After a successful 2024, in which Telstra and the AFL contributed over $2 million to local clubs, submissions for the funding initiative have reopened for 2025.
A number of local clubs, including the Wanderers, Rovers, Pioneer Eagles, Palmerston Magpies, Garrak Bombers, Southern Districts Crocs, and Tiwi Bombers, have already benefited from the grant program. These clubs have used the funding to improve facilities, upgrade equipment, and enhance their overall operations.
The program is designed to help clubs where they need it most, focusing on areas such as volunteer development, increasing participation, and enhancing the experience for players and supporters. By addressing these key needs, the initiative is fulfilling its vision of strengthening, sustaining, and growing local footy at the grassroots level.
This funding initiative is part of a four-year partnership between the AFL and Telstra, which will see a total of $8 million injected into community football. Eligible clubs can apply for grants of up to $20,000, providing them with vital resources to support their ongoing success and development.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld said he was proud to see the Telstra Footy Country Grants program actively helping clubs where they need it most.
“When we launched Telstra Footy Country Grants this year our aim was to fund as many applications as possible with the two million dollars to help clubs acquire vital items, aid volunteers and grow their participation,” Auld said.
“To now reflect and see that we’ve been able to help fund everything from lifesaving defibrillators, behind the goal netting, line markers as well as Indigenous and pride guernseys across nearly 600 local clubs is a terrific result.”
The Telstra Footy Country Grants program builds on the 2023 announcement by the AFL Commission to enshrine 10 per cent of all football revenue into AFL Game Development initiatives for community football support and growth.
“Aiding local footy clubs remains a priority for the AFL as we continue to strengthen the foundation to sustain the future of our game,” Auld added.
“I’d like to thank Telstra for their continual support of local footy clubs and the community, the Advisory Board of the program for their commitment and time as well as our state and territory associations for connecting with clubs to ensure the best outcomes were achieved.”
Telstra Executive Brent Smart said:
"The impact of this first year of our grants program has surpassed all of our expectations with nearly 600 clubs already benefitting.
"It's been incredibly heartwarming to see the tangible difference the funding is making to communities, and people of all ages and abilities, right across Australia. Local clubs are the beating heart of the game, and the unique sense of belonging they bring can mean the world to an individual.
"We hope that in supporting grassroots footy, we can offer more Aussies the health, social, and wellbeing benefits that come with being part of a club and grow the game for future generations. We’ve just opened up applications for next year and encourage every club to apply, we’re hoping for an even bigger 2025!"
Telstra Footy Country Grants will give local footy clubs an $8 million boost over four years, with a pool of $2 million to be distributed each year. Eligible regional and metro clubs can apply for grants of up to $20,000, helping to strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.
Submissions for the Telstra Footy Country Grants program are now open for 2025. For more information on how to apply visit: play.afl