By Phoebe Keogh
Wilston Grange AFC will host the 2014 launch of the Get in The Game grant scheme at Hickey Park this Thursday June 26.
The Queensland State Government initiative offers support to sport and recreation at grassroots level.
The grants are divided into three funding programs worth over $47.8 million over the period of three years.
Premier Campbell Newman, Sport Minister Steve Dickson and local members of parliament will be among the guests at the launch, where 150 year 4 – 6 students from Stafford State School will play exhibition matches of AFL9s.
Wilston Grange President Brett Gillett said the club was thrilled to be involved.
“These grants are really important and we are honored to be asked to host the launch,” said Gillett.
“We have received the volunteer’s grant in the past, and this year both the junior and senior club have applied for the Get in the Game facility development grants.”
Gillett said that the clubs application in the approaching grant rounds was the most significant amount that Wilston has applied for.
“We are putting in for stage two of our new change room development and umpires changing facilities,” said Gillett.
“We have not currently got any changing facilities suitable for females to use; we have only got male change rooms. This is a huge development when we have a newly established women’s team playing in the QWAFL.”
“It is key for us to get the umpires change rooms up to league standard; we are way below in terms of any change rooms, importantly for ladies, kids and umpires.”
Gillett said developments resulting from grants are likely to encourage more kids to get involved with playing footy at the club from a young age.
“The better facilities you have got and the better off we are, the more kids will want to play AFL,” he said.
AFL Queensland will assist on the day with facilitating AFL 9s matches, providing coaching and guidance to the kids.
“What AFL Queensland can do is just get the kids active and promote the code, that would be fantastic,” said Gillett.
