Four AFL Darling Downs clubs have been successful in receiving grants worth over $32,500 under the Queensland Government’s Get Going program.
The Chinchilla SUNS & South Burnett Saints both received just short of the maximum $10,000 available to cover the cost of training their volunteers and purchasing all of the playing equipment required to get the clubs off of the ground for their inaugural 2013 season.
The University Cougars received $6750 to run a Come n Try program, targeting children from the Hume Ridge Church of Christ and looking to further expand on the success of their multicultural programs.
While the Toowoomba East Stingers received just under $6,500 to run targeted promotion to reinstate their Under 14 & Under 16 age groups in 2013 & 2014. The club will maximise its success by providing some training courses and volunteer equipment to club volunteers at no cost to the volunteers.
The State Government released the grants with the purpose of addressing the lack of participation in junior sport and volunteer involvement in community sporting groups.
AFL Queensland Club Coordinator Christopher Davis said the result was a massive win for footy in the region.
“The grants were near-on essential for the two new clubs to get off the ground, as purchasing all of the equipment to run a football club straight off is a big task” said Davis.
Despite the need on the club’s behalf, all 4 successful applicants clearly addressed the scope of the grant and highlighted what they can do to help the Queensland Government achieve its objectives.
“Grants aren’t just a handout. It’s all about finding a way which the two organisations can both benefit through the provision of funds. In this case, the Government wanted more kids playing sport and the clubs wanted to do some work to increase their membership too” outlined Mr Davis.
All four clubs went through a review process with a couple of drafts to ensure the grant correctly addressed the needs and answered all of the questions the application required. They also consulted with external organisations and community groups to ensure the maximum benefit was spread to as many people as possible.
With just two weeks until the season kicks off, there will be other focuses for the successful clubs; but spending their grant money will be a welcome present when the time comes around to get more children involved in the great sport of Australian Football.
Round 1 begins on Saturday April 6th, but it is not too late to join in the action. Simply head to the Clubs tab to find out all of the information on your local club.
Last Modified on 18/04/2013 07:52
