Media Release

St.George bank has announced its continued commitment to grassroots footy clubs and communities in New South Wales and the ACT, with a total pool of $150,000 in grant funding available via the St.George Footy Grants program. Now in its fourth year, St.George Footy Grants provide much-needed financial support to grassroots clubs that are the lifeblood of so many communities.

Westpac Group Chief Customer Engagement Officer, Ross Miller, said: “We know grassroots sports clubs have been through the ringer in the past two years. In 2022, while there will be challenges, we want to help community sports clubs in NSW & the ACT flourish. We’ll once again encourage applications from clubs that share our values of inclusion, diversity and equality in sport which is so important to all of us at the Westpac Group.”

Melissa Doyle AM, St.George Footy Grants Ambassador said: “These grants couldn’t come at a better time for sports clubs across NSW and the ACT. Community sport is incredibly resilient, and the Footy Grants program will help clubs rebuild, reinvest and ultimately get back to winning ways.”

In 2021, the Murrumbateman Eagles AFL Club in the ACT were awarded a Footy Grant to help fix their pitch and enable them to play more games in their local area.

Mitchell Lamb is a player and List Manager at the Murrumbateman Eagles and said “Our club gives meaning, joy and a sense of belonging in a close-knit local community. The Footy Grant we received in 2021 means we can continue to play safe footy in the local area which helps attract locals to play and support the Eagles. It’s been a huge help for our club!”

St.George has a long and proud history of supporting sporting communities in NSW & the ACT. The bank is a naming rights partner of the St.George Illawarra Dragons NRL and NRLW teams, sleeve sponsor of the GWS Giants, sponsors of LGBT+ rugby union clubs Sydney Convicts and Brisbane Hustlers and major partners to the Brisbane Football Club and GingerCloud Foundation’s Modified Rugby Program in Queensland.

Applications are open from Thursday 19 May, 9.00am AEST until Friday 1^st July, 5.00pm AEST to Australian residents over the age of 13 years old who want to put forward a nomination for a St.George Footy Grant. Individuals and clubs are also welcomed to self-nominate.

To nominate, apply or find out more information visit: http://www.stgeorge.com.au/footygrants
 

About the St.George Footy Grants Program

Applications and nominations are open from Thursday 19^th May, 9.00am AEST until Friday 1^st July, 5.00pm AEST and should outline how the grant funds would be of assistance. There is a total pool of $150,000 available that will be allocated to clubs of the main four footy codes.

Examples of the assistance that the St.George Footy Grants can support local teams, include:

• Registration fee support for those clubs who have families getting back on their feet due to challenges of recent years
• New training equipment e.g., balls, tackle bags, medical supplies for training purposes
• Group or one-on-one coaching for individuals and teams
• Providing upgrades (small to large field or club house changes)
• Financial assistance for clubs who need part-time trainers, coaches or administrative support.

The Footy Grants program in Queensland has been rebranded as Westpac Footy Grants, with a total pool of $100,000 in grant funds available for clubs across The Sunshine State. Read more about Westpac Footy Grants.