Parramatta Junior Rugby League to Host Wellbeing and Culture Day
The Parramatta Junior Rugby League are set to host their inaugural Wellbeing and Culture Day on Saturday 29 March.
All players in the U14 age group, as well as U14s coaches, trainers, managers and parents, will attend Accor Stadium tomorrow for the unprecedented summit.
The General Manager of the Parramatta Junior League, Adam Fairley, said the PJRL Board and Staff are looking forward to the day.
“Our players and coaches in the U14 age group will be given a ‘first of its kind’ experience which we hope will go beyond the sessions tomorrow,” Fairley said.
“Ultimately, it’s about trying to make our district the best it can be for all participants.”
Attendees will take part in four sessions on the day, hearing from qualified and passionate presenters who will deliver an educational experience around topics of mental health, preventing violence and referees.
The Wellbeing and Culture Day is culmination of over 18 months of work from the PJRL in collaboration with Western Sydney University and the Parramatta Eels.
In 2024 and 2025, the PJRL have offered Mental Health First Aid Training to members from all clubs, and hosted Coach and Trainer Leadership Courses across the district.
The PJRL Mental Health and Wellbeing initiatives are only possible with the support of the Parramatta Leagues Club.
The 2024 Coaching Leadership Courses for coaches in the U13, U14 and U15 Age groups was aimed at preventing on and off field violence. These courses were formulated and delivered by Dr Ben Joseph and Dr Sam Lane from the Western Sydney University.
The communication and feedback received at the courses played a crucial role in shaping the inaugural Wellbeing and Culture Day.
The Parramatta Eels are also right behind the initiative.
The Eels’ Education and Wellbeing Manager, David Gower, has worked closely with the PJRL and Western Sydney University at all stages of this process.
"I'm personally excited to be part of the PJRL Wellbeing and Culture Summit, knowing the impact that events like this can and will have on our young men and women,” Gower said.
“At the Parramatta Eels, we are committed to key programs like Youth Mental Health First Aid training for club representatives and violence prevention workshops for coaches and trainers, with this summit playing a crucial role in fostering a safe, happy, and enjoyable rugby league experience for all."
Gower has recently delivered the 2025 Coach and Trainer Leadership Course to over 80 coaches, trainers and other team staff in the U13, U14 and U15 age groups across the Parramatta District.
NSW Cup Head Coach and PJRL Ambassador, Nathan Cayless, also attended the courses across 2024 and 2025 to deliver a unique coaching talk for all attendees.
The Parramatta Junior Rugby League are constantly looking for ways to improve and places a strong value on the mental health and wellbeing of its members.
