Local Para Champions grants are open

The Local Para Champions grants are currently open for athletes, coaches and officials aged 12-24 taking part in state, national or global championships for athletes with disabilities.

Launched by the Australian Sports Commision (ASC) to help offset the costs of travelling to competitions, successful applicants can receive $750-$1000 of funding. Funding will depend on each successful applicants’ circumstances:

  • The base grant will provide $750
  • Those travelling 800km – 1999km will receive an extra $100
  • Those travelling overseas or more than 2000km domestically will receive an extra $200
  • Those who live in a regional electorate will receive an extra $50

Applications for the current round of grants will close April 30, 2025. 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for Local Para Champions grants, applicants must be:

– Be turning 12-24 years old in the same calendar year as their championship.

– Be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency and living in Australia.

– Be a participant in an event or competition for disabled athletes that is:

  • An official state or territory event supported by the relevant ASC recognised national sporting organisation (NSO) or national sporting organisation for people with disability (NSOD), or a School Sports Australia member; or
  • An official national event supported by the relevant ASC recognised NSO, NSOD or School Sports Australia; or
  • An international competition as a member of the Australian national team where only athletes with a disability can compete, representing either an ASC recognised NSO, NSOD, or School Sports Australia.

A participant may include anyone who is involved in an official capacity at an event, such as athletes, officials, coaches and depending on circumstances, guides and assistants.

– To be eligible for the grants, participants attending a state or territory event cannot live closer than 125km to their event’s venue and must have a longer than 250km return journey. (Those attending a national or international event do not have to travel a minimum distance.)

– Participants cannot receive a Local Sporting Champions grant to attend the same event.

– Participants must incur out of pocket expenses greater than or equal to the grant they are eligible to recieve.

– Applications must be submitted before the current round of grants close April 30th, 2025. 

– Applicants can receive up to two grants in the same allocation year (3 June 2024 – 30 April 2025) for attending either:

  • Two different international competitions; or
  • One state or national competition and an international competition.

In addition to the eligibility requirements of the grant, applicants must also abide by the terms and conditions of the ASC.

For more information on the Local Para Champions grants, click HERE. To apply for the grants, click HERE.

 

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Optus joins Football Queensland as Telco Partner in the North

Football Queensland (FQ) has confirmed its collaboration with Optus, naming the leading telecommunication provider as its Official Telecommunications Partner across the Northern, Far North and Gulf regions.

The collaboration will see Optus play an active role in supporting grassroots football throughout the year-long partnership, with a visible presence at FQ precincts in both Cairns and Townsville. This will include branded signage and community-focused activations at key events, further enhancing the matchday experience for players, families, and fans.

FQ General Manager – Northern Conference, Craig Ramage, said the partnership will be a valuable boost for local communities and reflects FQ’s commitment to growing the game in regional areas.

“Football Queensland is excited to expand its long-standing relationship with Optus as we enter into a thriving partnership in the Northern and Far North & Gulf regions,” he said via press release.

“It is excellent to have a brand as prominent as Optus recognise the importance of grassroots football in regional areas.

“Optus’ year-long support will provide a crucial boost that directly benefits clubs and participants across the region, strengthening communities and actively contributing to FQ’s vision for the future of football.”

Optus General Manager North Queensland, Dave Morrissey, emphasised the importance of the North Queensland football community and Optus’ commitment to supporting the next generation as they develop into future stars of the game.

“It is our absolute pleasure to partner with Football Queensland’s Northern and Far North regions. It is great to get to watch the next generation of young players grow their skills and love for the game, and we appreciate all the support we get in return from the local community,” he said via press release.

Football communities attending events and matches at Paradise Park and Macca’s Park can expect to see Optus actively involved throughout the season, with a strong presence around the grounds that reflects the brand’s commitment to regional engagement and sporting development.

Football Queensland extends collaboration with Uberline

Uberline

Football Queensland (FQ) have confirmed a two year extension of it’s partnership with Uberline, who will continue as the organisation’s Official Line Marking Partner.

As part of the renewed agreement, Uberline will continue to support football clubs and facilities across Queensland by supplying high-quality line marking products and services.

This ongoing alliance ensures that clubs in all regions have consistent and easy access to the tools they need to maintain safe, professional, and visually appealing playing fields.

By easing the workload for volunteers and contributing to the overall presentation of venues, Uberline plays a key role in supporting the growth and standard of football across the state.

Their commitment helps create a better experience for players, officials, and fans at every level of the game.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci praised Uberline as a valuable partner since 2023, highlighting its crucial support in improving field quality, easing volunteer workloads, and enhancing the overall experience across the state.

“Uberline has been a great partner for our clubs and volunteers across Queensland, and we’re proud to extend this relationship for another two years,” he said in a press release.

“As we continue to lift the quality and profile of our competitions statewide, access to specialist products and services like Uberline’s is vital.

“High-quality field presentation is critical not only for the look of our venues, but for providing safe, enjoyable experiences for participants of all ages.

“Since our partnership began in 2023, Uberline has provided valuable support to clubs and FQ venues alike, helping to ease the workload for volunteers and maintain high standards across the board. We look forward to continuing that work together.”

Uberline’s General Manager, Lee Thomas, said the company is proud to keep backing the Queensland football community.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Football Queensland and to support the dedicated clubs and volunteers who are the backbone of the game,” he said in a press release.

“At Uberline, we’re passionate about delivering high-quality solutions that help create safe, professional playing environments for every player, at every level. We look forward to building on the great progress we’ve made together.”

For more information on Uberline’s full range of products and services, click HERE.

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