Big Win For Local Sporting Groups Thanks To NSW Government Funding Injection

Local grassroots sporting organisations are the big winners from a recent funding injection from the NSW Government, Mark Coure, Member for Oatley, announced.

Mr Coure recently notified the successful recipients of the NSW Government’s Local Sports Grant program which provides $4.6 million of funding to grassroots sporting clubs across the state.

“Grassroots sporting clubs are a vital part of the St George community. They provide a recreational outlet for people of all ages, helping them to learn new skills and keep fit,” Mr Coure said.

“These grants will provide essential funds to help sporting clubs increase participation as we slowly ease social distancing restrictions and see a return of community-based team sport.”

Ray Barbi, President of the St George Basketball Association, who received $2,000 of funding, said that the Local Sports Grant program will help the Association run workshops that will improve the skills of volunteer coaches and referees.

“This funding will ensure our coaches and referees can upskill and are providing the best possible experiences for players and spectators,” Mr Barbi said.

Through the Local Sports Grant program, the Oatley electorate secured over $30,000 in total funding for 9 community projects. The full list of successful projects are:

• $10,000 for St George Junior Baseball Club to construct permanent dugouts at the Evatt Park Main Diamond

• $8,000 to Lugarno Football Club to subsidise female player registration and purchase thermal uniforms

• $6,600 for Oatley Football Club to run a skill workshop for coaches, purchase training equipment and club accounting software

• $2,030 to Peakhurst United Football Club to purchase a new barbeque

• $2,000 for Renown United Sports Club to purchase jerseys and equipment for the womens team

• $2,000 for St George Basketball Association to run coaching and referee training

In conjunction with the $30,000 Local Sports Grant, Mr Coure also announced that several other local sporting clubs will share in an extra $29,000 of funding through one-off grants for much needed community infrastructure upgrades.

Glory Football Club, based in Riverwood Park, received $11,500 to upgrade the amenity building at the park, installing a new hot water system, fridge and range hood.

Assistant Secretary of Glory FC, Emanuel Valageorgiou, said that this funding will go far in helping the club better serve its fans and the community.

“Glory FC is a family-friendly soccer club, dedicated to providing grassroots soccer to the Riverwood community. This NSW Government funding will allow us to upgrade the club’s amenity building and purchase some much needed support equipment,” Mr Valageorgiou said.

In additional to this funding, local soccer clubs Forest Rangers FC and Lugarno FC received $10,000 and $5,500 respectively for amenity block upgrades.

Bexley Oval based Hurstville United Junior Rugby League Club have also benefitted from a $2,000 grant that will assist the club in purchasing training equipment and jerseys.