Dear Members,
I am honoured to write to you as the new Chairman of the Parramatta Eels. As a lifelong Eels fan who grew up in Western Sydney, I look forward to helping our Club progress into its next stage of development, ensuring that we are set up for success both on and off the field.
A Bit About Me
My career has spanned several industries, where I have held senior management and director roles, helping businesses grow and succeed. I see my experience in leadership and strategic planning as a key contribution to the Club. Alongside my professional endeavours, my passion for giving back to the community has led me to be involved with organisations like the Beacon Foundation and, more recently, the Par 5 program as part of the Pancare Foundation. In all these roles, my focus has been on building strong, sustainable organisations—a vision I intend to carry forward as your Chairman.
Simply put, the goal of any football club is to win premierships. My role, along with that of the Board, is to ensure that our organisation is best positioned to achieve that outcome, and that is the goal everyone in the organisation is focused on.
We are also committed to being there for our Members, fans, and all our stakeholders by actively engaging with you and listening to your ideas and concerns. In the coming months, I look forward to meeting you at our games and events. My first opportunity will be the Members Forum next Tuesday, which is a great initiative to kick off the season.
Board Update
I would like to update you on some changes within our Board. Following Sean McElduff’s departure, we are delighted to welcome Naomi Mitchell as our new Eels Director. A lifelong passionate Eels fan from Western Sydney, Naomi brings a wealth of experience from her senior role at KPMG, along with a strong commitment to community service through her involvement with the Hills Women’s Shelter. Her appointment is a testament to the open selection process and our commitment to building a Board that reflects our values. Like me, Naomi is eager to engage with Members and fans throughout the year.
Additionally, we are in the process of searching for another Director, as Vicki Leaver will be retiring this year in line with our nine-year maximum term for directors. The interview process is underway, and we are confident that we will find a candidate who shares our vision for the future of the Club.
Exciting Times Ahead
I wanted to touch briefly on some of the key highlights for the Club as we approach the start of a new season. Our season kick-off is set to take place in Newcastle, with the first trial just over a week away—an excellent opportunity to see the team in action and build momentum. In addition, our new Centre of Excellence and Community Facility at Kellyville Park is nearing completion and will open in the coming months, offering us a state-of-the-art facility that reflects our commitment to excellence in our football programs and connecting with the community.
This season also brings significant changes to our NRL program. We are thrilled to welcome a new coach, Jason Ryles, and captain, Mitch Moses, alongside a refreshed leadership team, setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive season. Alongside these changes, our focus on building a strong future is evident with the introduction of new recruits and pathway players, who are eager to make their mark with the Eels. Like me, I am sure you are looking forward to what this new era will bring on the field for our Club.
We also have some exciting changes off the field this year. The James Hardie sponsorship represents a major milestone for the Club and we look forward to building this partnership in the years ahead. You will also see some great initiatives for our Members and fans this year with a reminder that all tickets for home games include free public transport, making it even easier to join us at CommBank Stadium in Season 2025. Lastly, as mentioned previously, the Members Forum will be held next Tuesday, 11 February 2025, providing an excellent opportunity for open dialogue and feedback as we work together to shape the future of the Club.
In Conclusion
I am looking forward to what the future holds for the Parramatta Eels, and I am committed to working hard to ensure our Club thrives. Thank you for your continued support, passion, and dedication. I look forward to meeting many of you in person during the season ahead, and I hope to see you at CommBank Stadium for our first home game on Sunday, 16 March 2025, against the Tigers.
Go the Eels!
Matthew Beach
Chairman, Parramatta Eels
Member #2397834
