Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Wembley Districts Netball Club is encouraging grassroots sporting organisations across Perth to apply for a share of $100,000 available through a national grants program.
The 2026 Woolworths Netball Grants program will provide 40 grants of $2000 to community netball clubs and associations, alongside a major $20,000 People’s Choice grant aimed at helping clubs improve facilities, purchase equipment and boost participation.
The volunteer-run, Jolimont-based Wembley Districts Netball Club was one of only four clubs across WA to receive a $2000 funding boost as part of Woolworths 2025 grants program.
The club used the funds to purchase new equipment, update uniforms and help cover coaching costs for senior primary school teams.
Club president Cat von Felten said the grant had played a major role in supporting the club’s continued growth.
“We have used our funding to update some of our equipment such as new kit bags for extra teams, new game balls and updated uniforms that will help us improve sustainability and longevity,” she said.
The club, which has about 122 members, also used the grant to keep membership costs down to try to make netball more accessible for local families.
New Woolworths research has highlighted the growing challenge of keeping children engaged in sport.
It found Western Australian children now spending more than twice as much time on screens outside of school than participating in organised sport.
Almost nine in 10 parents believed sport helped build their child’s confidence, while three in four said it was an important way for children to make friends, the research found.
“Community sport engagement allows children to get to know people in their community and learn to work together in a team,” Ms von Felton said.
“I love to see our amazing coaches and managers work together with our players as they aim to build skills, confidence and friendships over the season. These skills are often integrated into other facets of life as well.”
Former Australian Diamonds player and Woolworths NetSetGO ambassador Cath Cox said local clubs played a vital role in helping children build confidence and a sense of belonging.
“It’s so encouraging to see initiatives like the Woolworths Netball Grants continuing to invest in local clubs because when clubs have the right facilities and support, more kids can get involved, have fun and stay active for longer,” she said.
Since launching in 2019, the grants program has provided more than $1.1 million to 322 community netball clubs across Australia.
Applications are open until August 6. For more information, visit the website here.
