Giving young people a sporting chance

Published on 17 June 2024

Hundreds of Kingston children are set to get their first taste of sport this summer thanks to a partnership between council and Melbourne based charity Team Sports 4 All.

Together, and with the support of the Australian Sports Commission through their Play Well Participation Grant Program, we are launching the Fair Play Project that will cover the costs of sport for children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Kingston Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said the Fair Play Project is targeted at our young people because we know that a lifelong involvement in sport is best started early in life.

“Inspiring greater participation in turn brings massive physical and mental health benefits and promotes a more connected and happy community,” Cr Davey-Burns said.

“Along with improved health outcomes, being part of a team gives kids and families a real sense of belonging and a natural support network - that are both so important to wellbeing.

“Sport is such a vital outlet for children as they develop friendships and build their communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills, while importantly having fun!

“I am so proud that Kingston is working alongside such a passionate organisation as Team Sports 4 All to remove any barriers to participation and make sure all young people and families get a fair go at playing sports.”

A key element of the Fair Play Project is that it will move beyond one-off, temporary exposure to sport by providing a pathway to participation in a full season.

Furthermore, Team Sports 4 All will continue to fund and support the kids with their chosen sport beyond this first season, creating a sustainable, long-term opportunity for those who can’t currently participate due to financial hardship.

Team Sports 4 All Chair and Director Cameron Dare said Team Sports 4 All is thrilled to have partnered with the City of Kingston to secure funding through the Play Well grants program.

“Over 100 financially disadvantaged children will now be given the opportunity to participate in team sport at their local Kingston sporting club,” Mr Dare said.

“These kids will experience improvements to both their physical and mental health, as they connect with their community in a really meaningful way.

“Team Sports 4 All will also continue to fund them for subsequent seasons of sport, for as long as they want to continue playing, and will support them throughout their junior sporting journey.” 

The project team has commenced working with our local sporting clubs and organisations to identify young people and families who could most benefit from the project.

To be eligible for the Fair Play Project, families must:

• Live in Kingston.
• Have a current health care card and/or reside in government housing and/or are an asylum seeker/refugee. 
• Have a child aged between 5-18 who has a keen interest in and capacity to commit to a team sport.
• Has a parent/carer who supports the child’s interest in sport and who will encourage the child to commit.

To find out more about the Fair Play Project contact Council’s Team Leader Youth Services Tanya Marques at tanya.marques@kingston.vic.gov.au.