Football Australia is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Growing Football Fund's Community Grants, generously supported by CommBank.
This initiative is a testament towards Football Australia's and CommBank's joint commitment to empower, support, and encourage women and girls across the nation to actively participate in the game.
A diverse group of 121 clubs and associations from across the country have been selected to receive funding. These grants will support a range of initiatives aimed at:
- Driving Participation: Creating new opportunities for engagement through come-and-try events
- Enhancing Experience: Investing in coach development to improve the participant experience
- Promoting Body Confidence: Removing white playing shorts to promote body confidence
- Reducing Barriers: Proving fee subsidies to women and girls who are experiencing financial hardship
The collective impact of these initiatives will significantly contribute to Football Australia and CommBank's shared goal of advancing gender equity and creating quality environments for women and girls within football.
Sarah Walsh, Head of Women's Football, World Cup Legacy, and Inclusion at Football Australia, "We are delighted to recognise the outstanding efforts of our grant recipients in championing initiatives to drive the attraction and retention of women and girls in football.
"Their innovative approach to supporting our game plays a vital role in Football Australia's chasing its ambitious goal of attracting and retaining 50,000 female participants across Australia over the next two years."
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, added, "The Growing Football Fund Community Grants represent a significant step forward in our efforts to make football the most inclusive and accessible sport in Australia. By supporting clubs and associations at the grassroots level, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for women's football in our country."
Dianne Everett, General Manager, Brand and Creative at CommBank said, "We are thrilled to see the first round of grant recipients take to the field and change the game for girls and women across the nation. Grassroots sport is a cornerstone of many communities, and supporting equal participation in sport will ensure a brighter future for communities across Australia.
"We are proud to partner with Football Australia to help play our part in forming the CommBank Matildas of tomorrow."
At the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifier featuring the CommBank Bank Matildas and Uzbekistan, two Victorian-based community football clubs - Kyneton District Soccer Club and Upfield Soccer Club - received special recognition during the half-time break.
Ron Cole, President of Kyneton District Soccer Club, highlighted the importance of the investment via the Growing Football Fund Community Grant into coach development, with 35 of their coaches being supported through training opportunities.
Wally Hanna, President of Upfield Soccer Club, shared his gratitude to CommBank and Football Australia for the funding that will assist 50 young women from refugee backgrounds through a fee subsidy for new players, stating, "This funding will support local families in relieving financial hardship and also help young refugee arrivals feel connected to their community, which is vital during the early stages of their settlement."
Football Australia is excited to announce that another round of the Growing Football Fund Community Grants will be open for clubs and associations to apply for later this year.
CLICK HERE to view a full list of CommBank Growing Football Fund Community Grant recipients and more information on how to apply during the next round.
