Grants for South Barwon sporting clubs

Geelong Baseball Association are among the grant recipients.

THE Victorian government has announced more than $22,000 will go towards supporting local grassroots sporting clubs and organisations across Geelong and the Surf Coast.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman last week announced the successful recipients of the Victorian government’s Sporting Club Grants Program.

As part of the fifth round of funding, applicants can receive up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $5,000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers, up to $5,000 to improve club operational effectiveness or up to $5,000 to help clubs get back on their feet.

Recipients within the South Barwon electorate include the Grovedale Guides, 2nd Highton Junior Guides, Highton Friday guides, 2nd Highton Senior Guides, Geelong Baseball Association, Surfcoast Basketball Association, Torquay Cricket & Football Club, Working Equitation Geelong, AFL Barwon Commission and Surfing Victoria.

Mr Cheeseman said the initiative will support an increase in participation following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

“The Sporting Club Grants Program is giving grassroots sports clubs in South Barwon the support they need to grow their ranks and help more people than ever play the sports they love,” he said.

The latest recipients join the region’s former successful applicants including the Armstrong Creek Junior Football and Netball Club, Surf Coast Football Club and Grovedale Cricket Club.

The grants program is part of the state’s commitment to make sports more accessible and inclusive while stimulating local economies and building sustainable sport and recreation opportunities. Since 2014, the Victorian government has provided up to $7 million in grants to more than 5,150 sporing clubs across the state.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the state government was proud to provide a boost for local supporting clubs.

“This boost opens up a range of opportunities on and off the field for clubs and their members,” Ms Spence said.

“I look forward to seeing a new generation of local champions get their chance to take their sports to a whole new level.”