We’re putting a million bucks into local AFL footy

In 2023, we announced with our friends at the AFL that we’d be backing footy in a big way through the Telstra Footy Country Grants program. After receiving loads of applications, we’re awarding our first and biggest round of grants to the tune of a million bucks for rural and regional clubs.
Luke Hopewell · 04 April 2024 · 3 minute read

What are Telstra Footy Country Grants?

If you’re a member of a local AFL footy club, you probably know how hard it is to keep your club running and growing.

You need money for equipment, coaching, and programs. You need volunteers to help out with everything from umpiring to fundraising. You need to attract and retain players of all ages and backgrounds, especially young girls who are the future of our game.

That’s where the Telstra Footy Country Grants come in: an opportunity for footy clubs across Australia to get some extra funding and support from us and the AFL.

With the core purpose to aid volunteers, diversify and broaden participation and improve experiences clubs offer, funds from the Telstra Footy Country Grants will go to the heart of where local clubs need it most.

Which clubs are getting the first grants?

 

We’re fittingly announcing the first round of grants during Local Footy Week celebrations ahead of the 2024 season. These local clubs across all states and territories will benefit from grants of up to $20,000 per club to strengthen the base of grassroots footy nationally.

Clubs like Mackay City Hawks in Queensland who will use the funding to create Indigenous guernseys and provide further education to their community about their First Nations heritage.

Similarly, Chapman Valley FC in Western Australia will be able to enhance player safety by installing behind-the-goal netting.

Darley Football Netball Club in Victoria will use the grant to upskill their volunteers through development courses, while Huonville Lions Football Club in Tasmania will acquire ground measurement tools to improve field setup.

In South Australia, clubs like Glencoe Football Club will have the opportunity to purchase life-saving defibrillators, ensuring the safety of players and spectators alike. And in New South Wales, the Gungahlin Jets will be able to establish two girls’ teams, fostering growth and participation within their club.

Finally, the Rovers Football Club in the Northern Territory will be empowered to make footy more accessible to their wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Local clubs are not just about footy; they're about community, belonging, and connection. They are the heart and soul of regional and rural towns, providing a sense of identity and pride. That's why it's imperative that we support them in any way we can.

Can my club apply for these grants?

Yep!

We’ve got three more rounds of funding still to be distributed in 2024, and you can still apply.

Check out our guide on how to apply for AFL Footy Country Grants on Telstra.com.

By Luke Hopewell

Editor, tech expert and Senior Specialist Writer at Telstra Exchange

Luke Hopewell is an editor, tech expert and Senior Specialist Writer at Telstra Exchange. Luke joined Telstra in 2019 where he has had the privilege to help bring stories to life in a unique and human way. He was previously the head of editorial at Twitter Australia and the editor of cult tech site Gizmodo. For over a decade, Luke’s passion for technology has always driven him to seek out the latest gadgets and game-changers, and help others to understand how it all works. In another life he was a cyber security specialist where he sought to educate people about how to stay safe online. When he's not writing, he's getting outdoors and patting all the nice dogs he meets.