Monday, 02 September 2024
We are excited to announce that we have received funding from the Play Our Way program, an initiative by the Australian Government Department of Health and Age Care. This significant grant is part of a $20 million allocation aimed at increasing participation among women and girls in sports and presents a tremendous opportunity for our club and the wider community.
The funding, which spans from 2024 to 2027, will enable us to enhance our programs and address barriers that limit soccer participation for women and girls locally. Our application, submitted in April 2024, was one of over 600, and we are proud to have been selected.
Our primary goal is to provide quality experiences for all female participants while fostering engagement in various roles within the sport. We recognise the challenges posed by intersectional disadvantages and plan to implement innovative programs that not only address these issues but also aim to retain and re-engage women and girls in soccer.
The City of Greater Dandenong currently has a sports and recreational participation rate well below the national average in Australia. With this grant, we will focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally appropriate environment for all participants. Our initiatives will include expanding our offerings to attract a wider range of players and enhancing existing programs, such as the Dandy Cup, our female-only tournament that celebrates and showcases women and girls in soccer.
We believe that this grant, along with our commitment to quality programming and community engagement, will significantly impact participation rates for women and girls over the next three years. We extend our gratitude to the Australian Government for recognizing the importance of fostering female participation in sports and to our club members and supporters for their ongoing commitment.
Thank you to our supporters, including Football Victoria, Julian Hill MP, Lee Tarlamis MP, Lana Formoso, Belinda Wilson MP, Tina Samardzija, and Carwatha College for your letters of support.
Stay tuned to our social media for updates on our upcoming programs and initiatives!