By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club is one of the latest local sports organisations to receive support through a community grant – the club has been awarded $970 from Knox City Council as part of the State Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program, which will help fund its coaching program.
The club’s Grants and Sponsorship Officer Mark Wilson shared how the club applied for the funding, which aims to enhance coaching standards and improve player development.
The club, which prides itself on fostering safe and inclusive sporting environments, used the grant to cover the costs of baseball accreditation courses for new coaches and to purchase advanced equipment that will help improve training for junior players.
“We want to build grassroots-level support for our coaches,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s about giving new coaches the tools they need, not just to improve their coaching skills, but also to create a positive environment for kids and families who are new to the sport.”
The grant has allowed the club to purchase three Blast Motion swing analysers, which are high-tech devices used to monitor and improve the performance of players’ swings.
These devices provide real-time digital feedback, allowing coaches to fine-tune the techniques of young athletes as they train.
Mr Wilson highlighted the importance of community grants in helping sports clubs maintain and improve their operations, especially in today’s economic climate.
“With rising costs of living and increasing financial pressures, it can be tough for clubs to raise funds. Grants like this one allow us to keep delivering quality programs for the community, without constantly relying on donations or membership fees,” he said.
The grant is part of a wider initiative to support community sports across Victoria.
In December 2024, the Community Sport Minister Ros Spence, announced the allocation of 875 grants to more than 740 clubs as part of the Sporting Club Grants Program.
The funding will help clubs purchase equipment, upskill volunteers and coaches, and improve community engagement.
“We want local sporting clubs to be supporting the next generation of champions,” Minister Spence said.
“These grants give clubs the resources they need to thrive and get more people involved in sport.”
The Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club is a prime example of how small grants can make a big difference, not only in enhancing the skills of coaches but also in providing better opportunities for young players to enjoy the sport and develop their talents.
With a strong focus on inclusivity and community engagement, the club continues to be a key player in fostering a love for baseball in the region.
