Making footy a game for allWednesday, June 3, 2015 - 1:55 PM

On the field, participation and a willingness to have a go are the key ingredients to sporting success.

Off the field, that same sentiment is the driving force behind McDonald’s ‘Macca’s Junior Sports Grants’ program.

Created to provide sports clubs with new equipment or funding to increase participation in a chosen sport, the grants aim to encourage healthy, active lifestyles among young Western Australians. 

The Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club, a lucky recipient of the 2015 round one grants initiative, will put the much-needed funding towards its unique Star Kick program. 

Star Kick is the first of its kind in Australia, allowing children with special needs to participate in AFL Auskick.

The support from Macca’s Junior Sports Grants will enable the club to buy state-of-the-art footballs with built-in beepers to assist vision impaired players to find and track the ball.

Coolbinia Bombers Junior Football Club President Tom Parker said the club had a variety of needs to cater for and worked hard to increase the number of children participating in the sport.

However, he said a shortage of resources made it difficult to meet their goal.

 “The specialised equipment we’ll now have access to teaches children with special needs the concept of direction and helps improve their skills on the field,” said Mr Parker.

“It’s pertinent everybody gets the chance to play this much-loved and iconic Australian sport and with this new equipment, our Star Kick team will be able to play like any other football team.”

The Macca’s Junior Sports Grants initiative has provided more than $400,000 worth of grants and helped over 350 junior sporting groups and school teams.

McDonald’s WA licensee president Richard Hill said as the largest employer of young people in Australia, McDonald’s has a strong track record of supporting young athletes in the local community. 

“As many of us are parents, sport coaches and managers ourselves, we are committed to growing grassroots sport so all children have the opportunity to participate in junior sport,” said Mr Hill.

McDonald’s WA has also partnered with the Western Australian Football League to increase football participation and encourage more families to follow the sport.

Applications for the next round of Macca’s Junior Sports Grants close 30 June 2015. For more information CLICK HERE

Photo: Archer (5) practices kicking with Star Kick volunteer.