The Andrews Labor Government is helping more young people to connect through local sport as Victoria recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence today launched a new African and Pasifika Youth Sports Program, with $300,000 in grants available to informal sports teams with young African and Pasifika members.
Local councils and community organisations are encouraged to partner with young people aged 12 to 25 to apply for a grant.
Sport fosters vital social connections and offers the opportunity to grow through mentoring, leadership and career development.
To ensure cost is not a barrier to participation in sport, grants of up to $2,000 are available to support African and Pasifika sports teams to cover the costs of uniforms and equipment.
A second funding stream offers grants of up to $30,000 to cover costs associated with participating in sporting competitions and events, including staff costs and venue hire. Funded activities will provide pathways into formal sporting organisations as well as mentoring, training and employment opportunities for young people.
To ensure the program responds to the immediate needs of young people, funded activities will be delivered between 1 July and 31 December 2021.
The grants are part of the Labor Government's work to provide tailored and culturally appropriate community engagement opportunities for young people. Earlier this month, the Government announced $450,000 to support larger sporting organisations to deliver mentoring and skill-building activities to African and Muslim young people.
This builds on $250,000 announced in February to support Aboriginal young people to reconnect with community and culture through the Government's new Aboriginal Youth Engagement Grants.
Applications to the African and Pasifika Youth Sports Program close on Wednesday 19 May 2021. To find out more and apply, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au/african-and-pasifika-youth-sports-program-grants.
As stated by Minister for Youth Ros Spence
"Sport isn't just about improving physical health - it's about taking pride in your achievements and feeling a deep sense of connection and belonging to a community. After a tough year, this is exactly what young Victorians need."
"This program will support African and Pasifika young people to reconnect with their peers, explore career pathways and develop personal and leadership skills."
