Jockey Club gives sports grants

A NEW grants program has launched for Moorabool’s community groups, and five football clubs are the first to reap the benefits.

The Ballan Jockey Club, which runs the Community Bank Ballan & District Ballan Cup each year, is continuing its commitment to supporting in the community, through the launch of its new Community Grant Program.

This new initiative is designed to provide financial support to local community groups, empowering them to grow and succeed.

Well-equipped: Five local clubs have received high quality footies and netballs, and some merch, from the Ballan Jockey Club. Photo: SUPPLIED

At a launch event for the program on Wednesday 17 April, the Ballan, Bungaree, Gordon, Dunnstown, and Springbank Football Netball Clubs were all presented with high quality footballs and netballs for the 2024 season.

President of the Ballan Jockey Club, Billy Smith, said it made sense for the Jockey Club – itself a community club – to work with local football netball clubs, and any other groups interested in applying for funding.

“We are excited to see our footies and netballs in the hands of local sporting groups, and hope that this donation can make a small difference,” Mr Smith said.

“We are looking forward to engaging with local community organisations as we launch the Community Grant Program.

“As a local club, we want to support other local clubs and work together for the good of the whole community.”

Bungaree Football Netball Club President Heath Boyd thanked the Ballan Jockey Club for their support, and said programs like the Community Grant Program are vital in helping grassroots sports clubs thrive.

“It’s a wonderful initiative from the Ballan Jockey Club. Equipment is obviously an expense for the club that we have to find money for, so this is great,” Mr Boyd said.

“It’s a fantastic thing for the Jockey Club to do, and they’re supporting five very worthy football netball clubs here.

“We can’t thank them enough.”

Organisations are encouraged to apply for funding and join forces with the Club on Community Bank Ballan & District Ballan Cup Day to maximise their fundraising efforts.

The Community Bank Ballan & District Ballan Cup will be hosted at the Geelong Racecourse on Saturday 9 November 2024.

For more information on the Ballan Jockey Club and the Community Grant Program, visit the Ballan Jockey Club’s website.