Eight community AFL clubs from around the country have been given a much-needed boost after being selected to share in $50,000 funding thanks to the Volkswagen Footy Assist program.
Season 2020 marked the sixth time the Sydney Swans and Volkswagen have joined forces to deliver the Footy Assist program, which this year saw Volkswagen increase its investment in grassroots football to support local communities through what has been a challenging time for the entire community.
Clubs from across Australia applied for the Volkswagen Footy Assist funding to aid club initiatives to improve accessibility, player safety and grow the code through facility improvements, new footballs, guernseys, training equipment and programs to support female participation.
Just under 100 applications were received as part of the program, with clubs sharing compelling stories ranging from those that were ravaged by bushfires to others that planned to use the funding to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Six clubs – the Orange Tigers (NSW), Brisbane Valley Rattlers (QLD), Forrestfield Football Club (WA), Lakes Entrance Football Club (VIC), Jerovis Football Club (SA) and Coburg Football Club (VIC) – were each awarded a $5,000 grant, while two clubs – the Moree Suns AFL Club (NSW) and Western Districts Football Club (SA) – both received $10,000 in funding.
Recipients of the Volkswagen Footy Assist grants were told the good news via a Zoom call with Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley and Swans great Nick Davis.
The Volkswagen Footy Assist program will return in 2021. More information will be available soon on sydneyswans.com.au.
