“Take eleven of this country’s top female athletes, a world famous supermodel, a woman known throughout the land for her ability to talk underwater (me) and the female CEO of one of the nation’s most innovative companies….add to that a passion for the Manly footy team and you have a recipe for the Eagles Angels!” Wendy Harmer Sea Eagles News 1/8/04
Eagles Angels History
The Eagles Angels are a unique group of women in the sport of Rugby League. It was back in 2002 when the club, then the Northern Eagles, was facing an uncertain future, the Angels came together to lend a hand. The Angels grew out of a very modest idea – to raise a few dollars with a sportswomen’s dinner. But what happened was that, once the group gathered, they discovered a love for the Manly club which went way past a one night stand!
And so here we are, many years later, still together, still committed to each other and the team and with big plans for the future.
You might read in newspapers that other NRL clubs are following the lead of the Angels and starting their own high-profile women’s supporters groups. But the Eagles Angels are the original and the best and here’s why.
We are the only women’s group in the league to have our own sponsor, our own manager and our own corporate lounge!
Who are the Eagles Angels? Sarah O’Hare (internationally known supermodel/actress), Wendy Harmer, our spokeswoman and as for the rest….between us we have 15 Olympic and Commonwealth games medals and hundreds (more than 300) world titles and records!
They are an extraordinary and really nice bunch of women. They generously support the club with their own time and they do it simply for the love of the Manly football club.
Our major sponsor - The Warringah Mall has enabled us to include more fund raising for the club and local charities, more sponsorships from local business and great fun events anyone can attend…to greater connect with women, families and the community of the northern beaches. So watch out for us in the Angels lounge and give us a wave.
And of course...GO THE MIGHTY SEA EAGLES!
Kerri and Trent gave an hour and half long presentation to over one hundred and ninety Academy Athletes, Coaches and Parents at Forresters Beach Resort, on behalf of Athlete Development Australia and it’s “Bounce Back” Program, which was sponored by MBF. All Athletes, Coaches and Parents took part in various routines where they gained valuable information and advice on how to improve their own performances and gain a winning and positive attitude.
Kerri, who brought with her, her Olympic medals for all to see and inspect, gave everybody an enlightening insight into how she, and her volleyball partner Natalie Cook, set about winning the Gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. She stressed that it was not only hard work, but also positive thinking and making hard decisions over a four year period, that gained them success.
Kerrie Pottharst and Trent Hoppam (Rear) with Academy athletes wearing Kerri’s Olympic Gold and Bronze medals
Trent, however, told different story of how he did not get the success that he desired, and gave the reasons why, in an open and candid manner that surprised the majority of the audience.
The young athletes were told by both presenters that their future success in their chosen sport, was not only having good coaching, but also being prepared to work hard, be positive and making hard decisions. Central Coast Academy of Sport