NSW Government release Organisation Support Program

The Organisation Support Program (OSP) provides two-year funding from 2024 to 2026 to eligible State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disabilities (SSODs) in NSW.

This program allocated up to 20 million dollars will give financial support for governance, participation growth, sporting activities, and competitions, especially for underrepresented groups in sports at all levels.

Funding of up to $20 million has been allocated for this program.

The Program is a closed, non-competitive grant program where applications are assessed individually against the assessment criteria by the Office of Sport.

Important dates

  • Applications open – Wednesday 2 October 2024
  • Applications close – 1 pm, Friday 29 November 2024
  • Application outcome date – October 2024 onwards
  • Timeframe for grant acceptance – Within 6 weeks of notification
  • Project delivery timeframe –
    • For 2024/25 funded initiatives: 30 June 2025
    • For 2025/26 funded initiatives: 30 June 2026

The breakdown of Funding is done by categories from 1-6 which are based on the capacity of organisations to deliver services.

The following table shows the eligible funding by category:

Category            OSP Amount Available

1                                $195,000

2                                $180,000

3                                $120,000

4                                $80,000

5                                $50,000

The objective of the OSP is to develop sporting activities at all levels in NSW by assisting SSO/SSODs and Peak Bodies to:

  • Strengthen sector capability to address trends, challenges and governance.
  • Create inclusive environments and enhance participation, especially for under-represented groups.
  • Support organisational operations and sports development pathways.

Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants website to be eligible.

This grant shows the NSW government are dedicated to delivering financial support to all sports of the state.

This program’s central goal of increased inclusion, especially with Female and People with Disability initiatives, showcases the wider call for more funding and support for under-represented groups in sport.

Recent reports express that wide numbers of under-represented participants are met with under-funded systems which are struggling with demand.

This grant opportunity is an effective way for Sports Organisations to take the next step in supporting sporting growth at all levels.

Read more here.

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AFC aligns with AIAC for improved football dispute resolution

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting their dedication to fortifying football law and to providing multiple sports dispute resolution pathways in Asia.

The MoU, signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, is a three-year agreement which aims to cultivate greater collaboration between the AFC and AIAC.

The agreement is the latest in a long running partnership for the AFC and AIAC. Since 2015, the organisations have cooperated to host seminars, conferences and training programs, focused on educating the public and officials about sports law and dispute resolution.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer, expressed his excitement for the agreement via press release.

“We are delighted to formalise this important collaboration with the AIAC, who share common interests and values to promote academic and practical training in sports specific alternative dispute resolution in Asia,” he said.

AIAC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, conveyed a similar sentiment.

“As we embark on this partnership, we celebrate the convergence of our expertise, values and dedication to raising the standards of ADR within the sporting community. The ASIAN Sports Arbitration Rules exemplified our commitment to advancing the spirit of justice in the sports industry as a whole, by providing a comprehensive framework for expedient dispute resolution that best preserves fairness and integrity within sports,” she said via press release.

This latest agreement will facilitate the AFC’s and AIAC’s desire to operate a yearly workshop or conference concentrating on sports law.

Both organisations wish to voice a plurality of opinions across Asia to explore conversations about recent sports law trends and developments across the continent and the world.

Additionally, this space would also provide an opportunity to discuss and review best law practices and alternative dispute resolution methods to find new solutions and remedies that will strengthen the future of Asian sports law.

FIFPRO Europe and UEFA sign MoU to enhance players’ influence

UEFA and FIFPRO Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening players’ influence in European football governance.

As part of the agreement signed by both organisations’ leaders in Paris, a FIFPRO Europe representative will join UEFA’s executive committee starting May 2025.

UEFA has also pledged to consult FIFPRO Europe on decisions affecting players’ employment conditions and any competition reforms that could influence players’ workload.

Additionally, active players and player representatives will take part in a new UEFA Professional Players’ Advisory Forum, set to begin meeting next month to discuss solutions for collective challenges facing professional footballers in Europe.

This three-year MOU will grant footballers and their unions more influence over decisions impacting their work, including match calendar adjustments, playing conditions, and health and safety issues.

The agreement also establishes a framework for FIFPRO Europe and UEFA to work together on initiatives to advance women’s football, focusing on fair employment conditions and minimum standards.

The two organisations will also collaborate on medical research, player education, and awareness campaigns addressing doping and discrimination.

Additional collaboration areas include strengthening stakeholder dialogue at both national and European levels, exploring joint commercial opportunities involving player data and intellectual property rights, and offering support to players who are out of contract.

FIFPRO President, David Terrier, was full of positive thoughts regarding this agreement.

“This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe. With player representation now anchored at UEFA’s highest level, we are securing a stronger voice for players where it matters most,” he said via press release.

“Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA is already yielding positive results, and this MoU will only strengthen our ability to shape a framework that will advance player welfare and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for football, where the needs and rights of players shall always be at the forefront, both on and off the pitch.”

UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, is confident their relationship with FIFPRO will support the growth of football for all.

“This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the heart of football, and their perspectives must shape the decisions taken,” he said via press release.

“By inviting them to join the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for the game, one in which the topic of player welfare will be at the forefront. This is about making tangible strides to ensure football continues to grow for everyone.”

You can view the MOU here.

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