🏉🌟 Penrith Panthers Head Coach Ivan Cleary Launches New Community Sports Initiative for Underprivileged Youth 💚✨
In a remarkable display of leadership and compassion, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has launched an inspiring community sports initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged youth across Western Sydney. The new program, titled “Future Through Footy,” is designed to provide sporting opportunities, mentorship, and life skills training to young people who may otherwise be unable to access them.
Cleary, one of the most respected figures in the National Rugby League (NRL), unveiled the project at BlueBet Stadium, home of the reigning NRL champions Penrith Panthers. Surrounded by players, club officials, and community representatives, he spoke passionately about his desire to give back to the region that has supported his team through years of success.
“Rugby league is more than just a game—it’s a community, a family,” Cleary said. “We’ve seen firsthand how sport can change lives, and this initiative is about giving every child, regardless of their background, the chance to experience that same sense of belonging and achievement.”
The Future Through Footy program will operate year-round, offering free coaching clinics, mentorship programs, and educational workshops for disadvantaged youth. Participants will have access to Panthers coaching staff, including current NRL players, who will volunteer as mentors and ambassadors. The initiative will also focus on promoting mental health awareness, teamwork, and leadership development—values Cleary believes are essential both on and off the field.
Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron commended Cleary’s commitment to youth empowerment, calling the initiative “a reflection of the club’s culture and community spirit.” He added, “Ivan has not only built a winning team but a legacy of leadership that extends far beyond rugby league. This program will leave a lasting impact on thousands of young people.”
Under Cleary’s leadership, the Penrith Panthers have become one of the NRL’s most dominant sides, claiming multiple NRL Premiership titles and setting a benchmark for excellence in Australian sport. Yet for Cleary, success has always meant more than trophies. His passion for developing young talent—both in football and in life—has made him a role model for coaches across the league.
“Sport has the power to unite people and break down barriers,” Cleary explained. “We’re using the Panthers’ platform to make sure that every child who dreams big has the tools and support to chase that dream.”
The Future Through Footy initiative will begin with pilot programs in Penrith, Mt Druitt, and Blacktown, with plans to expand across New South Wales in 2026. The Panthers organization is partnering with local schools, charities, and community centers to identify youths who can benefit most from the program.
Cleary’s dedication to creating positive change exemplifies the heart and spirit of the Penrith Panthers—a club that continues to blend sporting excellence with community responsibility. As the Panthers prepare for another NRL season, their head coach’s off-field leadership stands as a shining example of how sport can transform lives and inspire the next generation of champions.
