Ten local sporting clubs in Western Victoria will share in more than $23,138.63 in funding to help meet the explosion in demand for grassroots women’s sport and social sport thanks to the latest round of health promotion foundation VicHealth’s Active Club Grants.
As part of VicHealth’s plan to get more Victorians living healthier and happier lives, Active Club Grants are providing over $400,000 to 150 community sport clubs throughout Victoria.
The funding will help local sport clubs across Victoria deliver more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport, as well as providing more social, flexible and accessible sport programs. The grants will also provide more opportunities for people from disadvantaged communities to take part in sport.
Recipients in Western Victoria include:
- Cobden Football Netball Club ($2,829.81) – will set up a competitive women’s AFL Team for ages 13-17, responding to demand within the local area to set up a girls’ team.
- Colac Ten Pin Bowling Association ($3,000.00) – will introduce Bowl Patrol, a modified shortened tenpin bowling program with an easier scoring system.
- Timboon Demons Football/Netball Club ($1,970.00) – will introduce a football team for girls aged 13-18, providing an opportunity for girls in the area to participate in local competition in 2018.
- Mt Duneed Adult Riding Club ($2,782.00) – will run mid-week dressage competitions allowing women to participate during school hours, rather than weekends.
- East Belmont Saints Baseball Club ($2,469.00) – will form a team to play in the ‘very casual’ masters league. Matches are played with modified rules to increase participation for participants aged over 35.
- Macarthur Cricket Club ($1,350.00) – will introduce an under 13 girls’ team building on interest already generated from the existing women’s team.
- Brierly Christ Church Cricket Club ($2,498.00) – will introduce girls to cricket through new teams and training activities including an under 17 team.
- Warrnambool Tenpin Bowling Association ($3,000.00) – will introduce Bowl Patrol to reach more junior participants, providing a program suitable for their development.
- South C Dragons Women’s Dragon Boat Team Inc ($2,549.82) – will provide opportunities for women of all cultures, ages and abilities to participate in regattas and/or paddle as a social activity.
- Caramut Football Netball Club Inc ($690.00) – will support participation in netball and junior football within the community by minimising costs to participate and introducing flexible scheduling which allows girls to play both sports.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the grants would make a significant difference to local clubs, with some now able to field a women and girls’ team or host a social competition for the first time.
“We want to support locals to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter what age, gender or ability,” Ms Tierney said.
“Due to a lack of time, lack of confidence, and societal pressures, many residents just aren’t fitting the recommended amount of physical activity into their week.”
“In particular, we know women are much less likely to take part in club sport compared to men.”
“Women deserve the same opportunities as men to play sport and be active. Women’s sport is increasingly popular and these grants will help local clubs field new women’s and girls’ teams.”
“I encourage local residents to get involved in their local sports clubs – it’s a fun way to keep active while connecting with like-minded people in your local community,” Ms Tierney said.
VicHealth CEO, Jerril Rechter said the grants will help more residents to make physical activity part of their day-to-day life.
“This program is about supporting Victoria’s grassroots sport clubs to provide a wider range of opportunities for everyone to get involved in including people who wouldn’t normally have the chance to play sport,” Ms Rechter said.
“Non-traditional, social and modified sports are also becoming an increasingly popular choice, and some of the successful clubs will deliver creative and flexible sports programs to help locals fit exercise into their busy daily routines.”
For more information about VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub