13 Dec 2016 The Free Press, Kilmore, VIC (General News) LOCAL sports clubs will be able open their doors to more members with funding to buy new equipment and help coaches and officials learn new skills. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, encouraged applications from local clubs for the third round of the $4.6 million Sporting Club Grants Program. Ms Symes said the Sporting Club Grants Program will make sport more accessible and inclusive, increase local participation, and build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities. The Sporting Club Grants Program provides grants of up to $1000 to clubs to buy new team uniforms or equipment. Grants of up to $2000 are also available to expand the skills of coaches and officials, and clubs can receive up to $5000 for initiatives that strengthen their operations and sustainability. I encourage local clubs to make the most of this support, and apply online for the second round of Sporting Club Grants Program, Ms Symes said. Giving club administrators and volunteers opportunities to improve their skills makes their clubs attractive to join, and gives clubs the edge over their rivals. The Sporting Club Grants Program is an initiative that keeps children happy and healthy, communities active and local clubs strong. Applications for the next funding round are now open and close on February 15, 2017. For more information or to apply online, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.