Blue skies ahead for more sports clubs

More than 740 clubs and organisations have scored 875 grants from the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program.

Grants are available for club uniforms and equipment, to increase the skills of volunteers, coaches and officials, improve accessibility and engagement and support Victorian athletes to succeed in their sport.

North East Canoe Club in Wangaratta will use their $4,350 boost towards first aid training sessions for leaders taking groups into remote wilderness areas.

Secretary of the club Allison Parkinson said, ‘We are a non-competitive, whitewater kayaking club based in North East Victoria. We train all ages and abilities and run trips regularly into the pristine rivers of Victoria and NSW.'

‘Although we mitigate the risks, accidents can happen in areas where emergency services can be far. The wilderness first aid training funded through this program will allow our members to develop the skills and confidence to manage incidents in these remote locations and enhance the safety of all participants.'

‘The funding will also help us attract more participants and promote the environmental value of these locations through access and keeping everyone safe,’ she said.

Other clubs to benefit include Caroline Springs Cricket Club which scored more than $900 towards cricket kits including bats, pads and gloves, to support their junior under 11s girls. Footscray Rangers Football Club under 7 and 9 girl’s teams will also have new uniforms thanks to a $1,000 grant.

Red Tag Fly Fishers in Fairfield hooked $5,000 to help their volunteer casting coaches get accredited at the highest international level.

Secretary Red Tag Fly Fishers' Club Bill Jackson said, ‘This grant will support coaches to complete the Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor (CCI) course.'

‘We are committed to increasing the diversity of our pool of volunteers and our club so that our membership reflects the wider community in which we operate.'

‘Qualified instructors will improve member experiences, help provide free coaching and drive growth within the club and the community. With certified coaches we can offer workshops, raise awareness, and support competitive casting,’ he said.

The latest grants are also backing local athletes to go even further with Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association scoring $4,500 for travel, accommodation and registrations costs for 6 athletes to compete in a sailing championship in Queensland next year - the Australian Optimist Championships.

The Sporting Club Grants Program has provided more than $18 million to thousands of community sport and recreation clubs across the state over the past decade.

The program is backed by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund that’s delivering infrastructure upgrades and other programs including the Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund to help more regional Victorians get active and be part of their local sporting club.

By providing more opportunities for clubs and organisations to build on their capabilities, this program goes a long way towards future proofing grassroots sport and recreation and ensuring clubs have the skills they need.

For more information on the grants and recipients visit the Sporting Club Grants Program.