Looking forward to the benefits of a $3500 grant for Hampton Park Junior Football Club are, from left, coach Troy Stork, MP Anthony Byrne and players Nathan Carver and Cain Haldane.26004
By Bridget Brady
The club has been awarded a $3500 grant through the Australian Volunteer Grants Program and the money will be used for the accreditation of coaches and to buy equipment.
The federal member for Holt, Anthony Byrne, visited the club on Monday to celebrate the grant.
It was welcome news for members, but they said facilities at the club still desperately needed upgrading.
President Joanne Langley said the grant would financially assist the club because accreditation of coaches was expensive.
“It’s great news that we’ve got something. Every little bit helps and it means we’ve got a little extra to put into the kids,” Mrs Langley said.
The club has organised for officials from City of Casey council to inspect facilities this month in the hope assistance will be received.
The club rooms double as change rooms, toilet facilities are limited and all players, including the under-9s, play matches on an AFL-sized field.
Members put down a roller door in the club rooms on game day to separate the home and away sides. “We want better clubrooms to show off and be proud to offer our members and visitors a better stay,” said Mrs Langley.
Mr Byrne said the grants supported volunteers and community organisations. “The grants are a credit to the commitment and dedication of volunteers in our community,” he said.
Grants between $1000 and $5000 are given to not-for-profit organisations through the program.
