The John Paul Foundation has become a Parramatta Eels community partner. The Foundation has thrown its support behind Try Time Junior Rugby League, with a significant investment to expand its programs.

Try Time is an inclusive Junior Rugby League program for people with special needs and intellectual disabilities, with both junior and senior teams playing every weekend in the Parramatta Junior Rugby League. The financial support from the John Paul Foundation will be used to expand the program and fund the cost of registration, uniform, equipment, and marketing.

“We are delighted and honoured to be supporting a program that gives these children and young men an opportunity to participate in a team environment and just enjoy themselves,” said Steve Tate, Chairman of John Paul Foundation.

Try Time Director Darren Deitz said the financial support will go a long way in helping expand the program, “Try Time has been developed around people who have special needs and intellectual disabilities ranging from autism, down syndrome, to vision impairment, and the John Paul Foundation is going to play a big role in giving these kids an opportunity to play rugby league on a regular basis.”

“The program is not just about fun, we also see significant improvement in gross motor skills using Rugby League techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, hand-eye coordination, improved attention span, and fitness,” added Darren.