Sixteen NSW sporting organisations will share in $500,000 to deliver 19 projects aimed at getting more women and girls into sport and keeping them there as part of the Minns Labor Government's four-year Play Her Way strategy to help women and girls get into sport and stay in it.
The projects will build career pathways, drive inclusive cultures, and lift participation for women and girls across NSW.
Grants of $3,000 to $45,000 were awarded to NSW State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability across four funding streams. Applicants could also partner with academies or organisations already working with women, girls, and under-represented communities to deliver their projects.
Projects funded through the Play Her Way Innovation Program include:
Triathlon NSW received $45,000 for Tri Her Way, a women-led digital triathlon club that will create a safe, inclusive and connected online community where young women can build skills, connect with others and participate in the sport.
NSW Rugby Union received $44,983 for Rugby Her Way, a female-focused participation and development program designed by women to support new and returning players while building the skills and confidence of players and coaches.
Motorsport Australia received $45,000 for AccelerateHER NSW: A Connected Pathway for Girls in Motorsport, delivering school programs, mentoring opportunities and a regional rally school to encourage more girls and young women-particularly first-time and regional participants-to get involved in motorsport.
Athletics NSW received $5,000 for Her Track, Her Career, creating a structured internship program to provide young women with career pathways and practical experience in the sports industry.
Volleyball NSW received $45,000 for CoachHer, a flexible leadership and coach development program that will support more women to become coaches through inclusive and hybrid training opportunities.
For further information, including the list of recipients visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
"The Play Her Way Innovation Program is helping more women and girls access the opportunities, support and pathways they need to participate and thrive in sport."
"This funding will help sporting organisations test new ideas, create more welcoming environments and open up more opportunities for women and girls to get involved and stay involved.
"The Play Her Way Innovation Program is about giving sporting organisations the tools to make lasting change, so the next generation of women and girls can see a place for themselves in every part of sport."
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
"The Minns Labor Government is working to empower women and girls to participate in sport at all levels.
"It's great to see so many different organisations receiving the Play Her Way grants so that together we can develop inclusive cultures and remove barriers across sport for women and girls.
"These projects will provide safe and supportive environments for
them to not just participate but develop into coaching and leadership positions."
Triathlon NSW CEO Adam Wicks said:
"We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for supporting innovative approaches that help more women and girls connect with triathlon.
"This funding will enable us to create a women-led digital triathlon club specifically designed for women aged 16-25, providing a safe, flexible and supportive community that overcomes many of the traditional barriers to participation.
"All the benefits of a the traditional 'membership' with the added benefits of being online and virtual, creating online communities.
"Importantly, the initiative will be shaped by the very women it aims to support.
"We know that participation looks different for everyone, particularly for young women balancing work, study, family and other commitments.
"By leveraging technology and online engagement, we can create stronger connections, build confidence, and belong, and provide new pathways for more women to discover and thrive in our sport."
