Applications open for Power of Her funding initiative in South Australia

The South Australian Government is accepting applications for the first round of its $18 million Power of Her funds program, dedicated to improving facilities, equipment and programs for women’s sport.

First announced in October last year, the fund follows the Power of Her Leadership Symposium, which brought together leaders from six South Australian women’s sport teams to discuss the future needs of female sport.

Surging demand for female participation in football, after the success of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, has highlighted the need for a greater provision of high-quality resources in South Australia.

As a result, the State Government has quarantined $10 million of the proposed $18 million for women’s football developments only.

The fund is divided into two streams: programs and equipment, and infrastructure. For the remainder of the 2023-2024 financial year, $2 million will be available ($1.8 million to infrastructure and $200,000 to programs and equipment).

Funding uses could include the construction of female-friendly changerooms, an increase in player and coaching programs, and more equal provisions of football equipment.

According to Football SA (FSA), girls’ and women’s participation in football will grow 33% in the next three years, and CEO Michael Carter is thankful for the State Government’s contribution to  harnessing the growth of women’s football in South Australia.

“Initiatives that support the improvement of spaces to play for our rapidly growing football community are to be applauded,” he said via government release.

“The funding announcement to support women and girls’ infrastructure will have a profound impact on future participants in sport.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinsauskas adds that the funding scheme goes beyond helping football thrive, and will strive for greater physical activity participation amongst females.

“By making these investments in infrastructure, programs and projects that facilitate greater participation of girls and women, we can ensure the World Cup leaves a legacy for generations to come,” the Premier stated.

“This will deliver a social, health and community dividend and result in a more equal society.”

Applicants will require a funding partner to match at least 50% of the funds, which will effectively  unlock a further $10 million worth of investment.

However, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard, says the government will support applicants in their mission to receive the game-changing funds.

“We’ll be working alongside State Sporting Organisations, associations, Councils, local clubs and schools to ensure female friendly initiatives that meet the driving needs of South Australian women and girls are funded and provide greater opportunity for all South Australian girls and women to take up or deepen their participation in their chosen sport,” the Minister said in a statement.

“The upgrade and development of sporting facilities, programs, and equipment is exceedingly important to ensure that girls and women of all abilities can participate and I am so proud that this grant program will help deliver them.”

Following the success of the NSW Football Legacy Fund, the Power of Her initiative will hopefully deliver the same positive impact for South Australian football.

Applications for the first round close on April 3rd, with applicants to be notified of the result in June this year.

To apply, you can do so here.

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Shepparton Cup 2024: The largest junior football tournament goes from strength to strength

The Shepparton Cup was conducted over the weekend, with the event being the largest weekend junior football tournament ever held in Australia.

The 3-day event was a huge overall success, with a record breaking 313 teams competing in the tournament across 21 divisions.

Matches were spread across 38 pitches at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Shepparton Sports City, Rumbalara and Wanganui Oval.

With around 4,000 players participating, 755 matches were played over the weekend – with finals matches concluding the event on Sunday.

“It was the biggest and smoothest tournament we’ve ever ran in our 17-year history,” Australian Football Skool (AFS) Director Rolando Navas told Soccerscene.

“There was of course really good football on show across the age groups and great sportsmanship, which was fantastic to see.

“I think the message is getting through about how important it is to provide a positive environment for kids to play sport in. It was pleasing to see everybody there, both players and parents/supporters, had a good time.”

Navas estimates that there were well over 12,500 people attending the event across both venues over the weekend, providing a giant boost to the local Shepparton area.

“You are talking about a wide range of people who are, at a minimum, staying in the city of Shepparton or close by for two nights,” he said.

“The economic impact was massive.”

Economic activity at Shepparton Cup – Image Credit: One Nil Media

Director for Sustainable Development at Greater Shepparton City Council, Geraldine Christou, further explained the greater benefits the tournament had on the local community.

“Australia’s largest junior weekend football tournament right here in Greater Shepparton showcases the strength of our community spirit and our capacity to host major events that bring joy, talent, and visitors to our region,” she stated.

“The economic benefit of this tournament is immense with an estimated $3 to $4 million generated for the region, supporting our local businesses and creating lasting memories for thousands of young athletes and their families.

The Greater Shepparton City Council’s Parks, Sport and Recreation team played a big hand in the organisation of the tournament, which included looking after the setup of pitches to the placement of goals at the venues.

Football Victoria CEO Chris Pehlivanis, who attended the tournament over the course of the weekend, was impressed with the execution of it.

“I’m proud of the whole tournament, it was an amazing opportunity to come down here to Shepparton and see lots of boys and girls playing football and playing lots of games,” he stated at the event.

“I think most kids had six, seven, eight games which is an amazing opportunity and not only that, there was amazing organisation.

“Everyone should be extremely proud of what they have achieved here this weekend…the logistics, everything was run smoothly…the referees were great and all the parents and participants were great.”

Kids at play during the Shepparton Cup – Image Credit: One Nil Media

The Shepparton Cup has continued to grow exponentially over the years, initially starting with just 30 teams in the inaugural tournament in 2007.

This year’s edition also featured a wide range of off the field activities that contributed to a carnival like atmosphere. There was live music, on stage entertainment, food trucks, a fun zone for players and families.

Navas detailed to Soccerscene that the enormity of the event was not lost on him and is investigating ways to make the competition better in the near future.

“(The growth of the event has been) overwhelming, compared to many of the previous years. It was the biggest by far this year and there was a great positivity around it.

“The plan is to not necessarily make it bigger in the future, just to tweak it and add more to it and make it a better experience for everyone.

“I’d love to be able to attract some more international teams, we are looking at that to see how we can get some of the Asian teams to come across to the event.

“This would be fantastic, as it would show the kids here how football is played in different parts of the world. The way we look at things is ‘if I was 10- or 12-years-old what would I want this tournament be?’

“That’s what drives a lot of our thinking and ultimately our initiatives. It’s important to us because if the kids have a good experience, they’re going to become better players and better people because of it.

“We’ve also received some really good information from the feedback surveys we put out, which is very beneficial in shaping the tournament suitably in future editions.”

$200 grants now available through get active kids voucher program

Every child should have the opportunity to get outdoors, join a sports club, and stay active, yet for some families, the costs associated with sports can be a major barrier to participation.

The program offers eligible children $200 vouchers that can be applied toward membership fees, registration, sports equipment, or uniforms (new or second-hand).

Football Victoria urges the football community to take advantage of this excellent initiative from Get Active Victoria, which has already distributed over 100,000 vouchers since the program began.

To qualify for a voucher, your child/dependent must meet the following criteria:

  • Between the ages of 0 and 18 years
  • A resident of Victoria
  • Listed on a valid Australian Government Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
  • Listed on a valid Australian Government Medicare Card

If you have multiple eligible children, you may apply for more than one voucher, and can include all children in a single application.

What costs are covered?

Vouchers valued at up to $200 can be used to cover membership, registration, or participation fees at a registered Get Active Kids sports or active recreation club, association, or program.

You can locate a registered activity provider during the application process or inquire with your local club about their registration status.

If the membership or registration fee includes uniform and equipment costs, a voucher can be applied to cover those items, such as safety gear or mouthguards.

Important dates

Round 8 applications opened on October 9, 2024, and will remain available until the allocation is depleted, as for the voucher expiration date, it will be on the 29 April 2025.

To apply for a voucher, click here.

To learn more about the program, click here.

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