More than 100 Victorian clubs received funding in 2021, with two district clubs, Tatura and Shepparton Swans, the recipients of grants for new uniforms last season.
Next year, the number of clubs to have benefited from the funding is set to increase to 300, with hopes a growing number of women’s footy clubs nationwide will be catered for.
According to AFL Victoria, there were about 950 community teams for women and girls playing Australian rules football in 2016 — a number which has since surged to more than 2500.
The announcement of further funding comes after the head of AFL Victoria visited the Goulburn Valley for discussions with community football members last week, as well as the announcement of an $8 million injection to support community football clubs across the country.
Toyota Australia chief marketing officer John Pappas,said in a statement that he hoped the grants would provide the rapidly growing number of women’s footy clubs with the gear they needed.
“Toyota Australia has been a long-time supporter of community football and for the third season running, the Good for Footy Gear Grants program will help women and girls around Australia get the right gear to play the game they love,” he said.
“Every year female participation is becoming more popular at the community level, but it’s not always possible for female teams to play in their own kit. For clubs, having access to initiatives like Toyota’s Good for Footy Gear Grant program encourages teams to play at their best.
“We’re looking forward to seeing this season’s entries from community clubs across Australia, giving female teams a chance to qualify for a $1600 gear grant and make footy better for all.”
Applications are now open and will close in late January, with clubs urged to get their applications in for the $1600 grant by explaining ‘’why their team is worthy of kit that fits’’.
To apply, visit https://www.toyota.com.au/community/partnerships/afl-aflw/gear
