For the first time in decades, a formalised government school sport program will be offered for all Southern Tasmanian state high school-aged students.
Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan said the expansion of Reclink's Community Sports Series to include Grade 7 and 8 students in Southern Tasmania would boost sporting opportunities for more young Tasmanians.
"Reclink plays a vital role making participation in sport and recreation accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate," Minister Duigan said.
"The Reclink Community Sports Series has been offering in-school time sport participation opportunities to Grade 9 and 10 students for a number of years and it's now great to see that opportunity expanded to include Grade 7 and 8 students from this year.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, our Government is committed to the health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians and we're pleased to now see new participation opportunities for young people.
"The benefits of participating in sport and active recreation stretch beyond just our physical health – it can also benefit our mental health and sense of belonging in a community."
Reclink Australia has partnered with four state sporting organisations - AFL Tasmania, Basketball Tasmania, Cricket Tasmania and Netball Tasmania- to offer school rosters across those four sports.
Reclink Community Series Project Designer and Tasmanian Manager, Brett Geeves, highlighted the significance of this milestone, expressing gratitude for the support of key stakeholders.
"The growth of the Reclink Community Series to include grades 7 and 8 is an incredible step in ensuring more young Tasmanians can experience the joy, camaraderie, and benefits of sport," Mr Geeves said.
"This wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of our state sporting associations and the Tasmanian Government.
"Their commitment to inclusive sporting programs is truly changing lives, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership in making this expansion a reality."
Through the Reclink Community Sports Series, talented students are identified and rewarded with a scholarship to assist them to enter pathway-level sport with their community club in the four sports offered.
Competitions will run over all four terms with AFL 9's kicking off the year on Monday 31 March.
