In a significant boost for grassroots football, the Telstra Footy Country Grants program has announced the release of over $1 million in funding to support more than 250 local footy clubs across Australia. This exciting initiative was announced as part of Local Footy Week celebrations, just before the 2024 season commenced.
The grants, which range up to $20,000 per club, aim to strengthen the foundation of grassroots footy by providing essential resources and support to local clubs. The core purpose of these grants is to aid volunteers, diversify participation, and enhance the overall experiences offered by these clubs.
One example of the impact of these grants is seen at Mackay City Hawks in Queensland, where the funding will enable the creation of an Indigenous guernsey and further education initiatives about First Nations heritage. Similarly, Chapman Valley FC in Western Australia plans to enhance player safety by installing behind-the-goal netting.
Darley Football Netball Club in Victoria is focusing on upskilling volunteers through development courses, while Huonville Lions Football Club in Tasmania is set to acquire ground measurement tools for better field preparation. These are just a few examples of how these grants are making a real difference on the ground.
Moreover, the grants are supporting initiatives like Indigenous pride rounds, acquiring life-saving equipment like defibrillators, starting up girls’ teams, and making footy more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld expressed his excitement about the positive impact these grants will have on local communities and clubs. He highlighted the importance of supporting clubs that are integral to the fabric of communities, providing a sense of belonging and connection.
Telstra Executive Brent Smart also shared his delight in partnering with the AFL to support grassroots footy through the Telstra Footy Country Grants program. The funding not only celebrates the start of the season but also reflects Telstra’s commitment to nurturing the love of the game in communities across Australia.
With record-breaking participation numbers in community footy and Auskick last year, coupled with the growth of women and girls’ football, the Telstra Footy Country Grants program aims to fuel further growth and ensure footy reaches every household.
As the program continues to unfold over the next four years, clubs are encouraged to visit play.afl to learn more about eligibility and apply for future rounds of funding. This partnership between Telstra and the AFL marks a significant step in supporting and sustaining the grassroots spirit of Australian football.
Cover photo: 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
