Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants support local clubs and associations to provide young netballers with improved facilities and encourage healthy habits
10 community netball clubs have been awarded an $8,000 grant, and one club awarded the $20,000 People's Choice grant, totalling $100,000
13 July 2023: The recipients of the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants for 2023 have been announced, with 11 local netball clubs and associations across Australia with a Woolworths NetSetGO centre receiving a share of $100,000.
The grants will be used in a variety of ways, with clubs looking to reduce fees for participation, improve equipment, uniforms and facilities and promote healthier eating by providing players with fresh food options.
The Berwick Netball Club in Victoria took out the inaugural People's Choice grant and were awarded $20,000.
In addition to the People's Choice, the following clubs will receive an $8,000 grant:
Ulladulla District Netball Association - Regional NSW
North Turramurra Netball Club - Metro NSW
Mackay Netball Association - Regional QLD
The Gap Netball Club - Metro 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
Examples of what the clubs intend to put their money towards include The Gap Netball Club's diversity and inclusion initiative, whereby they will continue promoting gender inclusive uniforms to encourage diversity in the game. While the Marong Football Netball club in regional Victoria will use the money to repurchase equipment that was damaged and lost during the 2022 floods that impacted the town.
Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador and former Australian Diamonds player, Catherine Cox, said: "It's so exciting to know that another round of clubs are going to have access to much needed funds to make improvements to their club. The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants mean that more Aussie kids can live more active lives and develop healthy habits."
Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer, Andrew Hicks, said: "Grassroots sport is at the heart of local communities across Australia. That's why we're passionate about partnering with Netball Australia to give young players and their clubs a helping hand to nurture the next generation of netball stars."
The grants come at a time of frequent reports where community sporting clubs are struggling, and in need of support. Recent data from the Australian Sports Foundation shows that rising costs are impacting participation, with 52% of clubs surveyed having reported cost of living impacts as a growing barrier to member registrations. Additionally, smaller clubs are feeling the pressure, with almost one in four (24%) of community sporting clubs contemplating closing, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants.
CEO of Netball Australia, Kelly Ryan, said: "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."
Since 2019, Woolworths has shown ongoing support for grassroots netball in partnership with Netball Australia, donating more than $1.3 million to over 311 clubs.
