The Australian Federal Government is accepting applications for its Play Our Way program, a $200 million initiative to provide better facilities and resources for girls’ and women’s sport.
The total funds will be spread over a three year period – 2024-2025 to 2026-2027 – in what is expected to be a round-by-round process.
The program replicates the funding stream approach similar to the NSW State Government’s Football Legacy Fund, and SA State Government’s Power of Her fund, offering one stream for facilities & infrastructure, and the other for programs and equipment.
In a recent statement, the Government outlined who is eligible to apply for funding, and what those successful will be expected to achieve.
Program applicants include:
- Local governments
- Community organisations
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Sporting organisations
If successful, the above entities will be expected to:
- Provide safe, inclusive, quality and sustainable facilities, equipment and initiatives.
- Help women and girls to remain involved in sport and physical activity for life.
The fund’s overarching purpose is to bridge the gap in physical activity participation between men and women.
However, it is important to note that none of these funds are quarantined for football purposes, despite the fund’s announcement against the backdrop of Matildas and Australian football success in August, 2023.
Whilst the overriding good nature of the program is indisputable, football clubs and communities will need to roll their sleeves up to secure funds that the game rightfully deserves for surging demand.
New South Wales and Western Australia have already set new records in girls’ and women’s football registrations this year, illustrating why football needs more funding at grassroots level to guarantee a positive experience.
Importantly, a webinar will be held on March 22 (today) so that potential applicants can ascertain a greater understanding of the fund and the application process. The registration link for this webinar can be found at the bottom of this article.
The NSW Football Legacy Fund is evidence of what funding can do for football in local communities, and with South Australia opening the Power of Her fund alongside the Federal Government’s Play Our Way program, there is currently no shortage of opportunities for football to expand in 2024 and beyond.
Play Our Way program applications opened on March 18, and will close at 2pm (AEST) on April 29.
Play Our Way webinar registration link
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/webinars/play-our-way-program-grant-opportunity-guidelines
For further details and questions
Full details are available on https://help.grants.gov.au/.
All questions about the program should be directed to Grant.Atm@health.gov.au.
