Goulburn Valley football clubs reap rewards from Telstra Footy Country Grants

By Marcus Beeck

Mar 18, 2025

What areas at your football club could use a Telstra Footy Country Grant? Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton Football Netball Club won’t be running out of ice any time soon.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Thanks to Telstra and the AFL, the Bears received a grant for a new club ice machine, meaning Deakin Reserve’s supply of ice for eskys, drinks and ice packs won't melt away this season.

The Telstra Footy Country Grants offer a $2 million pool for regional and metropolitan clubs across Australia to apply for grants that support football communities.

Kyabram Bombers Junior Football Club also received funding for new club uniforms and equipment, while Kyabram District League club Violet Town won a grant for new Indigenous team jumpers.

To apply for funding for your football club from the Telstra Footy Country Grants, head to the Play AFL website.

The second round of grant applications opened on February 3 and will close at 11.59pm on April 3.

Telstra and the AFL announced in late 2023 that they were starting a four-year commitment to growing the game in metropolitan and regional areas.

The Telstra Footy Country Grants will provide $2 million a year for clubs across Australia to access from 2024-27.

Clubs are eligible for one successful application each year.

The Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program also remains open for football and netball clubs to apply.

Clubs can apply for grants directed towards four categories: on-field uniforms or equipment, volunteers and officials, access and engagement, and competitors.

Applications are open until 4pm March 27.

Head to the Sport and Recreation Victoria website for more details.