Sporting clubs in the Werribee electorate looking to open more doors for women and girls to play the sports they love are being urged to apply for a VicHealth funding grant.

Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas today announced applications for VicHealth’s Active Club Grants program are now open to community sports clubs in the Werribee electorate.

The VicHealth grants program aims to boost access to grassroots sport so even more people can enjoy the benefits of a healthier and happier lifestyle.

In 2016/17, two levels of grants – up to $3000 or up to $10,000 – are available for clubs establishing new activities, competitions and programs that encourage more women and girls to get involved in physical activity, or which are starting up a social or modified sport program.

Modified sports are fun and less-structured, increasing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, skills and fitness levels. The grants will also provide more opportunities for the development of women’s sports teams.

The Andrews Labor Government is working hard to grow women’s participation in sport, so female athletes have access to equal opportunities to get involved in sport and excel, both at the grassroots and elite levels.

This includes $1 million to begin implementing recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into the Participation of Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation.

Victorian sports clubs are the lifeblood of our towns, and they deserve modern, safe facilities. The government promised them and is now getting on with delivering them through the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

The fund includes $10 million for Female Friendly Facilities to build or upgrade women’s change rooms, meaning female players will never again have to use make-shift areas to prepare for competition and training.

This is the biggest ever investment in women’s participation in sport by an Australian state government.

We also recently launched an Australian-first Female Friendly Sports Infrastructure Guide, which will provide the latest tips, tools and techniques to build or repair sports facilities for the record numbers of women and girls playing sport.

Applications for VicHealth’s Active Club Grants close on Friday 23 September 2016. To apply visit www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“We want everyone in my electorate of Werribee to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter what age or ability.”

“I urge local clubs and sporting organisations to apply for a VicHealth grant to establish new teams, programs or competitions for women, or to start up a modified sport program.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is making grassroots sports more accessible to all, so everyone can get involved in the sports they love either as player, coach, umpire or volunteer.”