Berkeley Vale Rugby League and Sports Club and Killarney Vale AFC have made it onto the list of recipients of grants from the Australian Sports Foundation.
As part of an Active Kids Grants Program, the clubs will have a share from a total fund worth $550,000 for free sporting equipment and uniforms.
More than 27,000 kids at 144 community sports clubs around Australia are included in the full list.
President of Berkeley Vale Rugby League and Sports Club Matt Roberts said he was extremely excited to hear they had won the grant.
“We are extremely grateful.
“It means our kids won’t have to use broken and old equipment anymore,” he said.
Berkeley Vale is on a fundraising drive.
The Club, which was attended by Antony Albanese MP on his campaign trail last weekend, is holding a fundraising party on Saturday night with NRL and State of Origin legends Wendell Sailor and Mark Geyer hosting the event.
Over 20 different sports received funding from the Active Kids Grants Program, from water polo to archery, rowing to mountain biking and more mainstream sports such as tennis, rugby (league and union) and cricket.
Australian Sports Foundation CEO Patrick Walker said that with families hit by pandemic lockdowns and the loss of the extended community and events that sports club provide, the grants play an important role in providing opportunities for kids and families to return to normal.
“We’re thrilled to be able support over 27,000 kids in sporting clubs in need with this round of Active Kids grants.
The grants have been made possible with the generous funding by The Dickinson Foundation who have stepped up to the plate and offered community sporting clubs the opportunity to receive vital funding for kids in their local communities,” he said.
Nicola Riches