Youth sport scheme enthusiasm ‘smashes government website’
"THE website has been absolutely smashed," a David Gibson staffer said yesterday of the enthusiastic reception to a new youth sports funding program.
From the Mary Valley to the Cooloola Coast, sporting clubs have responded enthusiastically to the scheme, which
gives individual young athletes up to $150 to help pay for club membership and participation fees.
Mr Gibson said there was already a big backlog of young people applying for the grants, which apply to membership of the 37 clubs which have registered for the scheme.
"We've received so many inquiries and there is already a big backlog," the Gibson staffer said.
Mr Gibson said the applications, now open are part of the government's Get Started scheme.
He said the scheme was part of a larger $18 million grassroots funding program.
About $6 million had been allocated to the Get Started program over the next three years.
This would provide 40,000 vouchers allowing young people to claim the benefits.
"Get Started is designed to help kids who can least afford it, or would otherwise benefit from getting involved in sport, with vouchers up to $150," he said.
He said the huge public response to the scheme underscored the positive feedback from local clubs, which had said the money would improve services to all members.
"The funding will be distributed in two rounds each year on a first come, first served basis," Mr Gibson said.
