Grants open to boost women’s sport participation

COMMUNITY sports clubs can apply for new funding to help increase female participation, as the Victorian government rolls out the latest round of Change Our Game Community Activation Grants.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence has opened applications for the 2024-25 program, which offers grants of up to $10,000 to support women and girls in sport.

Funding can be used for new women’s programs, hosting dedicated women’s rounds, or creating leadership opportunities within clubs.

Now in its eighth year, the program has provided more than $2.9 million across 580 grants to sports clubs and recreation organisations.

A previous grant recipient, the Gippsland Soccer League, used funding to run a six-week Regional Female Administrator Leadership Program.

Since then, the league has achieved a 50/50 gender balance on its board and continues to grow female participation.

Ms Spence said the funding would help turn policies into action at the local level.

“After the development of Fair Access policies across the state, we’re now supporting sport and recreation clubs with grants to help turn these policies into action, ensuring that everyone – regardless of gender – can enjoy sport.”

“Through this program we’re continuing to drive gender equality in sport and recreation in Victoria to ensure a level playing field for all, with more than $2.9 million already provided.”

Sarah Styles, director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, said the program was continuing to break down barriers for women and girls in sport.

“The Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program continues to support more women and girls to participate, as players and leaders, in community sport and active recreation.”

Applications close at 5pm on February 26.

For more information, head to changeourgame.vic.gov.au/programs/community-activation-grants