Nathan Hindmarsh: Sporting Champion of Western Sydney

Parramatta Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh has paid a special visit to Football NSW Headquarters as part of his new role as Sporting Champion of Western Sydney.

Hindmarsh, a keen football fan who played the sport until he was 12, before making the switch to Rugby League, was recently appointed in the role by NSW Premier Mike Baird.

“Western Sydney residents are passionate about their sport and I want to make sure we are seizing every opportunity to boost participation in sport at all levels across the region,” Mr Baird said.

“I have appointed Nathan Hindmarsh as the Sporting Champion of Western Sydney to help the NSW Government identify ways to encourage even more people to play and watch sport in Western Sydney.

“Nathan Hindmarsh is an outstanding sportsman who captained the Parramatta Eels, represented NSW and Australia and played more than 300 NRL games.

“Nathan is a role model to many children and as an elite sportsman he has unique understanding of what needs to be done to help our sporting codes grow.”

Hindmarsh said he will collaborate and learn from sporting organisations such as Football NSW, councils and local communities so the Government can identify sporting needs and opportunities that are unique to Western Sydney.

“I am passionate about kids’ health and the great role that sporting clubs can play in families and communities. I am extremely honoured to be selected for this role,” Mr Hindmarsh said.

“Western Sydney residents love to play and watch sport and I will look for ways to harness that enthusiasm and make this region the sporting capital of Australia.

Two of Hindmarsh’s boys play football, as well as League, and have also signed up to play Summer Football and Oztag, with the Bowral-born star stating that he’s really enjoyed being part of a community club where he and his kids have made many new friends.

He added, “I will now consult widely with sporting codes at all levels to see how we can grow sport in Western Sydney and encourage even more people to participate.”

And Hindmarsh himself is taking the lead, by planning to pull on his football boots again, and a goalkeeper’s jersey, to play the round ball game in the over-35s comp in season 2015. It will be an unfamiliar role between the sticks for ‘Hiney’, but as a Sporting Champion both on and off the field, we’re sure he’ll be a huge success.