Funds spread action among sports clubs in need

TWO Healesville sports clubs have received a funding boost as part of the VicHealth Active Club Grants program.
Healesville Soccer Club and Healesville and Mountain Districts Basketball Association have both been awarded more than $2000 each.
The clubs are among 477 Victorian sporting and community organisations to share in more than $880,000 under the funding program. Seymour MP Ben Hardman said the Healesville Soccer Club would receive $2467 and Healesville and Mountain Districts Basketball Association would receive $2300.
He said the program aimed to help local sport and recreation organisations buy essential equipment or pay for training to help increase participation.
Healesville Soccer Club president Barry Cripps said the funds would be used to buy personal protection equipment for players, as well as sunshade and roofing.
Healesville Mountain District Basketball Association president, Kevin Stanley, said the association, which caters for about 200 young players, would use the funds for uniforms.
Mr Hardman said research showed that a lack of equipment was a barrier to participation in physical activity.
“These grants help these groups with what is often a one-off cost but help get more people active,” he said.
Mr Hardman said other groups to receive funding include the Marysville and District Country Club, which received $2300, and the Marysville and District Cricket Club, which received $2500.