WA Government Boosts Grassroot Sports in New Grant

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sporting grants
Image credit: WA Sport and Recreation

The Western Australian Government have announced $4.3 million in funding for new sports equipment and facility upgrades for sporting organisations as part of this year’s state election commitments.

The funding will benefit a variety of 189 sporting organisations across the state, selected in the first batch of grants this year.

Among those chosen is Carramar Shamrock Rovers FC with a $50,000 grant for equipment and game day uniforms.

Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti stated the funding boost will help grassroots sport grow and thrive across Western Australia.

“Local sport is at the heart of our community and this funding will make a real difference to the volunteers, participants and families who keep our clubs going by providing the resources they need to offer safe and inclusive opportunities for everyone,” she said via statement.

“This is not only an investment in sports equipment and infrastructure, but also an investment in bringing people together through healthier, more connected communities

“I look forward to announcing further funding recipients as the State Government continues to deliver on its election commitments to WA community sporting groups.”

The new grants have accomplished State election commitments to aid local sport with much-needed upgrades, announcing the achieved promise alongside the state sporting initiative, PlayOn WA: 2030 by 2030.

PlayOn WA: 2030 by 2030’s mission is to deliver 2,030 community sport and recreation infrastructure items across WA by the year 2030.

The grant will deliver new equipment like uniforms, balls, kit bags, goal nets, vehicles, trailers, padding and protective gear, as well as anything grass roots sporting clubs need.

Additionally, regional sporting clubs will receive funding through the State’s nine Regional Development Commissions as well as upgrades to the infrastructure of 41 PlayOn facilities like scoreboards, storage, seating and shade structures.

Among the list of sporting clubs presented in the statement by the WA state government, soccer is underrepresented with only one football club listed as receiving grant money.

Carramar Shamrock Rovers FC were approached for comment.

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Football NSW backs 20 female coaches with qualification scholarships

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has supported 20 female coaches to complete their AFC/Football Australia C Diploma qualification in 2026, using scholarships funded through Football Australia and CommBank’s Growing Football Fund to reduce the cost of coach education.

The initiative included a dedicated female-only C Diploma course delivered by Football NSW in April and May, attended by 13 coaches. An additional seven received support to complete courses closer to their local communities, improving access for coaches across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.

Football NSW Head of Women’s and Schools Football Hayley Todd said the scholarships had helped address a key barrier to coaching development.

“These scholarships have helped remove a significant barrier for many female coaches seeking to progress their coaching journey,” Todd said.

Todd said the combination of a female-only course and support for locally accessible qualifications had created pathways for 20 women to develop their skills and contribute to football in their communities.

The program reflects an ongoing challenge for the sport: increasing women’s participation also requires investment in the coaches who lead teams, develop players and help shape club environments.

By helping cover qualification costs, the scholarships give recipients an opportunity to strengthen their coaching knowledge and leadership capabilities while expanding the pool of qualified female coaches available to clubs.

The support also connects to the wider Growing Football Fund, a joint Football Australia and CommBank initiative aimed at creating more opportunities for women and girls in the game.

The fund’s community grant program offers eligible clubs and associations grants of up to $5,000 to help attract or retain women and girls in football, with applications for the 2026–27 round closing on 20 October 2026.

The governing body also offers Women in Football Coaching Scholarships worth 50 per cent of course costs, with applications limited.

Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC partner in free All Abilities Football program

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Image Credit: South Melbourne FC

Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC are teaming up to make football more inclusive for children across the community. South Melbourne’s free All Abilities Football Program, launched in 2018, will now be launched at Middle Park FC, giving neurodivergent and disabled children more opportunities to play football in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.

The program will run on Saturdays from 17 October to 7 November 2026 at Alan Davidson Field in Albert Park, with sessions taking place from 10-11am. The initiative aims to help more children experience the benefits of community football, while ideally creating a pathway towards ongoing participation in the sport.

Football for every ability

The All Abilities Football Program welcomes children of all abilities, whether new to football or those who already love the game. Coaches from Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC will deliver the sessions, helping participants develop football skills, build confidence and enjoy playing with others. The program places inclusion at its heart, aiming to create an environment where every child can participate, learn at their own pace and feel part of a team. This includes both blind and powerchair football, both of which South Melbourne has championed.

There is no participation fee to attend the sessions, giving families an opportunity to introduce their children to the sport without the financial commitment often associated with organised sport.

Building confidence and community connections

Sport can help children develop important social skills, form friendships and build confidence. A welcoming football environment can also give children opportunities to work with others, practice communication and celebrate achievement. For neurodivergent and disabled children, inclusive sporting opportunities can help create a stronger sense of belonging. They can take part in a team environment that recognises different abilities and encourages participation.

Families can also benefit from connecting with local clubs and other community members. These relationships can help build support networks and encourage more families to become involved in grassroots sport. The partnership between Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC highlights how community clubs can work together to reduce barriers and create more inclusive opportunities.

Details

The free All Abilities Football Program will run across four Saturday sessions.

Dates: 17th October, 24th October, 31st October and 7th November 2026.

Time: 10-11am

Location: Alan Davidson Field, Fields 18 and 19, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, Victoria 3206

How to register

Families can register their children through the online registration form shared by Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC. The clubs have provided a Google Forms registration link in their original announcement. Families should use the form linked through the clubs’ official social media posts to access the full registration details. The link can also be found here.

The clubs also encourage families to share the opportunity with schools, support organisations and community groups that may know children who would benefit.

Creating a More Inclusive Football Community

The partnership between Middle Park FC and South Melbourne FC is an important step towards making grassroots football accessible to more children and those who are disabled. By offering free sessions in a supportive environment, the clubs are helping children build skills, make friends and experience the joy of playing football. The message is simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, participate and thrive through sport.

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