Local Sports Grants Program

Sporting organisations across the St George area have received a major funding boost with the announcement of the Local Sport Grants Program from the NSW Government.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, is excited to see that this funding will be injected directly into local sporting organisations to boost their equipment, infrastructure and resources.

“The St George region prides itself on the talent and culture within our local sporting organisations and this funding is only going to encourage more people to get involved,”

Mr Coure said.

“The program provides critical funding to local clubs which subsequently contributes to improved social, cultural and physical wellbeing outcomes across the wider community.”

A total of nine local organisations have received funding through the 2020-21 round with a combined funding total of almost $40,000. This includes:

· $7000 for the St George Basketball Association to increase female participation and provide additional coaching services.

· $6788 for the St George and Sutherland Shire Table Tennis Association to develop volunteer skills and host a community table tennis tournament.

· $5000 for the Lugarno Football Club to purchase additional digital software and provide portable goals for junior teams.

· $5000 for the Connells Point Netball Club to obtain new player uniforms.

· $4360 for the Oatley RSL Netball Club to purchase training uniforms and equipment.

· $4090 for the All Saints Oatley West Soccer Club to provide additional storage shelving and ball pumps.

· $2000 for the Forest Rangers Football Club to allow more women to be involved in female development pathway courses.

· $2000 for the Oatley RSL Youth Sports Club to update their website and allow more individuals to receive coaching accreditation.

· $1050 for the Peakhurst United Junior Soccer Club to allow more Club members to participate in coaching courses.

The program provides sporting organisations with up to $20,000 for projects which focus on player development, access to sport, increasing female participation and facility upgrades.

“A core focus of this program is to get more women involved in our local sporting organisations to ensure that they are active and engaged within our local community.”

Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee, said the grants provide a welcome lift to communities as NSW emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic, bushfires, drought and recent floods have affected NSW communities in recent months,” Minister Lee said.

More than 700 community sporting organisations are set to benefit from the program with a total investment of $4 million across the State.

“These grants are important for the local sporting community, in particular the army of volunteers who donate their time week in, week out to ensure local sport and recreation activities are available.”

For more information regarding the Local Sport Grant Program, please visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport