Article from ther AFF WebsiteLily Whitehead Image: Graeme Orrman
Funding and in-kind support is now rolling out under the AFF Project 5000 grant program, with Melbourne’s Ruyton Girls School receiving a $5000 contribution to establish a school fencing program and club.
The project is the brainchild of Victorian cadet fencer Lily Whitehead, a student at Ruyton, who is a passionate advocate for women’s fencing. Lily prepared a compelling presentation to earn the support of her school principal and community, leading to a grant bid based on a co-investment model.
With the assistance of the Project 5000 grant, Ruyton plans to introduce fencing in term three 2018 under the guidance of coach Pieter Leeuwenburgh.
Lily says she burst into tears when she heard Ruyton's bid had been successful, as her ambition to fence with a Ruyton school team at the National School Fencing Championships is one step closer to reality.
"I had a dream and thought it probably wouldn't come true soon enough for me, and now it has," Lily says.
She says many girls her age want to play sport but don't always know what to choose.
"I want them to know it's okay to pick up a sword and fence.
"I want to prove it's a sport that has no gender and has no boundaries."
The Ruyton submission detailed how many new fencers would be targeted in the current and future years, with clear pathways for students introduced to fencing at school to becoming affiliated at the state level.
NEXT ROUND OF APPLICATION NOW OPEN
The AFF is delighted to announce the opening of Tranche 2 of the Project 5,000 Participation Grants Program, which will provide funding for targeted initiatives aimed at increasing participation in fencing. The program is being implemented as part of the AFF's strategic goal of achieving 5,000 'active members' (fencers affiliated at State level).
The program will offer grant funding to clubs, State Associations and other eligible bodies to support activities which attract new participants to fencing. A total of up to $30,000 will be allocated during calendar 2018, subject to suitable applications being received. A maximum of $5,000 will be allocated to any one activity.
Funding applications will be considered in three tranches during the year. Applications for Tranche 2 opened on the 5th May 2018 and will close on 17th June 2018.
Further information about the program (including funding criteria) is contained in the attached information sheet. To apply for funding, please complete the application form and return it by email to operations@fencing.org.au.
Last Modified on 11/05/2018 13:19