Community grant for sports club uniforms

FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT & RECREATION
DATE: Monday, August 13, 2007

LOCAL TEAMS CAN DRESS FOR SUCCESS WITH UNIFORM FUNDING

Community sports clubs across Victoria can look the part in new uniforms through the second round of the Brumby Government’s $1.5 million sports uniform grants program.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, said more than $750,000 in funding is now available for local clubs to buy essential sports uniforms and footwear for their teams to train, play and compete in.

Mr Merlino said the Our Club Our Future Sporting Uniforms Grants Program contributed to an important part of local sports culture, helping clubs establish their identity and build morale.

“Grassroots sport is thriving in Victoria, but many local clubs with a real passion for their sport lack the resources to properly equip their squads,” he said.

“This program will provide clubs with a cash boost to get their players in the club colours and help create a sense of team unity and pride.”

Mr Merlino said the second round of funding would offer clubs up to $1,000 to buy uniforms and footwear, with priority being given to disadvantaged and junior clubs.

“We are now encouraging clubs who have not yet been approved for a grant to take advantage of this opportunity and get their teams dressed for success,” he said.

More than 770 clubs across Victoria from a wide range of sports benefited from the first round of funding.

Mr Merlino said the grants program not only benefited disadvantaged clubs, but encouraged kids to stay active and participate in sporting pursuits.

“The Brumby Government is doing more to help all Victorians become involved in physically active and healthy lifestyles by supporting local sports,” he said.

Applications are now open online at www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au.

Applicants can contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 for further information or assistance. Applications close on 3 September, 2007.

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The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, wishes to inform Victorian clubs, organisations and community groups in the Benalla Electorate that the second round of funding for the Sporting Uniform Grants Program for 2007 are now open.

Successful recipients from the Benalla Electorate for the first round of funding were:

Alexandra District Basketball Assoc
Benalla Little Athletics
Benalla Netball Association,
Benalla All Blacks Football / Netball
Benalla Saints Sports Club
Tatong Football / Netball Club Inc
Bright Soccer Club
Bright Netball Club
Mt Beauty Soccer Club
Myrtleford Football / Netball Club
Euroa Football / Netball Club
Nagambie Bowls Club Inc
Violet Town Football Club Inc
Delatite Cricket Club
Mansfield Junior Football Club
Murchison Cricket Club Inc

Dr Sykes said the Our Club, Our Future Sporting Uniform Grants Program provides grants of up to $1,000 to assist in the purchase of sports uniforms. The total funding pool is $1.5 million.

The grant program will provide funding for the purchase of necessary uniform and footwear items essential for playing sport eg. Jumpers, footwear, tracksuits, self defence clothing, shirts & singlets, socks, bathers, hats, pants/shorts, leotards, skirts and athlete suits.

Applications for the second round of funding are to be submitted by 3 September 2007 (unsuccessful applications from the first round of funding which have met the criteria of this program may be reconsidered in the second round).

For information on this funding contact Department of Victorian Communities ph: 1300 366 356 or web site www.grants.dvc.vic.gov.au or Peta Clark at Bill Sykes’ office ph: 5762 2100.