- New grants of up to $5,000 available for WA sporting clubs
- Game On, Girls aims to increase participation and engagement of girls aged 13 to 17
- Delivers on Cook Government commitment to support girls' participation in sport and build inclusive communities
The Cook Government is supporting more girls to stay involved in community sport with the launch of Game On, Girls, a new initiative designed to strengthen female participation at local sporting clubs.
Through the program, $6 million will be invested over four years to help clubs remove barriers that can see teenage girls drift away from sport.
Game On, Girls will provide grants of up to $5,000 to support clubs to design and deliver inclusive, girl-friendly programs and environments that encourage participation, build confidence and improve retention among girls aged 13 to 17.
The initiative delivers on a Cook Labor Government election commitment and aligns with the Power Her Play campaign, a State-wide celebration of women and girls in sport.
By investing directly in community sporting clubs, the program will help create welcoming environments, strengthen club cultures and ensure more teenage girls can stay active, connected and engaged through sport.
Sporting clubs across Western Australia can now apply for funding through the
Game On, Girls webpage .
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Western Australia has a proud sporting culture, but we know talent and passion alone aren't always enough to keep teenage girls involved.
"Game On, Girls is about helping local clubs create environments where young women feel supported, safe and confident to participate.
"Research tells us that girls' participation in sport drops from 83 per cent at age nine to as low as 23 per cent by age 15, and that a lack of confidence and self-belief is a key barrier to keeping young female players involved in sport.
"Whether you're a coach, parent, club leader or teen ready to play, this is your invitation to ensure sport remains a lifelong passion."
As stated by Women Minister Simone McGurk:
"We want all WA girls to know that sport is for everyone, no matter your skill, background or gender.
"While participation among young girls remains strong in primary school years, research shows involvement drops significantly during adolescence.
"Game On, Girls will work to equip clubs with practical, on-the-ground support to create welcoming and empowering environments."
