Colts players in top gear with a Sporting Club Grant funding boost.
The 40 strong Kensington Colts Junior Basketball Club players are in top gear and ready to come back better than ever in the Westgate Basketball Association in 2021 after securing a $1000 funding boost through the Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants program.
With many of the player’s families coming from disadvantaged backgrounds, the funding allows the club to buy new uniforms for all new players and keep costs down, especially for those who are under financial strain.
As indoor clubs and leagues around the state return to training and competition after COVID-19 restrictions, the funding provides a timely boost for clubs like the Colts.
Club President, Mick Bramich, said with the focus on encouraging more girls into the sport, the grant will also allow them to provide girls' uniforms rather than rely on what is left over from the boy’s uniforms.
“Our children have gone without a lot this year and are keen to get back to the things they love, like basketball, and this grant will help make that happen” said Mick.
Ange, mum of one of the junior girl Colts players said the new uniforms provided through this grant are fantastic.
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Prior to this grant, the girls were wearing uniforms which were loose, had large cut armholes and were uncomfortable,” she said.
“With all the research now coming out about the importance of well-fitting, comfortable and flattering uniforms as a part of encouraging girls to participate in, and continue with, sport, I feel very grateful that the club can provide such wonderful uniforms to all of their players,” she said.
While the funding provides vital support for immediate needs like uniforms, it also supports the club’s goal to help limit the cost of playing and open their doors to more juniors from all backgrounds.
The findings of a new study led by Victoria University highlights that body image plays a key role for girls to participate in sport and physical activity. Uniforms that are specifically made for girls, rather than unisex clothing is an important factor in making girls feeling more comfortable about being active.
Sporting clubs play a big part in shaping and supporting local communities. Being part of a sporting club provides a socially valued role for participants and creates a sense of community cohesion.
The Sporting Club Grants program provides grants to assist in the purchase of sports uniforms and equipment and to improve the capacity and accessibility of Victorian clubs and other community sport and recreation organisations, and increase the skills of their coaches, officials and managers.
The Victorian Government has provided more than 8170 sporting club grants totalling more than $12.1million to clubs across the state.
To find out more visit Sporting Club Grants Program.
