WA Benefits from Telstra Footy Country GrantsThursday, April 4, 2024 - 11:25 AM

Nearly 20 clubs from WA have been successful in applying for the first round of funding as part of the Telstra Footy Country Grants program.

More than $1 million will flow into more than 250 local footy clubs around Australia as the initiative is rolled out.  

As one of the successful applicants Ocean Ridge Auskick in the northern suburbs of Perth aims to increase the registrations and involvement of girls aged between five and nine in their program. 

The club staged a come and try day with West Perth WAFLW Players last month, with officials also seeking more equipment for females, including pink footballs.

Meanwhile, Chapman Valley FC in the Mid-West City of Geraldton can now install behind-the-goal netting to improve safety for players as part of the benefits of their funding package.

WAFC Club Development and Volunteers Specialist Jenné Russell has welcomed the AFL announcement.

“The Telstra Footy Country Grants are a fantastic opportunity for metro and regional clubs to access funding to support and grow community footy,” Russell said.

“Some really fantastic initiatives have been supported in Round 1 and the WAFC is looking forward to supporting many more initiatives throughout the year.

“In particular it is tremendous to see applications coming from such a large cross section of clubs from across the state.”

Local clubs across all states and territories will benefit from grants of up to $20,000 per club to strengthen the base of grassroots footy nationally.

With the core purpose to aid volunteers, diversify and broaden participation and improve experiences clubs offer, funds from the Telstra Footy Country Grants will go to the heart of where local clubs need it most.

From implementing Indigenous guernseys and pride rounds to promote inclusivity and awareness, to acquiring an electronic point of sales system or new ground markers to ease the load on volunteers, Telstra Footy Country Grants will help sustain local clubs for the future.

AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld said there was great satisfaction that the first round of funding was being distributed into communities.

“To know that more than 250 clubs will share in more than $1 million in the first round of funding for Telstra Footy Country Grants is incredible and it’s exciting to know this is just the beginning of the four-year program,” Auld said.

“Local clubs not only underpin the strength of our foundation and growth of our game, but they are also the heart and soul of communities where people can find a sense of belonging and connection, so it’s imperative we support clubs and communities. 

“Our team, including our state and territory associations, have worked closely with clubs across the country to ensure all the funds are being optimised and we’re generating positive outcomes for as many clubs as possible.

“I’d like to thank Telstra once again for their support of grassroots footy and this program.

“We still have three more rounds to distribute this year and we encourage clubs to visit play.afl to find out more and apply, “he said.

Telstra Executive Brent Smart has applauded the timing of the announcement.

“We’re delighted to be releasing the first and biggest round of Telstra Footy Country Grants with the AFL, to celebrate a cracking start to the season and Gather Round,” Smart said.

“From reviewing the applications, it’s clear there are many local and regional clubs in real need of our support, and we hope this funding will go a long way to fuelling the love of the game in the communities that need it the most.”

After breaking two participation records last year with 384,000 participants registered to play community footy and more than 126,000 registered Auskickers, including a WA record of 16,430 Auskick participants, pulling on the boots – coupled with women and girls community footy also reaching a record of more than 20 per cent – Telstra Footy Country Grants will aid more growth as the AFL strives to have footy in every home. 

Three more rounds of funding will be distributed in 2024, with clubs encouraged to apply. For more information on Telstra Footy Country Grants click here.

Applications for Round 2 close on Friday 19 April.

For more information on how clubs can apply for the grant, visit https://play.afl/clubhelp/footy-country-grants