Nominations open for the 2021 NSW Community Sports Awards

Local football

Sport NSW has announced that nominations are now open for 2021’s NSW Community Sports Awards.

The 2021 NSW Community Sports Awards are devoted to recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions to community and grassroots sport by people across NSW. Community and grassroots sport is essential to the thriving of local communities, with much of the work carried out by volunteers.

With more than 500,000 people state-wide dedicating their time to volunteering year in, year out across all sports, the NSW Community Sports Awards exist as a way to acknowledge and pay tribute to the extensive efforts of these volunteers. Without these people, sport would not exist in the current form it does.

In addition, the NSW Community Sports Awards ensure that State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for people with a Disability are recognised for the continual effort and for the accomplishments of their volunteers.

The nominations are open to the public to put forward the names of those who contribute immensely to the behind-the-scenes and day-to-day running of sporting clubs, organisations and events.

The 2021 edition of the NSW Community Sports Awards will see nominations invited for a total of 10 categories, including the Distinguished Long Service Awards for those that have provided an unending and extraordinary dedication to their respective sport for over 25 years. This year’s awards categories include;

  1. Community Official of the Year
  2. Young Official of the Year
  3. Community Coach of the Year
  4. Young Coach of the Year
  5. Community Sport Administrator of the Year
  6. Volunteer Director of the Year
  7. Community Team of the Year
  8. Community Club of the Year
  9. Local Council of the Year
  10. Community Event of the Year
  11. Distinguished Long Service Awards

Nominations are only considered for achievements and contributions from May 1st 2020 to April 30th 2021.

Pending the COVID-19 restrictions on events at the time, winners will be announced at a special event on June 17th at NSW Parliament House.

The nominations will be closing on Sunday the 2nd of May, 2021 at midnight. Nominations forms can be completed by clicking here.

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Victorian Government Renews $10,000 Sporting Club Grants to Power Grassroots Sport in 2025-26

Victorian grassroots football club training session

The Victorian State Government has announced the renewal of the Sporting Club Grants Program for 2025-26, delivering another boost for local players, coaches, and volunteers across the state. The program offers up to $10,000 in funding for eligible non-profit clubs to strengthen participation, upgrade equipment, and enhance community engagement.

Since its inception in 2015, the initiative has invested more than $19.5 million into Victorian sport, empowering clubs to stay active and connected. Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence praised the program for driving a “healthier, more connected Victoria,” highlighting its success in supporting grassroots development across all levels.

This year’s round places stronger focus on regional communities, following an additional $60 million investment in the Regional Community Sport Development Fund. The renewed focus ensures rural clubs—often the backbone of local communities—can access the same resources, skills, and opportunities as metropolitan teams.

Partnering with Active Victoria, the initiative aligns with the state’s 2022–26 roadmap, which champions inclusivity and representation across all sporting levels. The roadmap prioritises increased participation for women, queer, and underrepresented groups, reflecting the program’s role in building a fairer, more accessible sporting environment.

Beyond participation, the program also delivers significant economic benefits for regional areas, generating jobs and local investment through grassroots sport. By funding local initiatives, the government aims to create positive ripple effects that extend well beyond the playing field.

Applications for Round One open on October 23, 2025, and close on November 26, 2025. Clubs can apply across five categories: Uniform and Equipment, Volunteers and Officials, Access and Events, Travel, and Governance and Engagement. Round Two opens in early February 2026, closing mid-March.

For Victoria’s sporting communities, the renewed program marks another vital step in sustaining grassroots sport and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of connection, health, and community pride.

Football Queensland Launches Upgraded Club Support Hub to Boost Volunteer and Administrator Support

Volunteer using Football Queensland Customer Service Booking Portal

Football Queensland has unveiled its redesigned Club Support Hub, providing enhanced resources and a new Customer Service Booking Portal to assist club administrators and volunteers ahead of the 2026 season. The upgraded hub is designed to streamline support and ensure clubs have the tools they need to operate efficiently.

The Club Support Hub now offers a comprehensive suite of practical resources, covering every stage of the football season – from pre-season planning to post-season wrap-ups. Administrators and volunteers can also book dedicated support directly with FQ’s Customer Service team, making guidance more accessible than ever.

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said, “Football Queensland acknowledges that the success of club operations is fuelled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers across the state. We are proud to continue to bolster the support available to them with more resources and more access to FQ Customer Support.”

Building on the original Hub launched in 2021 and FQ’s Future Club+ initiative, the upgrade aims to make volunteer workflows more efficient. Checklists, guides, and direct triaging options ensure clubs receive the right support at the right time, allowing administrators to focus on value-adding activities that enhance the football experience.

To support the rollout, FQ will deliver a series of webinars in the coming months, guiding administrators through the extensive new resources available. “We are excited to continue strengthening the support available to our clubs and volunteers as we reinforce our commitment to improving the experience for every member of our football community,” Cavallucci added.

The upgraded Club Support Hub marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient, club-focused service model, ensuring administrators and volunteers have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

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