Sporting clubs in Dandenong will share in more than $8,000 in funding to help meet the explosion in demand for grassroots women’s sport and social sport thanks to the latest round of health promotion foundation VicHealth’s Active Club Grants.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said the grants will make a significant difference to local clubs, with some now able to field a women and girls’ team or host a social competition for the first time.

Dandenong Cricket Club will receive $2,500 to conduct a mid-week women’s social cricket competition with modified rules. Mulgrave Baseball Club are also set to receive $2,500 to help field a senior women’s team in the summer league, with the majority of these players new to baseball. Meanwhile, Doveton Special Soccer School Inc will receive $3,000 organise walking football activities for people with disability or participants who cannot run or run well.

Ms Williams said, “we want to support locals to get active and embrace a healthy lifestyle, no matter what age, gender or ability.

“Due to a lack of time, lack of confidence, and societal pressures, many Dandenong residents just aren’t fitting the recommended amount of physical activity into their week.

“In particular we know women are much less likely to take part in club sport compared to men.

“Women deserve the same opportunities as men to play sport and be active. Women’s sport is increasingly popular and these grants will help local clubs field new women’s and girls’ teams.”

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said the grants will help more Dandenong residents to make physical activity part of their day-to-day life.

“This program is about supporting Victoria’s grassroots sport clubs to provide a wider range of opportunities for everyone to get involved in including people who wouldn’t normally have the chance to play sport,” Ms Rechter said.

“Successful clubs across Dandenong will be able to use these grants to increase social sport programs and respond to growing numbers of women and girls wanting to play sport.

“Non-traditional, social and modified sports are also becoming an increasingly popular choice, and some of the successful clubs will deliver creative and flexible sports programs to help locals fit exercise into their busy daily routines.

“I encourage Dandenong residents to get involved in their local sporting clubs – it’s a fun way to keep active while connecting with like-minded people in your local community.”

For more information about VicHealth’s Active Clubs Grants, go to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub.