Local Para Champions grants are open

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Image Credit: Australian Sports Commision

The Local Para Champions grants are currently open for athletes, coaches and officials aged 12-24 taking part in state, national or global championships for athletes with disabilities.

Launched by the Australian Sports Commision (ASC) to help offset the costs of travelling to competitions, successful applicants can receive $750-$1000 of funding. Funding will depend on each successful applicants’ circumstances:

  • The base grant will provide $750
  • Those travelling 800km – 1999km will receive an extra $100
  • Those travelling overseas or more than 2000km domestically will receive an extra $200
  • Those who live in a regional electorate will receive an extra $50

Applications for the current round of grants will close April 30, 2025. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for Local Para Champions grants, applicants must be:

– Be turning 12-24 years old in the same calendar year as their championship.

– Be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency and living in Australia.

– Be a participant in an event or competition for disabled athletes that is:

  • An official state or territory event supported by the relevant ASC recognised national sporting organisation (NSO) or national sporting organisation for people with disability (NSOD), or a School Sports Australia member; or
  • An official national event supported by the relevant ASC recognised NSO, NSOD or School Sports Australia; or
  • An international competition as a member of the Australian national team where only athletes with a disability can compete, representing either an ASC recognised NSO, NSOD, or School Sports Australia.

A participant may include anyone who is involved in an official capacity at an event, such as athletes, officials, coaches and depending on circumstances, guides and assistants.

– To be eligible for the grants, participants attending a state or territory event cannot live closer than 125km to their event’s venue and must have a longer than 250km return journey. (Those attending a national or international event do not have to travel a minimum distance.)

– Participants cannot receive a Local Sporting Champions grant to attend the same event.

– Participants must incur out of pocket expenses greater than or equal to the grant they are eligible to recieve.

– Applications must be submitted before the current round of grants close April 30th, 2025. 

– Applicants can receive up to two grants in the same allocation year (3 June 2024 – 30 April 2025) for attending either:

  • Two different international competitions; or
  • One state or national competition and an international competition.

In addition to the eligibility requirements of the grant, applicants must also abide by the terms and conditions of the ASC.

For more information on the Local Para Champions grants, click HERE. To apply for the grants, click HERE.

 

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Minns Labor Government announces commitment to women’s football legacy.

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Credit: Northern NSW Football

The Minns Labor Government has announced an investment of $400,000 towards women’s football as a bonus of NSW hosting 11 games at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The NSW Football Legacy Program includes five key initiatives designed to grow and support women’s football at every level, ensuring a lasting impact from NSW hosting matches during the tournament — including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.

Here’s what the program offers:

  • Women in Leadership Program: Designed to boost confidence and leadership skills among women in football, helping them step into or grow in leadership roles while building a strong network of advocates for the game.
  • Body Image and Wellbeing Program: Aimed at female players aged 13 to 18 in the National Premier League, this initiative focuses on promoting healthy body image and overall wellbeing.
  • Flexible Football Initiative: Introduces more accessible and adaptable ways for women to get involved in grassroots football, removing traditional barriers to participation.
  • Coach and Referee Mentor Program: Helps develop a strong network of female coaches and referees by pairing them with experienced mentors, creating role models and encouraging more women to take on these important roles.
  • First Nations Football: Supports young First Nations footballers (aged 14–16) and coaches by providing opportunities to train and grow in high-performance environments.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper stated that the Minns Labor Government aims to build on the success of recent women’s football events to create a lasting, inclusive legacy for women and girls in NSW through the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,” Kamper said in a press release.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW’s hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football in NSW at all levels.

“The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game.”

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas welcomed the NSW Government’s support, saying it will help make football more accessible, safe, and inclusive for women and girls as Football NSW works toward gender parity.

“Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government’s continued commitment to our game,” Tsatsimas said in a press release

“The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game.”

The $400,000 investment and the initiatives within the NSW Football Legacy Program mark a significant step forward in strengthening women’s football across the state.

Elevating Aintree Football and grassroots sports

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Image credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria has acknowledged Melton City Council for the official opening of the $15.3 million Aintree North Recreation Reserve — a pivotal investment in community sport and active recreation that will serve the area’s growing demand for football and broader sporting participation.

In April, City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi and State Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch MP officially unveiled the reserve, which is positioned to play a central role as a district-level facility in Melbourne’s west and will accommodate a range of local sports groups, including football clubs.

City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi described the reserve as a transformative development for the local community.

“Spaces like these make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to take part in regular exercise, social connection and outdoor activity,” he said via press release.

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and Woodlea for their contributions to this fantastic project.”

The state-of-the-art reserve features premium soccer pitches, an inclusive play area, a youth-focused skate park, a jogging track with a fitness trail, an off-leash dog park, public restrooms, a network of shared pathways, and a contemporary community sports pavilion.

The project was supported by a $11.9 million investment from Melton City Council, alongside a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and an additional $1.46 million from developer Woodlea.

Josephine La Pila, Football Victoria’s Club Development Program Manager, expressed support for the reserve’s opening and commended the commitment to enhancing community football facilities.

“This precinct is a fantastic example of local government, developers and state partners working together to support grassroots football,” she said via press release.

“The facilities at Aintree will open new doors for clubs, players and families – especially in such a fast-growing area. We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on participation, development and community connection.”

Football Victoria is excited to maintain its partnership with the City of Melton and local clubs, working together to establish the new reserve as a flourishing centre for football and community sports.

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