Victorian Government provides further backing for local sports clubs and leagues

The Victorian Government has announced new support for thousands of sports clubs, leagues and associations affected by public health restrictions to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence yesterday announced that applications were open for a $10 million fourth round of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package - taking the package to support these key grassroots organisations to $50 million.

Explaining the need for support, Minister Spence advised “community sporting clubs are the backbone of many local communities and this will help support them through very tough times.

“These clubs are a second home to many people and the support they receive is in effect support for the hundreds of thousands of players, volunteers and supporters who make these organisations so valuable.”

The Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package has to date provided a lifeline for more than 6,300 clubs, with a further 430 leagues and associations and 75 state sporting associations, organisations and regional academies also supported.

All Victorian clubs that have suffered losses due to the current lockdown will be eligible to apply, including clubs that have been awarded grants in earlier rounds of the program.

Clubs and associations are doing it tough with restrictions on training and competitions and the new support will allow thousands of local clubs to move to a secure footing to return to play under the Victorian roadmap released last Sunday.

In the fourth round, clubs can apply for a grant of $1,500 and local leagues and associations $2,500 to cover costs and lost revenue associated with the cancellation of training, development programs and competition.

Welcoming the package, Sunshine Softball Association Secretary, Jo Ingram stated “the Board and Members of Sunshine Softball Association thank the Government sincerely for this support package to help softball continue to thrive in these trying times for everyone.”

Previous recipients will be asked to respond to an email from Sport and Recreation Victoria by 29th October 2021 to receive their top-up grant.

Click here for further information and a list of all recipients of the Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Survival Package.