By Dominique Tassell
Woolworths has announced they are committing up to $250,000 this year to netball clubs and associations through their Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants.
The program is the result of a partnership between Netball Australia and Woolworths, which has supported more than 200 netball clubs by supplying funding of close to a million dollars over the past two years.
This year, 85 grants of up to $10,000 are available, with a focus from Woolworths on helping clubs give young players healthy and fresh nutrition at training and on match days.
Applicants are encouraged to nominate how they’ll use the money to help their clubs to pick fresh; from new fridges or juicers right up to a full canteen makeover.
A representative stated that “clubs are free to suggest using the funds in any way they like, but when deciding grants recipients, we’ll be looking for ideas that do help or encourage young players to eat healthily in some way“.
Helping to launch the program, former Australian Diamonds Captain, Liz Ellis, said “as a parent, I know what a battle it can be to get kids to choose healthy options”.
“Netball clubs play a huge role in helping young players form healthy habits for life, not just on the court but through the nutrition they provide.
“Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants are there to provide a helping hand to clubs right across the country and I encourage as many clubs as possible to apply.”
Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Hicks, said “at Woolworths, we’re committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Australian kids.
“We recognise how important sport can be in shaping kids’ behaviour for life and we’re proud to have invested almost a million dollars to date to support grassroots netball through our partnership with the sport.
“Our Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants are designed to help netball clubs who want to provide healthier options for their young players.”
Woolworths offers other initiatives such as the Woolworths Cricket Blast and Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps.
Entries are open now until Sunday 15 August 2021 and grants winners will be announced during the week of 23 August 2021.
Visit the website at pickfreshplayfresh.netball.com.au/ and apply for a Woolworths Pick Fresh Grant for your club.
