Kicking goals: Eels deliver free boots as Ryles rebuild raises finals hopes

Will Penisini doesn’t need to think too hard to know what a free pair of footy boots would have done for him and his family as a child.

Growing up in Western Sydney, the Eels centre saw the struggle parents faced to support their children’s sporting dreams.

So he was quick to recognise the impact of the club’s new Boots for a Better Future program, which has seen more than 1000 free pairs of football boots handed out to families in partnership with Parramatta major sponsor James Hardie.

“The cost of living these days and footy programs can be expensive sometimes,” Penisini said. “For the Eels and James Hardie to provide boots helps all those families and the kids will remember these boots.

“When you’re a younger kid you always remember your first boots. Opening it up out of the package and wearing them in that first game is almost more exciting than playing the game.

“For this initiative to happen and for James Hardie to be able to deliver this, 1000 boots to more than 600 families, it helps everyone and we’re proud to be involved with it.”

The initiative was launched on Wednesday as the Eels look to help counteract the growing cost of junior sport.

Recent research revealed parents now spend almost $2000 per year on average on children’s sport. More than 40% of parents have said the financial strain may force them to limit participation for their children this year.

The stats laid the foundation for the Boots for a Better Future program, with more than 600 families benefiting and hopes it can grow in the coming years.

Lisa Vitale is an Eels tragic with two daughters who play League Tag for the Austral City Bears.

The mother said sporting costs add up quickly, particularly as sizing changes rapidly among growing children.

“You can’t keep up,” Vitale said. “The cost of boots isn’t cheap so it’s nice for them to have this program.

“It’s so helpful and we’re extremely grateful for them to do something like this for the kids. Especially when you have more than one child playing the game, it can get very expensive so it’s great to have this support.”

The community initiative comes as the Eels ramp up preparations for the upcoming NRL season.

An impressive finish to 2025 has many fans hopeful Parramatta can finish inside the top eight in Jason Ryles’ second year in charge.

New recruit Jonah Pezet will link up with Mitchell Moses in the halves, while fullback Isaiah Iongi is expected to take another step forward.

The Eels will open their account with a Pre-Season Challenge clash with the Sharks at Henson Park on Sunday February 15.

Penisini has developed into a senior player since making his debut in 2021 and is eager to lead the side back to the finals this year.

“Everything feels a little bit more comfortable, a bit more familiar with what you need to do and how we want to play,” Penisini said. “Another year under the belt and getting to know the team on a different level is massive for the coaches and players.

“I’ve built a strong relationship with Jason and I can’t wait to rip in this year with the boys.”

Rugby league returns on February 7 when the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge kicks off. Catch all the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo.