Rugby union in Grenfell scored a full house today thanks to grant funding worth $12,474 presented by Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.
Ms Cooke presented four Local Sport Grant Program cheques to members of Grenfell Junior Rugby Union at RB Bembrick Field, accompanied by a squad of eager players.
“It was a fantastic occasion here in Grenfell seeing how many juniors are so dedicated to rugby union,” Ms Cooke said.
“Sport can provide so many important benefits for young people, including improved health and a strong social network.
“It also teaches useful skills such as teamwork, dedication and communication which will be incredibly valuable later in life.
“This funding all comes from the 2018/19 Local Sport Grant Program and will provide help with travel costs, coaching, first aid training and a clubhouse upgrade, so today really is a red letter day for junior rugby union in Grenfell,” Ms Cooke added.
The funding amounts are:
- $1500 for help hosting a Come and Try Rugby Day;
- $5000 for subsidised travel for gala days;
- $1565 for the provision of a coach, a referee and first aid training for volunteers;
- $4409 of the upgrade of clubhouse kitchen facilities at RB Bembrick Field
Sam Allen, president of Grenfell Junior Rugby Union, said the funding will help families who are involved with the sport.
“The competition we play in goes from Hay to Albury and West Wyalong across to us here in Weddin Shire, so it’s a pretty big area to cover. This funding will help us get buses to transport players, making it easier for families to get their kids to games,” he said.
“We’re volunteer-based, and a lot of accreditation is required, so this funding will mean that being involved with the game will not be as big a financial burden for those volunteers.
“After training nights we provide meals for free so that the players’ parents don’t have to worry about getting dinner, so the upgrades to the kitchen, which will include a new oven and improved cupboards, will make a big difference,” Mr Allen said.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres congratulated the club and said the NSW Government was proud to support a program which improved community health and encouraged participation in sport and recreation.
“Tackling childhood obesity and increasing regular and on-going participation in sport and active recreation for people of all ages is a NSW Government priority,” Mr Ayres said.
“These funds will help encourage people in the Cootamundra electorate, regardless of their age or ability, to get involved in sport and active recreation.”
For further information on the Local Sport Grants Program and the full list of grant recipients, visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport
