Excitement levels are at an all-time high in the Red Centre, with the Parramatta Eels set to visit Alice Springs for a Community Camp from 12-15 February. 

This year’s camp will allow local NRL fans the chance to meet their favourite Parramatta Eels players, with a range of community activities planned over the four days.

Aside from open training sessions at Anzac Oval, members of the public will have the opportunity to get autographs from their biggest sporting heroes with several signing sessions.

Territory students will also get the chance to meet and greet the players, with a number of school visits planned including Bradshaw Primary School, Yulara Primary School and Braitling Primary School.

Players will also make appearances at the Alice Springs Hospital, Convention Centre and Juvenile Centre during their stint in the Red Centre.

A standout event in the Parramatta Eels Training Camp schedule is the State of Mind presentation on Tuesday 12 February from 7.30pm-9pm at the Convention Centre. 

Women’s Rugby league footballer Ruan Sims and former rugby league player Dave Shillington will be leading the presentation, discussing the importance of taking care of your mental health. 

The aim of the program is to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, increase participants’ understanding of mental health, encourage help seeking and connect rugby league communities with partners Lifeline, Kids Helpline, headspace and the Black Dog Institute.

The Parramatta Eels’ four-day visit will be held instead of a pre-season match and a barbecue breakfast will be on offer for the general public at the completion of the camp.

Parramatta Eels Training Camp schedule – public events:

Tuesday 12 February:

• 4.30pm-6pm: NRL open training session and signing session at Anzac Oval
• 7.30pm-9pm: State of Mind presentation with Dave Shillington and Ruan Sims at the Convention Centre

Wednesday 13 February:

• 4.30pm-5.30pm: NRL open training session and signing session at Anzac Oval
• 5.30pm-6.30pm: Junior skills clinic and coach the coaches clinic at Anzac Oval
• 7.30pm-9pm: No More presentation with Charlie King at the Convention Centre

Friday 15 February:

• 7.30am-9am: NRL open training session and barbecue breakfast for the general public at Anzac Oval

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“It’s an exciting time for sports lovers in the Red Centre and I’d encourage NRL fans of all ages to get involved in the numerous communities activities planned as part of the Parramatta Eels Training Camp this week.

“Aside from giving Territorians access to great sporting events in their own backyard, this training camp will greatly benefit the Red Centre by putting it on the map and boosting the local economy.”

Quotes from Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield:

“Territorians want and deserve access to high quality sporting events, so it’s fantastic that local NRL fans can meet big-name players in their hometown through this four-day training camp.

“It goes without saying that Territorians are big on their sport, and I have no doubt the Parramatta Eels Training Camp will be well supported by members of the community.”

Quotes from Parramatta Eels Club CEO, Bernie Gurr:

“The Parramatta Eels Club annual trip to Alice Springs allows our players to connect with the local community, loyal members and fans, and say thank you for their support.

“We are looking forward to meeting everyone during a range of community activities planned during our stay.”

Media Contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242