By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club has been successful in securing two grants from the State Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program, totalling $6000.
The funding, announced in December 2024, will go towards training and equipping volunteers, ensuring the safety and well-being of players, particularly in first aid and emergency situations.
One of the club’s committee member and team manager, Philippa Soderblom was instrumental in applying for the grants.
She said the club received a $5000 grant under ‘Category Two’, which is focused on supporting volunteers and officials.
This funding will be used to put their trainers through specialised first aid training with Sports Medicine Australia.
The aim is to provide the team with the skills needed to handle emergencies on the field, such as when a player gets injured during a game.
“This is going to be such a huge benefit for us, especially with kids falling over or getting injured during football,” Ms Soderblom said.
“Having trained sports trainers means we can respond quickly and effectively – it’s a really positive step for the club and for the safety of the kids.”
In addition to the $5000 for training, the club also secured a $1000 grant to purchase first aid equipment and uniforms for their volunteers. This funding will go a long way in ensuring that the club is well-equipped to handle any injuries during their busy football seasons.
Ms Soderblom emphasised the importance of the grant, highlighting that without this support, the club would likely have to rely more heavily on fundraising or sponsorship to cover these costs.
“We have such wonderful volunteers and families who support the club, but this grant takes some of that pressure off us – it gives us a bit of a head start going into the year,” she said.
The two grants were part of the State Government’s latest round of funding, where Community Sport Minister Ros Spence, announced that 875 grants would be awarded to more than 740 clubs across Victoria, with a total value of over $1.2 million.
The grants are designed to support clubs in purchasing uniforms and equipment, upskilling volunteers, coaches, and officials, and improving accessibility and community engagement.
“This funding is so valuable to us,” Ms Spence said.
“It means we can continue to provide a safe environment for the kids, and it takes the stress out of fundraising for things that are really essential.”
The Sporting Club Grants Program is part of a broader initiative backed by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund, which is focused on enhancing sporting infrastructure and promoting physical activity throughout the state.
Over the past decade, the program has awarded more than $18 million to thousands of community sports clubs, ensuring that all Victorians, from metropolitan to regional areas, have access to high-quality sports opportunities.
This funding is a major boost for clubs like Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club, helping them thrive and ensuring that future generations of athletes have the skills, support, and equipment they need to succeed.
For more information on the Sporting Club Grants Program and a full list of recipients, visit sport.vic.gov.au.
