More than 260 grassroots sport and recreation clubs have been given government funding to address barriers to sporting participation, creating more inclusive ways to access sport across Victoria.

As part of National Volunteer Week celebrations, Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced the latest successful recipients of the Sporting Club Grants Program – which are sharing in more than $520,000.

The projects supported in this round have a strong focus on boosting club capacity and promoting the valuable work of volunteers in helping clubs get back in the game this year.

Grant recipients include, North Bendigo Junior Football Club which is receiving $1,000 for new uniforms to establish more mixed junior teams and Bendigo’s North Central Strikers Netball Club which is scoring $5,000 to develop a strategic plan to encourage women and girls to participate at the club as players, volunteers, administrators and coaches.

The Program provides up to $1,000 for uniforms and equipment, up to $2,000 for training or courses that improve the skills of coaches, officials, volunteers, and administrators, and up to $5,000 for projects that create new participation opportunities, improve accessibility, or strengthen club operational capacity.

Since 2015, the Sporting Club Grants Program has invested more than $15.5 million to support clubs and their volunteers across the state, in positive and trying times.

The Labor Government is making community sport and creation more accessible and inclusive. This initiative supports the Government to stimulate local economies, build sustainable sport and recreation volunteer opportunities, and increase participation.

For more information on the grants and a full list of recipients sport.vic.gov.au

Speaking ahead of NVW, Minister Spence and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan highlighted the important need for volunteers in our communities.

“National Volunteer Week reminds us that clubs and their volunteers are the backbone of Victorian communities,” Spence said.

“That’s why we’re backing more clubs with help to boost memberships, support volunteers and get behind grassroots sports that are an integral part of local communities.”

Allan added: “Sports clubs are the lifeblood of our communities and that’s why we are supporting them with this funding boost.”

Vice President of the North Bendigo Junior Football Club, Jaydene Burzacott was thrilled with the funding received.

“Receiving this grant provides funds we otherwise wouldn’t have and enables us to upgrade our uniforms and equipment, making our members feel even more like valued members of our club.”