More than $1 million will flow into more than 250 local footy clubs around Australia as the first round of funding for the Telstra Footy Country Grants program is released.
Fittingly announced during Local Footy Week celebrations ahead of the 2024 season, local clubs across all states and territories will benefit from grants of up to $20,000 per club to strengthen the base of grassroots footy nationally.
With the core purpose to aid volunteers, diversify and broaden participation and improve experiences clubs offer, funds from the Telstra Footy Country Grants will go to the heart of where local clubs need it most.
Mackay City Hawks in Queensland can now create an Indigenous guernsey and provide further education to their community around their First Nations heritage, while Chapman Valley FC in Western Australia can install behind-the-goal netting to improve safety for players.
Darley Football Netball Club in Victoria are going to upskill their volunteers by enrolling them in development courses and in Tasmania, Huonville Lions Football Club can now acquire ground measurement tools to better set up their field.
Glencoe Football Club in South Australia are one of many clubs that can purchase a life-saving defibrillator, the Gungahlin Jets in the ACT can start up two girls’ teams to help grow participation at their club, and the Rovers Football Club in the Northern Territory will have the ability to make footy more accessible to their wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
From implementing Indigenous guernsey’s and pride rounds to promote inclusivity and awareness, to acquiring an electronic point of sales system or new ground markers to ease the load on volunteers, Telstra Footy Country Grants will help sustain local clubs for the future.
St Bernard's Junior Football Club will utilise its grant to help fund their new junior girls program, including acquiring guernseys and training requirements for the team. Photo: Riley Lockett
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld said he was delighted the first round of funding was being distributed into communities.
“To know that more than 250 clubs will share in more than $1 million in the first round of funding for Telstra Footy Country Grants is incredible and it’s exciting to know this is just the beginning of the four-year program,” Auld said.
“Local clubs not only underpin the strength of our foundation and growth of our game, they are the heart and soul of communities where people can find a sense of belonging and connection, so it’s imperative we support clubs and communities.
“Our team, including our state and territory associations, have worked closely with clubs across the country to ensure all the funds are being optimised and we’re generating positive outcomes for as many clubs as possible.
“I’d like to once again thank Telstra for their support of grassroots footy and this program. We still have three more rounds to distribute this year and we encourage clubs to visit play.afl to find out more and apply.”
Telstra Executive Brent Smart said:
“We’re delighted to be releasing the first and biggest round of Telstra Footy Country Grants with the AFL, to celebrate a cracking start to the season and Gather Round. From reviewing the applications, it’s clear there are many local and regional clubs in real need of our support, and we hope this funding will go a long way to fuelling the love of the game in the communities that need it the most.”
After breaking two participation records last year with 384,000 participants registered to play community footy and more than 126,000 registered Auskickers pulling on the boots – coupled with women and girls community footy also reaching a record of more than 20 per cent – Telstra Footy Country Grants will aid more growth as the AFL strives to have footy in every home.
"With support from Telstra Country Footy Grants, St Bernard's Junior FC will be able to provide its playing group with an environment that enables them to play footy, have fun, make new friends and be with their families at St Bernard’s," Jo Hardwick. Photo: Riley Lockett
The Telstra Footy Country Grants program builds on the 2023 announcement by the AFL Commission to enshrine 10 per cent of all football revenue into AFL Game Development initiatives for community football support and growth.
For more information about Telstra Footy Country Grants, click here.
Telstra Footy Country Grants is the latest initiative under Telstra's 'This is Footy Country' campaign, a celebration of the deep relationship between local footy clubs and their communities.
