The NSW Government has today announced it will make a major contribution to a new Centre of Excellence at Lottoland set to build our sports stars of tomorrow and to be the new heart of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
Member for Manly James Griffin said the State Government contribution of $20 million for the Manly Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will ensure the much-loved game of rugby league will be supported to ensure future generations of young players coming through the ranks will have the best facilities possible on the Northern Beaches.
“This is fantastic news for all who love their rugby league on the peninsula and who want to see opportunities for our young players to aspire to be part of a Centre of Excellence here on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Griffin said.
“In years to come, hopefully we will also have a women’s NRL team based here on the Northern Beaches and this State Government funding will ensure our local team, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will be empowered to meet the opportunities that will come their way to build with our juniors, our future women’s team and our NRL heroes.”
The funds will ensure there are great facilities for developing high performance and training.
Member for Wakehurst, Brad Hazzard, said that the funds will ensure the Sea Eagles can develop dedicated and multipurpose community facilities which will allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives.
“This is a win for the entire community. We all recognise what engagement in sport can do to build community. It will ensure that there is a high-performance centre for the Sea Eagles which will be at the heart of growing the sport across the community.”
Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said Centres of Excellence are a key part of our sport state wide sports infrastructure plan.
“The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will ensure the club stays close to its traditional community and rugby league remains strong on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Ayres said.
Manly Sea Eagles CEO Lyall Gorman said the announcement was great news for the Club and the local community.
“The support of the NSW Government has been integral to this project occurring and cementing our long-term commitment to Lottoland which I know will excite our members, fans and partners at all levels,’’ Mr Gorman said.
“This is the major stepping stone to ensuring that our elite aspiring athletes, male and female and our community at large, have the best possible facilities to allow them to maximise their potential, for many years to come.
“We are both excited and delighted that our Centre of Excellence, which has been on the drawing board for many years, will now be brought to life.
“Not only will it provide access to the many talented sports people on the Northern Beaches, it will also provide the much-needed facilities through which our wide range of community and social impact programs can be run for the benefit of all young people across the Northern Beaches.”
The total cost of the Centre of Excellence is estimated at $36.1 million with the Australian Government and Sea Eagles to contribute the remaining funds.