Clubs dressed for success in Casey

By Glen Atwell
GRASSROOTS sports clubs in the City of Casey will be dressed for success after the Minister for Sport and Recreation James Merlino announced the successful applicants of the Sporting Uniform Grants Program at Casey Fields on Tuesday.
Mr Merlino said 24 clubs would receive up to $1000 to purchase essential sports uniforms and footwear.
“Grassroots sport is going from strength to strength in the City of Casey but many local clubs lack the resources and funding to properly equip their teams,” Mr Merlino said.
“New uniforms will play an important part in reinforcing the clubs’ identities and build morale and character among team mates.”
Mr Merlino said the funding is part of the Brumby Government’s $1.5 million Our Club, Our Future Sporting Uniforms Grants Program.
“Our Club, Our Future complements our Go For Your Life campaign and encourages participation in local sport while providing real benefits to disadvantaged clubs,” he said.
“One of the greatest feelings when playing for your local club is the moment when you pull on the team colours.
“We want to give clubs across Victoria the opportunity to feel that sense of pride and belonging.”
The Our Club, Our Future Sporting Uniforms Grants Program is possible due to budget savings from the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
“Grassroots sport in Victoria continues to thrive thanks to the legacy of the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Merlino said.
“As well as providing world class facilities across Victoria, delivering the Games under budget has allowed us to provide almost $26 million in valuable support for local clubs and associations.”
President of the Cranbourne Junior Football Club, Dieter Linemueller said it was a relief to have a good news story emerging from local football.
“With the drought still biting hard, this $1000 grant will lift everybody’s spirits,” he said.
“Our club has 19 sides and each season we replace four sets of playing jumpers, at a cost of about $4500.
“This grant will greatly ease the financial burden on the club, it’s sensational.”
Ben Dwan, secretary of the Berwick Miners Gridiron Football Club said the $1000 grant would help attract new players to the sport.
“Normally our players buy their own playing tops, which can be quite expensive, and many then need repairing during the season,” he said.
“The $1000 will help us buy some tops for rookies coming into the team. The club will also be able to buy some extra leg padding,” Mr Dwan said.