Country Football and Netball Program - FAQs
What is the Country Football and Netball Program?
The 2026-27 Country Football and Netball Program is a Victorian Government investment program that provides funding to assist grassroots country football and netball clubs, associations and umpiring organisations to develop facilities in rural, regional and outer metropolitan locations. The Country Football and Netball Program is delivered by the Victorian Government in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria.
Who is responsible for administering the Country Football and Netball Program?
The Country Football and Netball Program is administered by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
How many rounds will be administered through Sport and Recreation Victoria?
The Country Football and Netball Program will be delivered over 3 rounds (2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27) and administered by Sport and Recreation Victoria to support the development of high‑quality, accessible community football and netball infrastructure.
Who is eligible for the grant funding and who can apply?
Only Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are eligible to apply directly to the Program, limited to:
- rural and regional LGAs
- Interface LGAs for facilities used by teams participating in leagues that are affiliated with an AFL Country League or a Netball Victoria Regional League or for facilities in areas where rurality can be demonstrated (Please refer to Section 2.2 of the Program Guidelines, for further information on rurality)
- Frankston, Greater Dandenong and Kingston LGAs for facilities used by teams participating in an AFL Victoria Country League.
Applications for projects where football or netball clubs participate in a New South Wales or South Australian league are eligible, provided the project will occur at a facility located in Victoria.
Applications for projects where the project beneficiary receives revenue directly from electronic gaming machines are not eligible.
Applications received directly from clubs, associations, umpiring organisations, schools, community organisations and businesses will not be considered for funding.
LGAs must discuss project/s with SRV and the relevant peak body (AFL Victoria or Netball Victoria) representatives to receive advice about developing projects that meet the Program objectives before submitting application/s.
Does my application demonstrate rurality?
Interface LGAs that require clarification on whether their application demonstrates rurality should refer to Section 2.2 of the Program Guidelines and seek clarity as required from their Sport and Recreation Victoria or peak body representative.
What if my project is on school land, is it eligible for funding?
For projects on school land, a Community Joint Use Proposal to the Department of Education must be completed by the applicant and school.
If you are a school, this document can be accessed from the Department of Education website. Applicants must allow sufficient time to complete this document and obtain the necessary written endorsement from the Department of Education.
A letter from the Department of Education central office must also be provided that indicates endorsement of the project. Applicants requesting this letter should email vsba.property@education.vic.gov.au.
What if we are a non-government school, are we still eligible for funding?
Projects in non‑government schools are also eligible for funding through LGAs and require similar demonstration of commitment from both parties to ensure long‑term community access is achieved under agreed terms.
What funding amount is available through the Country Football and Netball Program?
The maximum grant amount is $250,000.
Eligible organisations may submit up to 3 applications, however, the total funding sought cannot exceed $250,000 per LGA, per round and no application can exceed the maximum amount of $250,000.
Each application submitted may contain one of the following:
- one project.
- multiple projects of differing scope at one site.
Applicants must approve and underwrite any in-kind contribution from third parties.
Each project requires a separate application. Bundled projects will be deemed ineligible.
Are applicants required to match funding?
Yes, funding ratios for applicants are detailed as follows:
Funding available | Local Government Authority (LGA) | Funding Ratios |
|---|---|---|
Up to $250,000* | Rural LGAs | SRV $3 : $1 local |
Regional/Interface LGAs Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong, Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham, Yarra Ranges | SRV $2 : $1 local | |
Metropolitan LGAs Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Frankston** | SRV $1 : $1 local |
* Applicants may claim in‑kind expenses to a maximum of 50% of the total project cost.
** Only clubs competing in leagues affiliated with AFL Victoria Country are eligible to receive funding.
What are the project construction timeline requirements?
Projects must be completed within 24 months of executing a grant agreement with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR).
Can applicants re-apply for unsuccessful applications from previous funding rounds?
Yes, applications can be re-submitted however they should demonstrate consideration of all feedback from SRV. Please discuss any re-submissions with your SRV representative.
What supporting documents are required for my application?
For a list of all mandatory and desired supporting documentation, please refer to Section 5 of the Guidelines.
To assist with the development of your application and supporting documentation, please also refer to the Supporting Documents Checklist on the Country Football Netball Program page. This checklist can also be submitted with your application if you wish to provide any additional comments.
Sport and Recreation Victoria reserves the right to not assess an application should insufficient information be provided, including responses to assessment criteria and mandatory supporting documentation.
Can council’s CEO letter state that their contribution will be confirmed in a future council meeting or budget?
Confirmation of partner funding is a mandatory part of the application process. This is required to provide assurance the project can proceed and be delivered consistent with the application.
Where funds are reliant on the 2026-27 Council Budget, a Council resolution should be provided committing funds required for the project.
Further information
For further information, issues with the online application or further questions on this program, please contact us.
Details of acknowledgement and publicity requirements for funded projects are available in the Sport and Recreation Victoria: Infrastructure Grants Acknowledgement and Publicity Guidelines.