By Emma Xerri
The round two grant recipients of this year’s Sporting Club Grants Program have been announced, with 11 clubs across the Yarra Ranges receiving an all-important boost from the state government.
The program boasts four categories for funding and is aimed at supporting grassroots sporting clubs and organisations across the state, hoping to address barriers to participation, while helping clubs cultivate safe and sustainable practices that contribute to social and active local communities.
Using their funding to continue breaking down gender-based sports barriers is Category 1 grant recipient Belgrave Junior Football Club, whose funding for uniforms and equipment will go towards new playing jumpers for their under 12 girls.
“The club has worked really hard to try and encourage young girls to play football at Belgrave, and we’ve been successful,” Club president Paul Piaser said.
“We don’t say no to new recruits. With girls football, the more the merrier, and just over 50 per cent of the registered playing members at our club are female, so this grant is going to support us with that growth.”
Also receiving grants for on-field uniform and equipment are 1st Lilydale Scout Group, Monbulk Aquatic Club, Seville Football Netball Club and Yarra Junction Eagles Junior Football Club Incorporated.
Lilydale Football and Netball Club Incorporated, Montrose Scout Group and Seville Cricket Club Inc have also received grants to strengthen their volunteering and officiating, along with Lilydale Croquet Club who have received funding to go towards access and engagement.
“We’ll be using it to buy a laptop and a camera for training and coaches purposes, so that they can practise and review their skills and see how they can improve their game,” Lilydale Croquet Club President, John Thomson said.
“This is something completely new for us, but we’ve seen it being used very effectively and it will undoubtedly help our members.”
Lilydale Swimming Club Inc and Yarra Ranges Athletics will also be benefiting from funding centred on competing, with funds provided to assist with travel, accommodation and event registration costs for individual athletes selected to attend representative competition, selection trials or training camps.
