By Parker McKenzie
A federal grants program opened to help elite coaches, officials and players aged 12 to 18 who are participating in state, national or international level competitions to access championships.
The Local Champions program gives successful applications between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their championships, depending on how far they have to travel, as long as the competition is recognised by either Sports Australia or School Sports Australia.
Casey MP Aaron Violi said if you’re good enough to play in a representative team, money shouldn’t stop you from participating.
“For us, as a government, to be able to provide grants to people that need and have the potential to play at an elite level, in a junior setting, it’s important that we help them do that,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful initiative and if you know someone you think is eligible, please share it with them.”
The program offers a base grant of $500 and a potential $100 for applicants travelling between 800km and 1999km, $200 for applicants travelling internationally or over 200km and $50 for people residing in a rural electorate.
Mr Violi said being involved in sports helped him learn some great skills.
“Things like discipline, hard work, working with others and getting feedback from coaches have been important life lessons,” he said.
“I grew up with a single mum and as one of five, and we didn’t have a lot of money but I was still able to play sport because the club was really flexible on the fees.”
Round four of the grants are open until 31 March 2023. Eligible competitions include state and national championships endorsed by the relevant Sport Australia recognized organisation or school sport Australia, or an international competition as a member of a team recognised by either organisation.
For more information and to apply for the grant, visit sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/local_sporting_champions
