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\n Will Penisini and the Eels helped hand out 1000 pairs of free football boots on Wednesday.
\n \u00a9Parramatta Eels
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Will Penisini doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Growing up in Western Sydney, the Eels centre saw the struggle parents faced to support their children\u2019s sporting dreams.<\/p>\n
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Will Penisini gets two<\/p>\n
So he was quick to recognise the impact of the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cost of living these days and footy programs can be expensive sometimes,\u201d Penisini said. \u201cFor the Eels and James Hardie to provide boots helps all those families and the kids will remember these boots.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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\u2019re proud to be involved with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The initiative was launched on Wednesday as the Eels look to help counteract the growing cost of junior sport.<\/p>\n
Recent research revealed parents now spend almost $2000 per year on average on children\u2019s sport. More than 40% of parents have said the financial strain may force them to limit participation for their children this year.<\/p>\n
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\n Will Penisini and the Eels helped hand out 1000 pairs of free football boots on Wednesday.
\n \u00a9Parramatta Eels
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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.<\/p>\n
Lisa Vitale is an Eels tragic with two daughters who play League Tag for the Austral City Bears.<\/p>\n
The mother said sporting costs add up quickly, particularly as sizing changes rapidly among growing children.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t keep up,\u201d Vitale said. \u201cThe cost of boots isn\u2019t cheap so it\u2019s nice for them to have this program.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so helpful and we\u2019re 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\u2019s great to have this support.\u201d<\/p>\n
The community initiative comes as the Eels ramp up preparations for the upcoming NRL season.<\/p>\n
An impressive finish to 2025 has many fans hopeful Parramatta can finish inside the top eight in Jason Ryles\u2019 second year in charge.<\/p>\n
New recruit Jonah Pezet will link up with Mitchell Moses in the halves, while fullback Isaiah Iongi is expected to take another step forward.<\/p>\n
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Kid can play<\/p>\n
The Eels will open their account with a Pre-Season Challenge clash with the Sharks at Henson Park on Sunday February 15.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything feels a little bit more comfortable, a bit more familiar with what you need to do and how we want to play,\u201d Penisini said. \u201cAnother year under the belt and getting to know the team on a different level is massive for the coaches and players.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve built a strong relationship with Jason and I can\u2019t wait to rip in this year with the boys.\u201d<\/p>\n