The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants have returned for 2024, offering an opportunity for local netball clubs and associations across Australia to vie for a portion of $100K, aimed at benefitting young Australian netball enthusiasts.
This year, the popular $20K People’s Choice Award is making a comeback for the second time, spotlighting the club or association that garners the most votes, thereby encouraging local members and supporters to actively participate.
These grants are tailored to assist local clubs and associations in promoting healthier lifestyles among young netball players. The funds can be allocated towards various avenues such as facility improvements, equipment upgrades, subsidizing registration fees, and procuring nutritious foods for their canteens.
Previous winners, like Berwick Netball Club in Victoria, have already experienced the positive impact of these grants. Lani Mannays, the club’s President, highlighted the significant improvements facilitated by the funds, including investments in training equipment, facility enhancements, and nutritional education sessions for players.
Former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador, Catherine Cox, emphasized the importance of these grants in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among Australian youth through sports like netball.
Woolworths’ partnership with Netball Australia underscores their commitment to supporting local communities by promoting physical activity and healthy dietary choices among children. Since 2019, Woolworths has contributed over $1.3 million to more than 311 grassroots netball clubs.
Additionally, Woolworths sponsors various community sports programs, including cricket and surfing, with approximately half of Australian children aged 5-10 participating in or benefiting from these initiatives over the past year.
Stevie Wring, Woolworths General Manager of Health and Nutrition, emphasized the significance of addressing the concerning trend of inadequate vegetable consumption and increasing sedentary behavior among Australian children. The Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants aim to combat these issues by encouraging clubs and associations to promote healthy eating habits and active lifestyles among young athletes.
Stacey West, Interim CEO of Netball Australia, expressed gratitude for Woolworths’ ongoing partnership, highlighting the positive impact it has had on community-level netball and the promotion of healthy eating habits among aspiring athletes.
Clubs and associations with a Woolworths NetSetGO center nationwide are encouraged to apply for the grants through the website pickfreshplayfresh.com.au, with applications open until July 7, 2024. Grants are available in various amounts, including 10 x $8k grants (based on entry) and 1 x $20k grant (based on community votes).
To be eligible for a grant, clubs and associations must have a Woolworths NetSetGO center and propose a specific project, activity, or equipment purchase aimed at promoting healthy eating or active lifestyles among young players.
Overall, the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants serve as a crucial initiative in fostering healthy habits and supporting the growth of young netball enthusiasts across Australia.
