Local sports clubs are being invited to apply for grants of up to $20,000, and according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, the focus this year is encouraging more talented girls and young women into sport programs.
“$50,000 has been allocated for successful projects between $250 and $20,000 within each of the electorates of Gosford, Wyong and The Entrance,” Mr MacDonald said.
“Around half of all Australian boys are active through a sports club during their childhood compared with just 33 per cent of girls, and the participation rate for girls drops sharply after girls turn 12,” Mr MacDonald said.
“I encourage all local clubs and sporting organisations to use this opportunity to boost their female programs and events, because we want to see girls not only take to the field, but stay on the field,” he said.
There are four project types within the Program, these being: Sport Club Development; Community Sport Events; Sport Access; and, Facility Development.
The grants will cover initiatives such as new sport programs, upgrades to facilities, or projects that improve participation in sport.
NSW Minister for Sport, Mr Stuart Ayres, said the program is part of a $10 million sport grants package announced by the NSW Government.
“Women’s sport is the fastest growing area of many codes and we are now seeing more big name sponsors and media networks recognising the public’s appetite for prime time viewing, but more needs to be done, including cultivating participation at a grass roots level,” Mr Ayres said.
Source:
Media release, Sep 5
Kit Hale, office of Scot MacDonald