Grants pave the way for sporting women

By Deanna Hadid

Now is the perfect time for Australian women to turn their football dreams into reality as applications for the 2013-14 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for women open.

Following International Women’s Day celebrations earlier this month, Minister for Sport Kate Lundy and Minister for the Status of Women Julie Collins announced the news, pushing women to take advantage of this chance to develop their skills.

Senator Lundy said that this program which is managed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) aims to help more women to reach their full potential in sport.

“The grants and scholarships are a fitting way to encourage more women to strive for higher goals in sport,” she said.

“They are designed for women to build on their skills and advance their pathway towards higher achievements.”

From coaching a team, to administration, the program has enabled more than 20,000 recipients to gain new skills and move forward in their sporting career since its establishment in 2002.

Up to 114 grants and scholarships worth more than $490,000 were allocated last year.

Libby Sadler, Female Programs Manager – AFL NSW/ACT said that the grants provide financial support for women to advance their knowledge./

“Any current female AFL coaches or umpires who are looking to take their careers to the next level and beyond should consider applying for a grant,” she said.

“Previously NSW/ACT has used a grant to run a State and Territory Female Coaching Course targeted at up skilling female coaches and providing them with networking opportunities.

“Female coaches travelled from all over NSW and the ACT to attend sessions with Peta Searle (Port Melbourne Assistant Coach) and Jan Cooper (AFL Manger: Female Development).”

Grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organisations per annum, and scholarships of up to $10,000 per annum over three years, are available.

Grants and scholarships are available in the following categories:

• Coaching
• Officiating 
• Governance 
• Management and administration
• Communications, media and marketing.

Online applications close on April 26, 2013. 

For more information or to apply visit: www.ausport.gov.au/leadershipgrants