The Andrews Government is giving football and netball clubs in Ballarat another chance to secure funding to upgrade grounds, courts and pavilions to welcome more members than ever before.

Labor Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, today encouraged local clubs to consider applying for the next round of the Country Football and Netball Program.

The program is a funding partnership with AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria which replaces and upgrades ageing facilities at football and netball clubs.

Grants of up to $100,000 go to projects such as ground resurfacing, installation of lighting, building modern and safer netball courts and new pavilions with accessible and female-friendly change rooms.

Ms Addison said every player deserves equal facilities, no matter where they live.

“Football and netball clubs in Ballarat are a breeding ground for our next generation of sporting champions and they deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of,” she said.

“Better facilities allow clubs to take on more players, host more events and draw bigger crowds, creating a real buzz in the community and boosting local economies,” Ms Addison said.

“I urge football and netball clubs in Ballarat to speak with council to kick start projects that can make a real difference in people’s lives,’ she said.

The Labor Government has invested over $630 million in community sport and recreation facilities across Victoria since 2014.

Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for players, coaches, umpires and supporters of all abilities to get involved in local sport and lead healthy and active lifestyles.

Clubs in regional Victoria and outer metropolitan areas of Melbourne are eligible to apply at www.sport.vic.gov.au