Manly Sea Eagles Score Big for Youth Sports: $50,000 Donated for Scholarships
The Manly Sea Eagles are making waves off the field with an incredible show of community support. A generous donation of $50,000 has been earmarked for youth sports scholarships, setting the stage for the next generation of athletes to thrive. The contribution comes at a pivotal moment, as the club seeks to further its commitment to developing young talent both on and off the field.
At the heart of this initiative is the Sea Eagles’ Chief Executive Officer, Jason King, whose leadership has steered the club toward making a real difference in the local community. “Investing in the future of young athletes is something that is close to my heart,” King said. “Our club’s success is built not only on winning games but also on helping those who have the potential to be the champions of tomorrow.”
The scholarship fund will help cover the costs of training, education, and equipment, providing opportunities for talented youth from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their sporting dreams without financial barriers. It’s a powerful message of inclusion and opportunity from a club that prides itself on community engagement.
Leading the charge in supporting these young athletes is Jon Clarke, the club’s Head of Performance, who is keen to see the program impact future stars in rugby league and beyond. “The Sea Eagles have always had a strong focus on player development, and this initiative is an extension of that,” Clarke explained. “We’re not just looking at the next Sea Eagles player – we’re hoping to inspire the next generation of sportspeople, regardless of the code they play.”
The Sea Eagles’ coaching staff, including Jim Dymock, the Assistant Coach, and Brett Kimmorley, the NSW Cup Coach, are also lending their expertise to ensure the program fosters the holistic development of the recipients. Dymock, a former NRL player with a wealth of experience, expressed excitement over the scholarships. “This gives us the chance to give back to the community that has supported us over the years,” Dymock said. “The aim is to equip these young athletes with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed, whether they end up playing professionally or simply carry the lessons learned into other areas of their lives.”
In a new twist, the club has added an AFL mentor, Aaron Greaves, to its staff, bringing a fresh perspective to the program. Greaves’ background in AFL, combined with his passion for mentoring young athletes, has the potential to widen the scope of the scholarships. “Sports should always be about personal growth, teamwork, and leadership,” said Greaves. “I’m thrilled to be part of this initiative and look forward to helping young people unlock their potential, whether on the footy field or in other aspects of life.”
In a nod to the past, former Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold has also voiced his support for the program. Seibold, who led the team through some of its most challenging and transformative years, applauded the initiative. “The Sea Eagles have always been more than just a football team; they’re a vital part of the community,” Seibold said. “Programs like this ensure that legacy continues, and it’s great to see them using their platform to support young people in achieving their dreams.”
The Sea Eagles’ commitment to youth development goes beyond simply providing financial aid. With mentoring, coaching, and guidance from experienced staff, these scholarships are about equipping youth with the life skills that come with being part of a team. The $50,000 donation will fund the first round of scholarships, with the club planning to expand the initiative in the future.
“This is just the beginning,” King emphasized. “We hope to grow this initiative and provide even more scholarships to young people who have the passion and the drive but may not have the resources. The Sea Eagles are all about creating opportunities, and this is a key part of that mission.”
With the collective support of the club’s leadership team, including Clarke, Dymock, Kimmorley, Greaves, and Seibold, the Manly Sea Eagles are charting a new course for the future of youth sports in the region. As the next generation of athletes gets ready to take the field, it’s clear that the Sea Eagles will continue to play a crucial role in shaping their futures.