The City of Fremantle has launched a new Youth Athlete Scholarship, providing young local athletes with greater support as they work towards competing on the national and international stage.
The new Youth Athlete Scholarship has been designed to help young athletes develop both on and off the field by supporting their physical wellbeing, education and social connection while they pursue higher levels of competition.
Successful applicants will receive:
- A $200 gift card to put towards expenses like uniforms, equipment, training, travel etc.
- A 10-session Youth or Teen Fit pass at Fremantle Leisure Centre.
- Access to a group nutrition education session.
- Opportunities to connect with fellow young athletes through a new cross-sport peer network.
Replacing the City's previous Youth Travel Support Program, the new scholarship shifts the focus from providing financial assistance after competition selection to supporting athletes earlier in their sporting journey with a holistic package of benefits.
Under the former program, eligible athletes received a $300 travel contribution to assist with competition costs. Applicants were required to live within the City of Fremantle and travel more than 100 kilometres to compete.
Following a review of the program, the City recognised an opportunity to provide more meaningful support beyond a one-off financial contribution.
Importantly, the scholarship allows athletes to apply earlier in their competitive pathway. Rather than applying after qualifying for national or international competition, young athletes can now seek support while working towards state, national or international selection, helping them prepare for the next stage of their sporting careers.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said the new scholarship reflects the City's commitment to investing in young people and recognising the dedication required to pursue high-level sport.
"Our new Youth Athlete Scholarship is about giving young people the tools they need to thrive, not only through financial assistance, but by supporting their health, wellbeing and connection with other aspiring athletes.
"We are proud to support the next generation of Fremantle athletes and encourage all eligible young people to take advantage of this exciting new opportunity."
The Youth Athlete Scholarship is open to City of Fremantle residents who are under 19 years of age, or under 25 years of age if they are studying full time. Applicants must have been selected, or be seeking selection, to compete at a national or international level, provide evidence of a completed or upcoming selection process, and be able to participate in the locally delivered program components.
Applications will be offered twice each year, with the inaugural round opening from 15 August to 15 September, followed by a second funding round in February.
