Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, is reminding local sports clubs that applications for a share of that funding close on Friday, October 6.

Mr MacDonald said $50,000 had been allocated to each of the electorates of Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance, Lake Macquarie, Swansea, Charlestown, Wallsend, Cessnock, Maitland, Port Stephens and Newcastle.

Funding is available for projects between $250 and $20,000 across four streams: Sport Club Development, Community Sport Events, Sport Access, and Facility Development.

The focus this year is on encouraging more talented girls and young women into sport programs.

“Around half of all Australian boys are active through a sports club during their childhood compared with just 33 per cent of girls, and the participation rate for girls drops sharply after girls turn 12,” Mr MacDonald said.

“I encourage all local clubs and sporting organisations to use this opportunity to boost their female programs and events, because we want to see girls not only take to the field, but stay on the field.”

The grants will cover initiatives such as new sport programs, upgrades to facilities, and projects that improve participation in sport.

Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said the program was part of a $10 million sport grants package announced by the state government.

“Women’s sport is the fastest growing area of many codes and we are now seeing more big name sponsors and media networks recognising the public’s appetite for prime time viewing,  but more needs to be done, including cultivating participation, at a grass roots level,” Mr Ayres said

“From the bush to the city, sport is the lifeblood that unites communities. This is not just about female programs though, I encourage all sporting groups to apply for grants that will help people of all ages and abilities get involved in their local club or become more active.”

For more information visit sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/localsport or phone 13 13 02.