Local Sporting Champions grant available for competitors aged 12-18

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Local Sporting Champions (LSC) is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 who are participating in state, national or international competitions.

The LSC program commenced in November 2008 and has supported over 75,000 junior sportspeople to achieve their sporting goals.

The Australian Government recognises that junior sportspeople, and their families, find it difficult to meet ongoing costs associated with participating in state, national and international sporting championships.

The LSC program aims to support these junior sportspeople to participate at various sporting championships, which they may not be able to without this financial assistance.

The objectives of the LSC program are to:

  • Provide financial support to junior sportspeople to assist with the costs associated with competing at elite or sub-elite level competition.
  • To provide financial support through this program to families so that financial considerations are not a barrier for junior sportspeople to continue participating in sport.

If successful, applicants will receive between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their nominated championships.

  • Base Grant: $500
  • Applicants travelling 800km – 1999km to their nominated championships: + $100
  • Applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2,000km to their nominated championships: + $200
  • Applicants residing in a rural electorate: + $50

Examples of expenses which are eligible include, but are not limited to:

  • competition registration/entry fees/levies
  • transport costs (e.g. airfares, petrol)
  • accommodation
  • transport and accommodation costs for parents/guardians can be accepted where the parent/guardian must attend the championship
  • uniform
  • sporting equipment

This grant specifically in football is important with junior participation on the steep rise and the crucial foundation being set for the sport’s sustainable future in the country.

A common barrier for participation in football across this age group is financial issues and so this grant is extremely valuable for families who want their children aged 12-18 to enjoy playing football without it feeling like too much of a financial burden.

Round 4 2023-24 Applications are now open and is eligible for competitions held between 1 January 2024 and 31 August 2024.

The applications close: 11.59pm AEST on Tuesday 30 April 2024

To apply, click here: https://sportaus.smartygrants.com.au/lsc202324-r4

Macarthur FC confirmed two-year deal with Purple Cow Industries

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Macarthur FC has confirmed a new two-year collaboration with Purple Cow Industries, a leading waste management company.

As part of this agreement, Purple Cow will serve as the official back-of-shorts sponsor for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League seasons.

The partnership will see Purple Cow’s logo prominently displayed on the back of the Bulls’ shorts throughout both seasons. In addition to branding, the collaboration will include matchday activations and efforts to expand the club’s business network.

Purple Cow Industries are an Australian waste management and rubbish removal company that has the ability and experience to handle every commercial site’s different waste management demands.

The company, located locally in Beverly Hills, NSW prides itself on Environmental Management, Sustainability and Service Quality, doing waste management effectively and environmentally friendly.

This partnership is a significant milestone for both Macarthur FC and Purple Cow, bringing together two forward-thinking organisations with a shared vision for growth and success.

Macarthur FC Group CEO, Sam Krslovic, shared his excitement about the collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome Purple Cow as a partner to the Macarthur FC family,” said Krslovic in a club statement.

“This partnership is a testament to our club’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation both on and off the pitch. Purple Cow’s support will be instrumental as we aim for success in the upcoming season and beyond.”

Purple Cow CEO Alex Soukie, also spoke highly of the new alliance.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Macarthur Football Club, as Purple Cow Industries shares their passion for football and looks forward to supporting the South Western Sydney region,” he said in a statement.

This partnership signifies another exciting step for Macarthur FC as the club continues to forge strong ties with prominent brands and the local community.

Macarthur FC have been one of the busiest clubs in the sponsorship area so far in preseason, and the new club in the east are building their partnership portfolio which is vital for financial sustainability.

Purple Cow become the sixth major partner of the club, joining SipEnergy as new major partners for 2024/25 and beyond, with all of the other major partners based in NSW. The club has a clear goal in place to grow naturally with local businesses and build a solid foundation.

Melbourne City give back to local primary school

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Image credit: Melbourne City website

Melbourne City’s charity, City in the Community (CITC), has donated new football goals to Barton Primary School in Cranbourne West as part of the club’s Healthy Goals initiative.

The program encourages more young people to play football to promote physical health and gain important social, emotional and cognitive skills that will help their overall development and well-being.

There are three core initiatives that the CITC are focusing on this year:

  • Supporting local schools with facility improvements to ensure more young people can access our free football programming from CITC.
  • Supporting community groups and clubs with equipment upgrades and free football programming from CITC.
  • Working with local artists to commemorate art and football projects, celebrating community pride, and cultural heritage while creating a visually appealing environment for the local community.

This most recent contribution towards Barton Primary School aligns with the first core initiative to support local schools, with Melbourne City players Laura Hughes and Alessandro Lopane attending to talk to the kids.

For the past three years, CITC has been involved with the Cranbourne West Primary School taking part in initiatives such as walking football, inviting students to become player mascots as well as player visits.

CITC’s Community Program Lead, Stephen Frantzeskakis talked about their recent contribution and how the club are continuing to create a positive impact on the community.

“I think it’s fantastic that we’re able to continue supporting Barton Primary School and its students through the Healthy Goals initiative, especially given their strong interest and ongoing passion for football,” he said in a media release on the club’s website,” he said via club release statement.

“We’ve been working with Barton Primary School for a number of years now and have also recently run our respectful relationships program with Grade 5 and 6 students.

“To have strong role models like Ale and Laura come down to speak to students about topics like respect and resilience is terrific, and it’s great to be able to extend our partnership through the donation of new goals as well.”

Barton Primary School Principal, Benjamin Vevers talked about the school’s partnership with Melbourne City and how it’s helping its students.

“Given many of our students were born or have parents and families from other countries, the school is truly passionate about the world game and having new goals means our kids get to fully experience a quality soccer match every recess and lunch,” he said via press release.

“It was a memorable experience that may inspire some of our students to reach for the stars with football, maybe even the Brisbane Olympics!

“Our students are learning to be more respectful of each other during competitive sport, girls are becoming more active during breaks playing soccer, and students are super excited each week for the program.”

It’s important to have these types of initiatives to allow clubs and their players to connect with their local community. We’ve seen these gestures throughout the years from the A-League clubs by continuing to show their commitment to support their local community whether that’s giving back through donations or providing programs to steer young people in the right direction.

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