Grassroots footy clubs from across Australia will have another chance to apply for much-needed grants heading into the new season.
The second year of the Telstra Footy Country Grants program started recently offering clubs from across the country the opportunity to apply for funding up to $20,000 for much needed projects.
In the first year, the initiative handed out $2 million to almost 600 clubs with projects ranging from getting lifesaving medical equipment, to starting new girls teams and installing much needed new infrastructure.
The project is part of AFL and Telstra’s $8 million commitment to community football with $2 million to be handed out each year from 2024 to 2027.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld was keen to see the grants assisting in the growing of participation and aiding the great work done by vital volunteers.
“When we launched Telstra Footy Country Grants this year our aim was to fund as many applications as possible with the $2 million to help clubs acquire vital items, aid volunteers and grow their participation,” Auld said.
The program was also able to help clubs from all walks of life, with almost 60 per cent of grants offered to regional clubs with metro clubs making up the rest.
“To now reflect and see that we’ve been able to help fund everything from lifesaving defibrillators, behind the goal netting, line markers as well as indigenous and pride guernseys across nearly 600 local clubs is a terrific result,” Auld said.
Every state and territory was represented in the rewarding process from the Tiwi Bombers in the Northern Territory to Huonville in Tasmania.
