully designed to reflect the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the modern sports industry.

TAFE Queensland’s Chief Executive, Mary Campbell, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting how it aligns with TAFE’s mission of delivering education that drives careers and community growth.

> “The partnership with the Parramatta Eels demonstrates what’s possible when education and industry work together,” Campbell said. “The Eels Institute will empower students with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to excel in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.”

 

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Immersive Learning: Inside the Eels’ Operations

One of the most unique aspects of the Eels Institute is the immersive nature of the program. Students will engage directly with various departments across the club, from marketing and communications to membership services, operations, and community engagement.

They’ll gain exposure to the pressures and rewards of working within a professional sporting organisation — planning major game-day events, managing partnerships, assisting in promotional campaigns, and even participating in community outreach initiatives.

The Eels’ CommBank Stadium, home to thousands of passionate fans, will serve as both classroom and laboratory — a real-world environment where theory meets practice. Students will have access to mentorship opportunities with senior club executives and department heads, as well as guest lectures from industry experts.

This blend of practical and academic learning is what truly sets the Eels Institute apart. It’s a model that ensures graduates emerge not only qualified but ready — equipped with the experience, confidence, and insight to make an immediate impact in their chosen fields.

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Creating Pathways Beyond the Game

While the Eels Institute naturally appeals to those aspiring to careers in sport, its reach extends far beyond the playing field. The Dual Diploma equips students with skills that are transferable across a range of industries — from corporate management and event production to marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship.

For the Parramatta Eels, this initiative represents a natural evolution of their role as a community leader. The club has long been involved in grassroots development, youth mentorship, and social impact programs. The Eels Institute now adds an educational dimension to that legacy, reinforcing the club’s belief in lifelong learning and professional growth.

> “Our players inspire on the field, but we also want to inspire beyond it,” said Eels General Manager of Community and Game Development, Chris O’Brien. “We want to help build the kind of future where young Australians can thrive — not just as athletes, but as professionals and leaders. The Eels Institute is our investment in that vision.”

 

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An Opportunity for Everyone

The Eels Institute is open to students from across Australia, with flexible learning options that cater to diverse backgrounds and ambitions. Whether a recent school graduate eager to enter the sports industry or a professional seeking to pivot into a new career, the program provides accessible pathways to growth.

Applications are now open for the inaugural intake, with classes set to begin in early 2026. Students will study under the guidance of TAFE Queensland’s experienced educators while gaining real-world exposure through structured placements within the Parramatta Eels organisation.

Scholarships and internship opportunities are expected to be available, ensuring that talent and passion — not financial barriers — determine who gets to participate.

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A Club with Purpose

For the Parramatta Eels, this initiative further strengthens their identity as more than just a football club. It’s a community institution that champions education, empowerment, and progress.

The launch of the Eels Institute reflects the club’s broader mission to lead with purpose — to use sport as a platform for positive change, education, and opportunity. It reinforces the Eels’ dedication to building not only successful teams but successful people.

As Sarantinos summarised during the launch event:

> “The Eels Institute isn’t just about qualifications — it’s about transformation. It’s about giving people the tools to succeed, the experiences to grow, and the inspiration to lead. That’s what being part of the Parramatta Eels family is all about.”

 

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Conclusion

The Eels Institute stands as a testament to what can be achieved when sport and education unite under a shared vision of growth and empowerment. By providing students with real-world learning experiences, mentorship, and professional development within an elite sporting environment, the Parramatta Eels are not only shaping future careers — they’re shaping the future of the sports industry itself.

In an age where the boundaries between sport, business, and community are more interconnected than ever, the Eels Institute signals a new era of opportunity — one built on education, experience, and excellence.

The Parramatta Eels have once again proven that their legacy extends far beyond the field. Through the Eels Institute, they’re giving the next generation the chance to dream big, learn deeply, and lead boldly — both in sport and in life.