The City of Parramatta will partner with the AFL and GIANTS supporting its vision to become the home of sport while harnessing the power of grassroots sport for community wellbeing and connections.
The AFL will contribute over $120,000 worth of value to the partnership, delivering free year-round programs through Council’s Active Parramatta program, free match access for disadvantaged community groups, player appearances at Council events, and AT Parramatta promotions at ENGIE Stadium and across digital channels to drive economic growth.
Council is investing $35,000 to ward the partnership which will support the relocation of the GIANTS AFLW Season Launch from Sydney CBD to the heart of Parramatta at Parramatta Town Hall.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the partnership delivers significant value to the local City’s economy and community, and giving local families an affordable way to get involved with community sport.
“Parramatta is becoming the home of sports and entertainment and we’re building on the AFL’s growing presence in our City to bring major sporting events to the heart of Greater Sydney,” Cr Zaiter said.
“By working with the GIANTS, we can attract more visitors, host amplified events and create unforgettable experiences that activate our City and boost local businesses.
“Local kids and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will get the chance to try out AFL for free, getting active and having a great time at home games with their families and friends.
“We’re harnessing the power of sports to bring people together and drive economic impact for our local businesses across Parramatta as we grow into a global City.”
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said the City of Parramatta is a key focus for the AFL’s growth strategy in Greater Sydney and New South Wales.
“As we strive to have Aussie Rules Football be part of every home, it’s essential we continue to create welcoming, inclusive and flexible opportunities for more people to be part of our game – and particularly in key communities like the City of Parramatta,” Mr Varasdi said.
“Footy clubs are the lifeblood of communities across the country, and the AFL remains committed to investing at the foundation of our game across Greater Sydney to ensure both established and existing communities can play their own way and find a place to belong through AFL, and this partnership epitomises that.
“In their young history, the GIANTS have cultivated meaningful connections with their local community across Parramatta and Greater Sydney, and we look forward to collaborating with the club and the City of Parramatta through this partnership to further strengthen these connections into the future.”
GIANTS chief executive officer David Matthews said: “We’re excited once again to partner with the City of Parramatta, continuing a strong relationship that reflects our shared commitment to community, connection and growth across Western Sydney.
“We’re proud residents of Parramatta and as a club built on and for this community, we see this partnership as a natural fit and an important way to give back to the people who support us.
“This partnership is about celebrating where we come from and ensuring Parramatta continues to play a central role in our club’s future both on and off the field.
“As part of the partnership, we’re thrilled to bring our AFLW Season Launch to Parramatta Town Hall, kicking off the partnership in the heart of the city.”
