Motiv8 holiday camp with Parramatta Eels: In-demand event sparks frenzy

A buying frenzy hit mums groups across western Sydney as registration for a new sports clinic from the Parramatta Eels’ went live, with some comparing it to securing Taylor Swift tickets.

Picture: Parramatta Eels.

Eels supporters would be aware their passions equal that of US pop sensation Taylor Swift’s most ardent fans.

But parents were shocked to discover tickets for a community kids sports camp in partnership with Parramatta Eels players sold out within minutes when tickets went on sale.

“This is going to be worse than getting Tay Tay tickets,” Amelia McKee commented on the Facebook page of kids community sports camp Motiv8.

Swift’s highly anticipated tour broke records earlier this year when four million people queued to win coveted tickets to the pop star’s Australian shows.

One disappointed parent bemoaned they were “too slow” while another posted “Was on at 9.50am then straight on at 10am”.

“Had tickets in my cart and pressed paid and then it said unavailable! Devastated,” they posted.

(Left-right) O’lena, Caris and Aura Fratto. Picture: shared by mum Cherry.

Parramatta Eels players with kids signed up for the summer camp.

US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performing during her Eras Tour in California, August 7, 2023. Picture: Michael Tran / AFP.

The first year of the partnership will see Parramatta Eels players join kids from kindergarten to Year 6 who registered for the holiday clinic at its training ground, with a focus on participation and building confidence over sporting ability.

Registration for the January 24 event for 400 kids opened this morning at 10am, and within 7 mins the camp had sold out, a spokeswoman for the Parramatta Eels said.

The initiative is part of the Rugby League club’s social impact strategy developed to encourage active participation among children of all ages, skill levels, cultural backgrounds and ability.

Motiv8sports run over 50 holiday camp events each year, with this the fastest sold event in the western Sydney area.

Parramatta Eels NRLW and NRL players with kids attending its new initiative that gives younger fans the chance to interact one-on-one with players.

(Left-right) O'lena, Caris and Aura Fratto, are all massive Parramatta Eels fans. Caris and Aura were lucky enough to register before tickets sold out. Picture: shared by mum Cherry.

Mum Cherry Fratto said she rushed from her pilates class along with several other mums to nab tickets for her two daughters.

“I think the partnering with the Eels and at the Kellyville training grounds, that was just a really exciting deal and all the kids were really excited to do it.”

Parramatta Eels NRLW players will be in attendance to assist and help facilitate some of the activities, with the NRL players set to visit and greet the kids between training sessions.

Ms Fratto said giving her daughters the opportunity to interact with NRLW players outside of the context of games was “such a huge benefit”.

“To have that bond and be able to chat to them and have that close contact is really positive in both ways,” she said.

“I think it’s really good for the players to be able to get down to that level, not after a game but in a different situation … and be able to chat to the kids and engage in a different way.”