Submissions now open for Telstra Footy Country Grants

Photo: Carlisle Photography

Local footy clubs across the country can now apply for Telstra Footy Country Grants with submissions for the new initiative opening today.
 
Unveiled in September 2023 by the AFL and Telstra, Telstra Footy Country Grants will give local footy clubs an $8 million boost over the next four years, with a pool of $2 million to be distributed each year starting in 2024.
 
Eligible regional and metro clubs can apply for grants of up to $20,000, helping to strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.

From upgrading to an electronic scoreboard, upskilling volunteers or introducing new initiatives to attract more participants, Telstra Footy Country Grants will provide tangible support for clubs and help alleviate challenges they may face.
 
Since the initiative was announced last year, more than 850 clubs around the country have submitted an expression of interest to apply for a grant when submissions open.
 
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said he was excited the program was another step closer to distributing funds to clubs. 
 
“It’s terrific we’re in a position now to start receiving submissions for Telstra Footy Country Grants so funding can be distributed to clubs, helping them to continue to make a positive impact in their communities,” Auld said.
 
“It’s a priority for the AFL that we continue to support and invest in local footy and Telstra Footy Country Grants will ensure clubs have access to funds that go directly where they may need it most. 
 
“Many AFL teams are currently taking part in their Community Camps at the moment, with a number of players visiting their junior clubs and giving back to the people and volunteers who make local footy such a special community to be part of.
 
“I’d like to thank Telstra for their ongoing commitment and investment in our game, this program is going to benefit hundreds of local clubs around Australia.”

One club who has submitted an expression of interest and will apply for a Telstra Footy Country Grant is the Anglesea Football Netball Club. The Club, which is located along The Great Ocean Road, was where Telstra Ambassador and Geelong midfielder, Patrick Dangerfield, played his junior footy.
 
“Telstra Footy Country Grants is a terrific initiative by Telstra and the AFL, and I know the Anglesea Football Netball Club intend to apply for a grant to help support volunteers in the canteen and upgrade some of their equipment,” Dangerfield said.
 
“The club played such a huge role in my upbringing. I have the best memories playing footy at my local oval and making lifelong friends at the club, and I’m still heavily involved, as are my wife and children.
 
“The sense of belonging local clubs create is invaluable to the community and the dedication and passion of those running the club is what makes it special – they are salt of the earth people who are always there to help.
 
“These grants will help make their life easier and provide funding to help grow the game too.” 
 
Telstra Regional General Manager for Western Victoria, Steve Tinker, said he’s proud to be working with the AFL over the next four years to help support local footy. 
 
“Growing up as a young country footy player myself, I know first hand how important this is for grassroots development, particularly in regional areas like Geelong. It’s also critical for local teams to have access to much-needed funds so that every kid has the opportunity to enjoy the game we all love.” 

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Grants assessment 

The Telstra Footy Country Grants program builds on the 2023 announcement by the AFL Commission to enshrine 10 per cent of all football revenue into AFL Game Development initiatives for community football support and growth.
 
The advisory Board for Telstra Footy Country Grants has been assembled comprising of eight representatives across the AFL, state and territory bodies, community football and Telstra. 
 
The Board will meet up to four times a year to review applications, with the first pool of funding to be assigned at the end of March 2024.

Board members:

• – Geoff Wolfenden (WA) – Chair
• – Madeline Penny (AFL)
• – Brent Smart (Telstra)
• – Melissa Dunstan (QLD)
• – Garry Carpenter (TAS)
• – Luke van Kempen (SA)
• – Bonnie Cavanagh (VIC)
• – Lindy Jones (NSW/ACT)

For more information about Telstra Footy Country Grants, click here.
Telstra Footy Country Grants is the latest initiative under Telstra’s ‘This is Footy Country’ campaign, a celebration of the deep relationship between local footy clubs and their communities.