The program funds three categories of grants, including:

• Grants of up to $1,000 for uniforms and participation equipment
• Grants of up to $2,000 for the training of coaches, officials and volunteers
• Grants of up to $5,000 to create new participation initiatives and improve club operation effectiveness.

Previous grant recipients include Wantirna South Football Club (FC), which received $1,000 to purchase new uniforms and equipment for its first women’s team.

'Setting up a team is not a cheap exercise, so the grant was a great help and provided a step-forward to getting that team up and running,' said Kevin Van Grondelle, Club Operations Manager.

'By helping us cover the costs of establishing the team, the grant also allowed us to offer registration to the women at a reduced fee, which has supported more women getting involved at the senior level,' added Mr Van Grondelle.

By providing more opportunities for clubs and organisations to build their resources, skills and offer new initiatives, the program makes an important contribution to future proofing grassroots sport and active recreation.

For clubs such as Wantirna South FC, programs like the Sporting Clubs Grants Program help keep participation more affordable and ensure locals can continue to enjoy the sports they love in their own backyard.

'The process of getting people involved in sports, or getting them to remain in sports, has changed over the last three years,' said Mr Van Grondelle.

'Participation costs can become prohibitive, particularly these days. So, having a program like this helping people to participate at a fair cost is a key driver to getting more people involved in sports,' he added.

The program is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to make community sport and active recreation more inclusive and accessible, increasing participation, stimulating local economies, and build sustainable opportunities for sport and active recreation volunteers.

For more information and to apply visit Sporting Club Grants Program