Did you know that The Gap Netball Club is one of 11 recipients of the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants for 2023? Netball is the most popular team sport in Australia and The Gap Netball Club is the biggest in the state.
A total of $100,000 being awarded to 11 local netball clubs and associations across Australia. The grants aim to support these clubs in providing improved facilities and promoting healthy habits among young netballers.
Woolworths has been supporting grassroots netball since 2019 in partnership with Netball Australia. Their contributions have surpassed $1.3 million, benefiting over 311 clubs across the country.
The grants will be utilised in various ways by the recipient clubs. Some of the intended uses include reducing participation fees, enhancing equipment, uniforms, and facilities, as well as promoting healthier eating options for players by offering fresh food choices.
The Gap Netball Club plans to use the grant for a diversity and inclusion initiative, focusing on gender-inclusive uniforms to encourage diversity in the game.
The Gap Netball Club will also receive an $8,000 grant in addition to the People’s Choice grant. Other recipients of the additional $8,000 grant are:
- Ulladulla District Netball Association – Regional NSW
- North Turramurra Netball Club – Metro NSW
- Mackay Netball Association – Regional QLD
- Ballarat Bulldogs All Abilities Football Netball Club – Regional VIC
- Marong Football Netball Club – Regional VIC
- Mother Teresa School Netball Club – Metro ACT
- Leschenault Netball Association – Regional WA
- Tango Netball Club – Metro SA
- South East Suns Netball Association – Metro TAS
The inaugural People’s Choice grant of $20,000 was awarded to the Berwick Netball Club in Victoria.
The grants come at a crucial time when community sporting clubs are facing financial challenges, with rising costs impacting participation rates.
Data from the Australian Sports Foundation reveals that 52 per cent of surveyed clubs reported the increasing cost of living as a barrier to member registrations.
Additionally, nearly one in four community sporting clubs (24 per cent) are contemplating closure. The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants aim to address these challenges and support local clubs.
Catherine Cox, a former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador, expressed her excitement about the grants, highlighting the positive impact they will have on clubs and children’s active lifestyles.
Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Hicks, emphasised the importance of supporting grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of netball stars through partnerships with Netball Australia.
“The impact of Woolworths support of grassroots netball does not go unnoticed. Giving clubs the opportunity to grow, whilst also removing barriers for young players to eat healthier and keep more active is so important. We are really excited to see how the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grant winners use their funds over the next year to help more Aussies enjoy the sport we all love.” CEO of Netball Australia, Kelly Ryan, said.
Published 16-July-2023
